I did this when I started my MySpace blog and figured it was time for an update/repost of my favorite song or relevant songs.
I'd still rather have some kind of gathering concert, rent out the old Perry Gym or some other hall, than an actual funeral, like the Concert for George, though I don't know how many of friends are musically talented. Just make it a big old party and a good time. And it'd still be better than an actual funeral, especially when it costs $20-30,000 to die. Fucking unbelievable. Put me on a stick in the front yard and let the vultures claw me up. Or better yet, go the Gram Parsons route and somebody steal the body and set it on fire.
But here's the songs I'd like played/performed. Mostly favorites and favorite artists, but some darker relevant ones tossed in. I always think of the funeral scene in The Big Chill, where they preform the departed's favorite hymn, You Can't Always Get What You Want.
The last two would have to be Knockin' on Heaven's Door and The Weight.
Positively 4th Street, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Like A Rolling Stone, Knockin' On Heaven's Door- Bob Dylan
The Weight, I Shall Be Released- The Band
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?- Waylon Jennings
Poor, Poor Pitiful Me- Warren Zevon
House of Gold- Hank Williams
Lola- The Kinks
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For- U2
I'm One, Long Live Rock, Substitute - The Who
Don't Cry No Tears, Harvest- Neil Young
Against the Wind- Bob Seger
Wide River to Cross- Buddy Miller
And something for sure by Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings. And I'll probably be adding to this list ad nauseum...
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Top 10 Favorite Dylan Songs
I did my version of the 10 Greatest Dylan songs a few entries ago, so I figured I'd do my 10 Favorite Dylan Songs.
1. Positively 4th Street- The haunting organ driving the melody and vitriolic Dylan lyrics makes me like this song. Plus it's the ultimate put down song, who hasn't known someone (or to be fair been this person themselves) they'd like to tell words like these to? " Do you take me for such a fool, to think I’d make contact, with the one who tries to hide what he don’t know to begin with?..." Priceless
2. When I Paint My Masterpiece- Well, no surprise this one's on here judging from the title of the blog... There's a whimsical quality and air to this tune presumably about the quirks of artistry and being on the road. Though I've always gotta change the lyrics to "...in the land of Pepsi Cola."
3. Like A Rolling Stone- Like it's sibling song at #1 on my list, it's part of "the same one-sided" argument," complete with the country sounding organ that adds so much to the texture of the song . One of the greatest rock songs ever and every time it comes on the radio, it gets cranked up.
4. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere- A complete 180 from the thin wild mercury sound of 1966 Dylan, this Americana tune was the part of the legendary Basement Tapes made with the Band. Simple lyrics to fit the rhyme, nothing radical, just a footprint for what direction the Band would go into and where Dylan would be the next few years.
5. Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You- Another simple love song, I read somebody call "a throwaway love song." I agree, but it's a very good one and not to mention he's backed by killer Nashville pros on the studio version.
6. Knockin' On Heaven's Door- Another greatest hit, and still in his country sounding period(Notice a bunch of them on this list?). Even greater when you see the context of it in Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, with Slim Pickens heading to watch the sunset...
7. To Ramona- Some of Dylan's best poetry and and a love song to a girl that he fears will "turn into a meaningless ring," at the end. And this is probably higher too, because I love the Flying Burritos version of it as well...
8. Tweeter and the Monkey Man- You gotta love this song from his Wilbury days. There are obvious Springsteen song references and just the style of the story seems like a wink to the Boss. Not to mention the gender changing throughout of the main characters. Bob at some of his funniest...
9. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues- Another Highway 61 Revisited era song(which if you can't tell is my other favorite Dylan period). I like the hazed out imagery and "Sweet Melinda, they call her the goddess of gloom," who couldn't love that? Well, by the end Dylan did and had to get back to New York City...
10. Forever Young- It's a jaunty feel good song that gives a timeless wish for Bob's children, that everyone should strive for. Never lose the desire to learn, be happy and do what you want with your life.
1. Positively 4th Street- The haunting organ driving the melody and vitriolic Dylan lyrics makes me like this song. Plus it's the ultimate put down song, who hasn't known someone (or to be fair been this person themselves) they'd like to tell words like these to? " Do you take me for such a fool, to think I’d make contact, with the one who tries to hide what he don’t know to begin with?..." Priceless
2. When I Paint My Masterpiece- Well, no surprise this one's on here judging from the title of the blog... There's a whimsical quality and air to this tune presumably about the quirks of artistry and being on the road. Though I've always gotta change the lyrics to "...in the land of Pepsi Cola."
3. Like A Rolling Stone- Like it's sibling song at #1 on my list, it's part of "the same one-sided" argument," complete with the country sounding organ that adds so much to the texture of the song . One of the greatest rock songs ever and every time it comes on the radio, it gets cranked up.
4. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere- A complete 180 from the thin wild mercury sound of 1966 Dylan, this Americana tune was the part of the legendary Basement Tapes made with the Band. Simple lyrics to fit the rhyme, nothing radical, just a footprint for what direction the Band would go into and where Dylan would be the next few years.
5. Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You- Another simple love song, I read somebody call "a throwaway love song." I agree, but it's a very good one and not to mention he's backed by killer Nashville pros on the studio version.
6. Knockin' On Heaven's Door- Another greatest hit, and still in his country sounding period(Notice a bunch of them on this list?). Even greater when you see the context of it in Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, with Slim Pickens heading to watch the sunset...
7. To Ramona- Some of Dylan's best poetry and and a love song to a girl that he fears will "turn into a meaningless ring," at the end. And this is probably higher too, because I love the Flying Burritos version of it as well...
8. Tweeter and the Monkey Man- You gotta love this song from his Wilbury days. There are obvious Springsteen song references and just the style of the story seems like a wink to the Boss. Not to mention the gender changing throughout of the main characters. Bob at some of his funniest...
9. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues- Another Highway 61 Revisited era song(which if you can't tell is my other favorite Dylan period). I like the hazed out imagery and "Sweet Melinda, they call her the goddess of gloom," who couldn't love that? Well, by the end Dylan did and had to get back to New York City...
10. Forever Young- It's a jaunty feel good song that gives a timeless wish for Bob's children, that everyone should strive for. Never lose the desire to learn, be happy and do what you want with your life.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Top 10 Greatest Dylan Songs
Rolling Stone recently did their Top 70 Bob Dylan songs in honor of Bob's 70th birthday. They did a fair job, but Blowin' in the Wind at number 20. Yeah, right... Here's my take, on the combination of most popular, most influencing, and well best overall.
1. Like A Rolling Stone- Well, they got the first one right. And I'd hope so, based on the name of the magazine and arguably the greatest rock song ever, it's for sure in the Top 5. This combination of blues, rock and structure, changed the nature of what a pop song was. The opening snare drum was Dylan bursting further into the rock and roll conscience of America, changing everything, again.
2. Blowin' in the Wind- You could argue this is his greatest song by the fact that it will be relevant as long as there are still people on the planet...
3. Mr. Tambourine Man- This is Dylan the poet. "Though I know that evenin's empire has returned into sand, Vanished from my hand." The majesty and the magic in the rhymes, make this song, it's beautiful without music. And who or what is he singing about? Who knows, another part of it's beauty and poetry.
4. All Along the Watchtower- Dylan's most played live song. This song and lyrics sound like it's setting is straight out of the Book of Revelation and the end of days. And you can take it several ways. The verses and the song is told in reverse with the first verse being the end of the tale, or that we're left hanging at the end of the song with "two riders approaching..."
5. Subterranean Homesick Blues- It's probably most famous for being a proto-music video from the film Don't Look Back, with Dylan holding the lyrics to the song on various cue cards, which has aped a bunch of times. Again it's another example of Dylan combing the blues and rock(with a heavy Chuck Berry influence as well from Too Much Monkey Business) , at a super-charged pace of lyrics being spat out, as well as being his first electric song.
6. Positively 4th Street- My personal favorite, the ultimate put down song. Often called "Dylan at his most vitriolic," who hasn't felt this way about somebody (and honestly probably been that way themselves towards people)? That backing organ song helps pace the songs mood and anger. "You say you lost your faith, But that’s not where it’s at. You had no faith to lose And you know it." Masterful...
7. Tangled Up in Blue- Another example of masterful storytelling, mixing in Dylan's own personal feelings of a relationship going down. Like Watchtower, this song doesn't follow a linear pattern or really the same narrator, but ones who faced similar problems. I doubt there there were too many topless joints, when the dealing of slaves was going on. But then again, we just might be assuming it's referring to African Americans and maybe it is a linear story from point A to Z...
8. Desolation Row- Another example of is he just trying to fit the rhyme scheme and come up with surreal juxtapositions, or have the names of all these wacky characters been changed? "The Phantom of the Opera, a perfect image of a priest, they’re spoonfeeding Casanova, To get him to feel more assured, Then they’ll kill him with self-confidence, After poisoning him with words..." Probably a bit of both, but I doubt Bob will ever talk...
9. Mississippi- The best of example of Bob's later works. Here is Bob writing about life and experiences in his mid-50's and pushing 60. Lyrically it's up there with his earlier output. The "older voice" he wrote in as a 22 year old, though wouldn't have the life experiences though...
10 . Rainy Day Women #12 and 35- Yeah, yeah, the party anthem(but blues based in sound) where "Everybody Must Get Stoned!" and Dylan was pretty hopped up on amphetamines at the time. But is just a simple song about getting stoned on drugs? Or is it about getting literally getting stoned to death? Is there some reference to the bible and/or some significance with the numbers 12 and 35? With Bob things are seldom black and white or direct..
1. Like A Rolling Stone- Well, they got the first one right. And I'd hope so, based on the name of the magazine and arguably the greatest rock song ever, it's for sure in the Top 5. This combination of blues, rock and structure, changed the nature of what a pop song was. The opening snare drum was Dylan bursting further into the rock and roll conscience of America, changing everything, again.
2. Blowin' in the Wind- You could argue this is his greatest song by the fact that it will be relevant as long as there are still people on the planet...
3. Mr. Tambourine Man- This is Dylan the poet. "Though I know that evenin's empire has returned into sand, Vanished from my hand." The majesty and the magic in the rhymes, make this song, it's beautiful without music. And who or what is he singing about? Who knows, another part of it's beauty and poetry.
4. All Along the Watchtower- Dylan's most played live song. This song and lyrics sound like it's setting is straight out of the Book of Revelation and the end of days. And you can take it several ways. The verses and the song is told in reverse with the first verse being the end of the tale, or that we're left hanging at the end of the song with "two riders approaching..."
5. Subterranean Homesick Blues- It's probably most famous for being a proto-music video from the film Don't Look Back, with Dylan holding the lyrics to the song on various cue cards, which has aped a bunch of times. Again it's another example of Dylan combing the blues and rock(with a heavy Chuck Berry influence as well from Too Much Monkey Business) , at a super-charged pace of lyrics being spat out, as well as being his first electric song.
6. Positively 4th Street- My personal favorite, the ultimate put down song. Often called "Dylan at his most vitriolic," who hasn't felt this way about somebody (and honestly probably been that way themselves towards people)? That backing organ song helps pace the songs mood and anger. "You say you lost your faith, But that’s not where it’s at. You had no faith to lose And you know it." Masterful...
7. Tangled Up in Blue- Another example of masterful storytelling, mixing in Dylan's own personal feelings of a relationship going down. Like Watchtower, this song doesn't follow a linear pattern or really the same narrator, but ones who faced similar problems. I doubt there there were too many topless joints, when the dealing of slaves was going on. But then again, we just might be assuming it's referring to African Americans and maybe it is a linear story from point A to Z...
8. Desolation Row- Another example of is he just trying to fit the rhyme scheme and come up with surreal juxtapositions, or have the names of all these wacky characters been changed? "The Phantom of the Opera, a perfect image of a priest, they’re spoonfeeding Casanova, To get him to feel more assured, Then they’ll kill him with self-confidence, After poisoning him with words..." Probably a bit of both, but I doubt Bob will ever talk...
9. Mississippi- The best of example of Bob's later works. Here is Bob writing about life and experiences in his mid-50's and pushing 60. Lyrically it's up there with his earlier output. The "older voice" he wrote in as a 22 year old, though wouldn't have the life experiences though...
10 . Rainy Day Women #12 and 35- Yeah, yeah, the party anthem(but blues based in sound) where "Everybody Must Get Stoned!" and Dylan was pretty hopped up on amphetamines at the time. But is just a simple song about getting stoned on drugs? Or is it about getting literally getting stoned to death? Is there some reference to the bible and/or some significance with the numbers 12 and 35? With Bob things are seldom black and white or direct..
Monday, May 30, 2011
The 5 Musical Acts I Want to See.... Version 2.0
I did this I guess about four years ago on my MySpace blog, but in those four years, I've seen a couple of the acts(twice actually) and if all goes right will see U2 in less than two months... And to some degree my tastes or preferences have changed to who I think I'd rather see given a choice...
1. The Who- Same as before, even though they aren't really "the Who," its still Daltrey and Townshend, a very good remnant of arguably the greatest cohesive group. Those two are the soul of the group, while Entwistle and Moon were the heart of it. I guess I could go see Daltrey this fall do Tommy, but without Townshend....
2. Bob Seger- Still number two and again one of my personal favorites. He's still underrated compared to Mr. Springsteen. He's a treasure trove of classic rock era songs and like I said the beauty of his songwriting gets lost. He played in Kansas City earlier this month, but I balked because I figured St. Louis was naturally going to have a date. Now, I'm hoping he does hit the road again this summer or fall, which is supposed to be his last hurrah for touring...
3. Billy Joe Shaver- One of the best country songwriters of all time. He's best known for his ties to the Outlaw movement and Waylon Jennings recording an entire album of his songs. He's just another older voice that I'd love to see while he's still around, like I did with Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard earlier this year. And he's supposed to be in KC sometime this summer, but I can't figure out why the hell he's never been to Columbia, with the rednecks and redneck posers in Central Missouri...
4. Van Morrison- I just want to see him for his voice, one of the most unique and strongest voices out there along with Joe Cocker. Even knowing he's of the singer/songwriter variety who only plays about half the stuff you want/expect to hear, I would enjoy seeing him in concert...
5. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young- I've seen the godfather of grunge twice, now I want to see him with these guys. Hopefully they'll get it back together one more time in the near future. Heck Crosby is pushing 70, if he's not already there and lucky to be alive. I'd love to hear the harmonies, the acoustic and the electric and everything about the meshing of four headstrong personalities. Heck I could even tolerate a couple left-wing rants in exchange for hearing Ohio, Helpless, Southern Cross, etc....
1. The Who- Same as before, even though they aren't really "the Who," its still Daltrey and Townshend, a very good remnant of arguably the greatest cohesive group. Those two are the soul of the group, while Entwistle and Moon were the heart of it. I guess I could go see Daltrey this fall do Tommy, but without Townshend....
2. Bob Seger- Still number two and again one of my personal favorites. He's still underrated compared to Mr. Springsteen. He's a treasure trove of classic rock era songs and like I said the beauty of his songwriting gets lost. He played in Kansas City earlier this month, but I balked because I figured St. Louis was naturally going to have a date. Now, I'm hoping he does hit the road again this summer or fall, which is supposed to be his last hurrah for touring...
3. Billy Joe Shaver- One of the best country songwriters of all time. He's best known for his ties to the Outlaw movement and Waylon Jennings recording an entire album of his songs. He's just another older voice that I'd love to see while he's still around, like I did with Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard earlier this year. And he's supposed to be in KC sometime this summer, but I can't figure out why the hell he's never been to Columbia, with the rednecks and redneck posers in Central Missouri...
4. Van Morrison- I just want to see him for his voice, one of the most unique and strongest voices out there along with Joe Cocker. Even knowing he's of the singer/songwriter variety who only plays about half the stuff you want/expect to hear, I would enjoy seeing him in concert...
5. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young- I've seen the godfather of grunge twice, now I want to see him with these guys. Hopefully they'll get it back together one more time in the near future. Heck Crosby is pushing 70, if he's not already there and lucky to be alive. I'd love to hear the harmonies, the acoustic and the electric and everything about the meshing of four headstrong personalities. Heck I could even tolerate a couple left-wing rants in exchange for hearing Ohio, Helpless, Southern Cross, etc....
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Pearl Jam is Okay and God Bless Bob Dylan
I went on Pearl Jam's fan site and was wanting to buy a cd of the St. Louis concert I went to this May. I tried buying it from their store, but it said I had to register. No Problem, I did. But then when I tried it again, it came up "Access Denied." After some looking I figured I have to pay $20 to join "Ten Club" so I can buy their stuff. You do get some stuff with the membership, a newsletter or something, and first access to tickets(which is kind of pointless since they probably won't tour in the next year or be anywhere near me...)
But I'm confused, who they're really screwing over. It's pretty stupid to me. Someone like me who just drops by and wants to buy something from them, I have to pay $20 just for that right? So, they're milking their true fans for everything? And by not selling directly I'm going to go to eBay and buy it from someone who buys multiple copies and jacks up the price?
I guess my choices are to pay $37 (plus shipping I'd imagine) to buy from Pearl Jam or buy on eBay from someone who bought multiple copies for about ten dollars less. As a conservative I think I'll take the cheaper route.
If I'm wrong about this and fouled something up, I'll gladly buy a ten club membership.
But God bless Bob Dylan. Many of his fans complain about his doing anything for money and having high price deluxe editions. But you know what he charges for his fan club ticket pre-sales? Nothing.
ADDENDUM: Well, I did some checking on message boards and was told that site frequently has "hiccups." So, I tried again and was at least able to get an order through to get processed. So, Pearl Jam is alright, apparently it's just technology that is bad.
But I'm confused, who they're really screwing over. It's pretty stupid to me. Someone like me who just drops by and wants to buy something from them, I have to pay $20 just for that right? So, they're milking their true fans for everything? And by not selling directly I'm going to go to eBay and buy it from someone who buys multiple copies and jacks up the price?
I guess my choices are to pay $37 (plus shipping I'd imagine) to buy from Pearl Jam or buy on eBay from someone who bought multiple copies for about ten dollars less. As a conservative I think I'll take the cheaper route.
If I'm wrong about this and fouled something up, I'll gladly buy a ten club membership.
But God bless Bob Dylan. Many of his fans complain about his doing anything for money and having high price deluxe editions. But you know what he charges for his fan club ticket pre-sales? Nothing.
ADDENDUM: Well, I did some checking on message boards and was told that site frequently has "hiccups." So, I tried again and was at least able to get an order through to get processed. So, Pearl Jam is alright, apparently it's just technology that is bad.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Bands that should get back together(Original Members!)
There are always bands breaking up and going on reunion tours. Half the time acts from the 70s and 80s, you see might have two original members at best and are usually playing casino's and other venues that should be way too small for them. I'm looking at you Foreigner.
I'm talking about groups that should get back together and hit the road and studio for new material, with the original members or at least a lineup that was considered its best.
1. The Kinks - This would be my personal fave to see happen. All the principal members are still alive and kicking. With the passing of Pink Floyd's Rick Wright, no other major band of the 60's can make this claim. The Kinks are probably the most underrated band in the history of rock music. They've been called the "quintessential British band" and have the eccentricities and kitschy-ness that make them unique. Although I'm not a die-hard fan, there's just something in their songs and melodies that jump out for me. They go all over the spectrum from their early British Invasion type songs, then into the concept albums and of course one of my favorite songs Lola(It's not a cross-dressing man... or it doesn't have to be). If they would go out on the road again, I'd make it a point to catch them.
2. Van Halen- I'm talking about the 4 original members, not with little Eddie playing bass and making it a Van Halen family affair. For the record I don't mind "Van Hagar." I guess Sammy gives 'em a little more guitar sound if need be. Get Michael Anthony back on bass on their next go round though. I'm not a big fan of the group(Way to overplayed on a local rock station), but it'd be interesting to the lineup...
3. Guns and Roses- And you thought there'd be drama with that one above. I highly doubt they could ever recapture their glory of the late 80s, but if it could last they'd be a blast to see. They weren't a hair band, more a really, really hard rock band, but even before their break-up felt the effects of Nirvana. But Aerosmith came back with a bang after 10 years or so in the dark and fragmented...
4. Alabama- Yeah, they went on a "Farewell Tour" in 2004, but do you honestly expect to never preform together again? Sort of like Brooks & Dunn's farewell for 2010. They will regroup. Hell, Garth Brooks came out and did a run of shows in Kansas City. The boredom, money and sense of camaraderie will come out in time. Just get it done with.
5. The Eagles- They need to get Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner back for a tour. It'd be hard because they don't really seem concerned with making a bunch of more cash like Henley and Frey seem to do. But I'd love to see them return more to their country-rock roots of the first couple of albums. It'd be cool to see them do "Desperado" the album in concert, which seems to be one of the trends these days. They are the forefathers of the music on country radio today after all. You notice they don't stand a chance on any kind of rock stations...
They don't even have to get rid of Joe Walsh and Timothy Schmidt. Willie Nelson has two bass players or I'm sure one could play piano/keyboards or another guitar, while Frey or Leadon plays other instruments at different times. Just lose the other 10 guys they have on stage..
I'm talking about groups that should get back together and hit the road and studio for new material, with the original members or at least a lineup that was considered its best.
1. The Kinks - This would be my personal fave to see happen. All the principal members are still alive and kicking. With the passing of Pink Floyd's Rick Wright, no other major band of the 60's can make this claim. The Kinks are probably the most underrated band in the history of rock music. They've been called the "quintessential British band" and have the eccentricities and kitschy-ness that make them unique. Although I'm not a die-hard fan, there's just something in their songs and melodies that jump out for me. They go all over the spectrum from their early British Invasion type songs, then into the concept albums and of course one of my favorite songs Lola(It's not a cross-dressing man... or it doesn't have to be). If they would go out on the road again, I'd make it a point to catch them.
2. Van Halen- I'm talking about the 4 original members, not with little Eddie playing bass and making it a Van Halen family affair. For the record I don't mind "Van Hagar." I guess Sammy gives 'em a little more guitar sound if need be. Get Michael Anthony back on bass on their next go round though. I'm not a big fan of the group(Way to overplayed on a local rock station), but it'd be interesting to the lineup...
3. Guns and Roses- And you thought there'd be drama with that one above. I highly doubt they could ever recapture their glory of the late 80s, but if it could last they'd be a blast to see. They weren't a hair band, more a really, really hard rock band, but even before their break-up felt the effects of Nirvana. But Aerosmith came back with a bang after 10 years or so in the dark and fragmented...
4. Alabama- Yeah, they went on a "Farewell Tour" in 2004, but do you honestly expect to never preform together again? Sort of like Brooks & Dunn's farewell for 2010. They will regroup. Hell, Garth Brooks came out and did a run of shows in Kansas City. The boredom, money and sense of camaraderie will come out in time. Just get it done with.
5. The Eagles- They need to get Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner back for a tour. It'd be hard because they don't really seem concerned with making a bunch of more cash like Henley and Frey seem to do. But I'd love to see them return more to their country-rock roots of the first couple of albums. It'd be cool to see them do "Desperado" the album in concert, which seems to be one of the trends these days. They are the forefathers of the music on country radio today after all. You notice they don't stand a chance on any kind of rock stations...
They don't even have to get rid of Joe Walsh and Timothy Schmidt. Willie Nelson has two bass players or I'm sure one could play piano/keyboards or another guitar, while Frey or Leadon plays other instruments at different times. Just lose the other 10 guys they have on stage..
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