Sorry for missing yesterday's installment to this list--as we (I) count down to my top ten bands and ultimately to my top ONE!
The year(s) was/were 1974 & 1975 and I was (as you know) living in Ft. Wayne. I was a bit of a musical poser even then, always wanting to like the "cutting edge" obscure stuff (if it had melody...remember..melody is always the King in my musical equation). Dave "H" at the hardware store had turned me on to Boz Scaggs, Gato Barbieri, and the Allman Brothers Band. And, our cherubic-faced little chamber-of-commerce Republican amateur magician Byron "B" had helped to turn me on to the great STEELY DAN. Of course, who could escape hearing their two omnipresent AM radio hits (still the same today in 2014 sad to say considering their stellar output) "Reelin' In The Years" and "Do It Again." I quickly bought their first two albums. It was their debut from 1972 CAN'T BUY A THRILL (of the two hit-songs mentioned above) that mixed beauty and progressive music to such a degree that this album remains a cherished favorite even to this day. The other standout songs on that disc were "Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me)," "Kings," and "Midnight Cruiser." I think I pretended (to myself) to like their sophomore album COUNTDOWN TO ECSTASY (1974) even more because of the opening track's faux Eastern-tinged mojo "Bodhisattva." What college kid in the 70's didn't pretend to be a bit interested in Hinduism and Buddhism (calling Geo. Harrison?). That second album did have stand-out songs in "My Old School" and "King Of The World."
Byron and I even talked about seeing the "Dan" (that's what cool guys called them, don't ya know :D ) if they came to the Coliseum...which we thought they were going to do...but it must have fallen through.
After moving to Kansas (Wichi-Taaaaaw) I continued to collect Steely Dan's next four lps: PRETZEL LOGIC ('74), KATY LIED ('75), THE ROYAL SCAM ('76), and AJA ('77). These are all brilliant albums if one is interested in sharp, intelligent (caustic and dark and depressing as well) lyrics marinating over a bed of top-notch studio Jazz/fusion musicianship. Walter Becker was a great guitarist but in letting studio axe-man Larry Carlton take the lead he showed true musical maestroship. And Donald Fagen's world-weary Eastern-ennui voiced singing gave Steely Dan a vibe totally different than anything else that was "out-there" in the late 70s.
When I listen to the "Dan" I get incredibly home-sick for both Ft. Wayne of 1975 and for Wichita of 1976. But the intelligence and craftsmanship of the music always carries the day.
So, anyway, "R(ikki)eliops...don't lose that number!"
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
THEME SONG WEDNESDAYS # 1: HBO Carnivale main titles
Today I debut new feature. I will play some of my all-time (yes, from 1960s television series too :) ) theme songs for both TV and Movies. These are many times called the "main title." Although I should note, that starting next week (the week of March 10-14) I will switch the day from Wednesday to Thursday as I like the alliteration of THURSDAY's THEMES better :D
One of my favorite mini-series of the last decade (maybe ever) was HBOs CARNIVALE (read up about it over at wikipedia or IMDb) It would be a show that would only interest someone who had a love and appreciation for History, lore, mythology, America during the "dirty thirties" (dust-bowl), Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, creepy horror-type Carnivals, Fredric Brown, and the Twilight Zone. The acting was superb and the story kept one in a perpetual "creeped-out" vibe. The performances of Clancy Brown (Shawshank Redeption, Highlander, Lost), Michael J. Anderson (Twin Peaks), Clea DuVall, Tim DeKay, and Adrienne Barbeau were EMMY award worthy. Amy Madigan's acting was the best she's ever done...a far cry from her "Field of Dreams" days.
The music for the show was by Jeff Beale, though the music below (in embedded Youtube clip) was penned by composers Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman. Ms Coleman played keyboards in Prince's (yes, Prince of PURPLE RAIN fame) backing band 'The Revolution.'
I first encountered both Melvoin and Coleman when they hosted an internet radio progaram (a couple years back) on LuxuriaMusic Radio: http://www.luxuriamusic.com/ They are smart ladies with quite a decent list of compositonal gems: Crossing Jordan, Heroes, Nurse Jackie (scores).
One of my favorite mini-series of the last decade (maybe ever) was HBOs CARNIVALE (read up about it over at wikipedia or IMDb) It would be a show that would only interest someone who had a love and appreciation for History, lore, mythology, America during the "dirty thirties" (dust-bowl), Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, creepy horror-type Carnivals, Fredric Brown, and the Twilight Zone. The acting was superb and the story kept one in a perpetual "creeped-out" vibe. The performances of Clancy Brown (Shawshank Redeption, Highlander, Lost), Michael J. Anderson (Twin Peaks), Clea DuVall, Tim DeKay, and Adrienne Barbeau were EMMY award worthy. Amy Madigan's acting was the best she's ever done...a far cry from her "Field of Dreams" days.
The music for the show was by Jeff Beale, though the music below (in embedded Youtube clip) was penned by composers Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman. Ms Coleman played keyboards in Prince's (yes, Prince of PURPLE RAIN fame) backing band 'The Revolution.'
I first encountered both Melvoin and Coleman when they hosted an internet radio progaram (a couple years back) on LuxuriaMusic Radio: http://www.luxuriamusic.com/ They are smart ladies with quite a decent list of compositonal gems: Crossing Jordan, Heroes, Nurse Jackie (scores).
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
LOVECRAFT TUESDAY #2
I love this song, and, with a title like "C'Thlu Thlu" you know it's just gotta be played on this Tuesday feature of SEIRENES OF TITAN.
I know little about Caravan. I do know that with Matching Mole & Hatfield & North, they are one of the more famous and accomplished bands from the famous sub-genre of British pastoral/prog from the '70s called the CANTERBURY Scene (or sound). Then again, the GREAT band CAMEL (more in due course) is also sometimes lumped in that category...which I don't think applies. If you seek more info on other bands, or Caravan... there's always wikipedia :)
Also, interesting name for an album: "For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night" (1973). Maybe ol' Cthulhu was busy getting "jiggy!"
Still, a fun song for the next home-coming at Innsmouth High School.
I know little about Caravan. I do know that with Matching Mole & Hatfield & North, they are one of the more famous and accomplished bands from the famous sub-genre of British pastoral/prog from the '70s called the CANTERBURY Scene (or sound). Then again, the GREAT band CAMEL (more in due course) is also sometimes lumped in that category...which I don't think applies. If you seek more info on other bands, or Caravan... there's always wikipedia :)
Also, interesting name for an album: "For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night" (1973). Maybe ol' Cthulhu was busy getting "jiggy!"
Still, a fun song for the next home-coming at Innsmouth High School.
FAVORITE ROCK/POP ALL-TIME LIST #74
For the next 70-plus days (or so) I will be counting down (to number one) my favorite Rock/Pop bands. Yesterday was the newbie Golden Void. Today is the long-in-the-tooth KISS!
I didn't really care for KISS all that much when they came out, though I did WANT to see them
with you RELIOPS when we thought they were coming to Fort Wayne. Their Japanese sytle Kabuki
face paint which was their gimmick even at the beginning, their comic book personas, and the fact that they did have a "buzz" attracted my interest. I am also comfortable enough with my "hard-rock cred" :) to admit I always did like Peter Criss' ballad "Beth."
As a student at Wichita State University I did take the opportunity to go and see them "LIVE" when they came to the campus and played Henry Levitt Arena (now re-named Koch Arena; home of the WSU Shockers [rated #2 in the nation as I type this] ) This would have been in the autumn of 1977 I'm thinking, but I could be way off on the date. I went by myself to the show...never as much fun as when going to a concert with a date or a pal!
The opening band was some generic rock band by the name of DETECTIVE. After their mediocre 35 minute or so "set" KISS came out.
I don't remember much, which is strange as I was straight, sober, and alert. If my memory serves correctly, they were at the end of long tour and were not all that "stoked" to be playing Wichita, Kansas, though the auditorium was packed. I think they gave only a C+ effort and may not have even used all their pyrotechnics. Still I got to the legendary KISS.
I have grown to like them more and more over the years. They were/are FUN. Gene and Paul for all their faults were master P.T. Barnum showmen/raconteurs and decent enough on their instruments. The two of them were also pretty good as rock n' roll song-writers. Their original axe-man Ace Frehley was/is an under-rated lead guitarist.
So all of you space-emperors craving to take over DETROIT: ROCK CITY.... time to rock and roll all night...and par-tay every day!!!
I didn't really care for KISS all that much when they came out, though I did WANT to see them
with you RELIOPS when we thought they were coming to Fort Wayne. Their Japanese sytle Kabuki
face paint which was their gimmick even at the beginning, their comic book personas, and the fact that they did have a "buzz" attracted my interest. I am also comfortable enough with my "hard-rock cred" :) to admit I always did like Peter Criss' ballad "Beth."
As a student at Wichita State University I did take the opportunity to go and see them "LIVE" when they came to the campus and played Henry Levitt Arena (now re-named Koch Arena; home of the WSU Shockers [rated #2 in the nation as I type this] ) This would have been in the autumn of 1977 I'm thinking, but I could be way off on the date. I went by myself to the show...never as much fun as when going to a concert with a date or a pal!
The opening band was some generic rock band by the name of DETECTIVE. After their mediocre 35 minute or so "set" KISS came out.
I don't remember much, which is strange as I was straight, sober, and alert. If my memory serves correctly, they were at the end of long tour and were not all that "stoked" to be playing Wichita, Kansas, though the auditorium was packed. I think they gave only a C+ effort and may not have even used all their pyrotechnics. Still I got to the legendary KISS.
I have grown to like them more and more over the years. They were/are FUN. Gene and Paul for all their faults were master P.T. Barnum showmen/raconteurs and decent enough on their instruments. The two of them were also pretty good as rock n' roll song-writers. Their original axe-man Ace Frehley was/is an under-rated lead guitarist.
So all of you space-emperors craving to take over DETROIT: ROCK CITY.... time to rock and roll all night...and par-tay every day!!!
Monday, March 3, 2014
FORNICATE BELLUM * #1
* let the reader understand
Starting a list of songs which express my views; see also George Carlin (Youtube) on why wars are fought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeZ3nCXyb_Q
Starting a list of songs which express my views; see also George Carlin (Youtube) on why wars are fought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeZ3nCXyb_Q
ON THE MAKING OF LISTS - - -
I have always made lists. I made lists as a kid (grade school) of my favorite comic books and comic book heroes. As I grew older the lists multiplied to favorite: monsters, magazines, TV shows, movies, girls...etc. etc. (I also have been into naming things [cars, houses, swords] ever since reading THE LORD OF THE RINGS).
I have lists of favorite punk bands, prog bands, classical composers, country & western artists, et al.
Since you don't know who is on these lists, I plan to remedy the situation.
I have a running FAVORITE ROCK/POP ALL-TIME LIST that hovers around 75 in number. I plan to post a song by each of the bands on my list starting from the bottom all the way to numero uno.
I don't necessarily expect you to listen to each song (but you should ;) ) but just have this pathological desire to share what I enjoy so much (yeah...like Carnivale' and Doctor Who)
Until the list gets down to the top twenty (20) or so, it's somewhat fluid and not really etched in stone (or in vinyl). A band that is listed at number 40 is not always better or more enjoyable in my estimation than a band at # 58 for example.
I just love lists.
Monday through Friday I will play (if Youtube cooperates) one of that weeks five listed bands.
So, starting at number (#) 75 through 71....here are
EUGOR's FAVORITE MUSCIAL BANDS!
75) GOLDEN VOID
74) KISS
73) STEELY DAN
72) RASPBERRIES
71) AMERICA
MONDAY PLAY - - Golden Void/GOLDEN VOID
On their 2012 debut eponymous album (Thrill Jockey label) this band delivers an lp (more of an ep actually as it clocks in at 36:26) of beauty, charm, and likeability that has kept it in constant rotation here at Castle ROGUEEVOLENT! The San Franciso band has a Hawkwind, pyschedelic, ambient vibe at times which mixes with it's solid stoner-rock/pop melody making. It's truly a "feel good" album that makes me heartily recommend it. Every track is great (especially 'Shady Grove' and the closer 'Atlantis') and I give it an 8.5/10. I trust this band can follow up this gem with an equally accomplished sophomore effort. I will purchase it that's for sure.
I have lists of favorite punk bands, prog bands, classical composers, country & western artists, et al.
Since you don't know who is on these lists, I plan to remedy the situation.
I have a running FAVORITE ROCK/POP ALL-TIME LIST that hovers around 75 in number. I plan to post a song by each of the bands on my list starting from the bottom all the way to numero uno.
I don't necessarily expect you to listen to each song (but you should ;) ) but just have this pathological desire to share what I enjoy so much (yeah...like Carnivale' and Doctor Who)
Until the list gets down to the top twenty (20) or so, it's somewhat fluid and not really etched in stone (or in vinyl). A band that is listed at number 40 is not always better or more enjoyable in my estimation than a band at # 58 for example.
I just love lists.
Monday through Friday I will play (if Youtube cooperates) one of that weeks five listed bands.
So, starting at number (#) 75 through 71....here are
EUGOR's FAVORITE MUSCIAL BANDS!
75) GOLDEN VOID
74) KISS
73) STEELY DAN
72) RASPBERRIES
71) AMERICA
MONDAY PLAY - - Golden Void/GOLDEN VOID
On their 2012 debut eponymous album (Thrill Jockey label) this band delivers an lp (more of an ep actually as it clocks in at 36:26) of beauty, charm, and likeability that has kept it in constant rotation here at Castle ROGUEEVOLENT! The San Franciso band has a Hawkwind, pyschedelic, ambient vibe at times which mixes with it's solid stoner-rock/pop melody making. It's truly a "feel good" album that makes me heartily recommend it. Every track is great (especially 'Shady Grove' and the closer 'Atlantis') and I give it an 8.5/10. I trust this band can follow up this gem with an equally accomplished sophomore effort. I will purchase it that's for sure.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
MUSIC: The 18th annual KANSAS SILENT FILM FESTIVAL
RELIOPS:
Yes, I did manage to make it to the 18th annual KANSAS SILENT FILM FESTIVAL at Topeka last Friday evening 28 February. It was my fifth year in attending the opening Friday night's events.
The features were: a) a cartoon, to-wit: FELIX IN HOLLYWOOD (1923); b) ELLA CINDERS (1926 with Colleen Moore); and c) DOUBLING FOR ROMEO (1921 with the great Will Rogers).
The real treat was an unexpected bonus opening one-reeler--the 1912 British silent A CANINE SHERLOCK HOLMES. In this wonderful pastiche the consulting detective (one "Hawksworth") is more than ably assisted by his little canine pup "Spot." The dog steels the movie and the audience (over 200) howled, laughed and clapped as Spot feigns being hit in the street by a car so as to gain access into the criminal lair :D
The other main treat was the music--as always SUPERB and thrilling--just to see these films the way original audiences all over the United States saw them in their own little Bijou's, Uptown's, Rialto's, Orpheum's and Crown's (or whatever the local movie Palace was called...for they WERE Palaces!)
The world famous Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accompanied the feature with Will Rogers.
Local talents Marvin Faulwell (organist supreme) and Bob Keckeisen (principal percussionist at the Topeka Symphony Orchestra & assistant director) played a bravura score for the ELLA CINDERS movie. And, maybe my favorite (just cause he's so friendly and personable; and brilliant on the ivory and black keys) was JEFF RAPSIS playing the opening overture, the intermission number (to accompany a slide presentation) and the backing for FELIX GOES TO HOLLYWOOD.
I could not find a Youtube clip of Mr. Rapsis playing, but include the one below where he introduces the screening of the famously found (in Argentina) and restored Fritz Lang METROPOLIS (which I own on Kino DVD)
(The mondo-cool JEFF RAPSIS)
A great time was had by all space agents, such as
- - - eugor
Yes, I did manage to make it to the 18th annual KANSAS SILENT FILM FESTIVAL at Topeka last Friday evening 28 February. It was my fifth year in attending the opening Friday night's events.
The features were: a) a cartoon, to-wit: FELIX IN HOLLYWOOD (1923); b) ELLA CINDERS (1926 with Colleen Moore); and c) DOUBLING FOR ROMEO (1921 with the great Will Rogers).
The real treat was an unexpected bonus opening one-reeler--the 1912 British silent A CANINE SHERLOCK HOLMES. In this wonderful pastiche the consulting detective (one "Hawksworth") is more than ably assisted by his little canine pup "Spot." The dog steels the movie and the audience (over 200) howled, laughed and clapped as Spot feigns being hit in the street by a car so as to gain access into the criminal lair :D
The other main treat was the music--as always SUPERB and thrilling--just to see these films the way original audiences all over the United States saw them in their own little Bijou's, Uptown's, Rialto's, Orpheum's and Crown's (or whatever the local movie Palace was called...for they WERE Palaces!)
The world famous Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra accompanied the feature with Will Rogers.
Local talents Marvin Faulwell (organist supreme) and Bob Keckeisen (principal percussionist at the Topeka Symphony Orchestra & assistant director) played a bravura score for the ELLA CINDERS movie. And, maybe my favorite (just cause he's so friendly and personable; and brilliant on the ivory and black keys) was JEFF RAPSIS playing the opening overture, the intermission number (to accompany a slide presentation) and the backing for FELIX GOES TO HOLLYWOOD.
I could not find a Youtube clip of Mr. Rapsis playing, but include the one below where he introduces the screening of the famously found (in Argentina) and restored Fritz Lang METROPOLIS (which I own on Kino DVD)
A great time was had by all space agents, such as
- - - eugor
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