25 Comments
founding

You see, Brad, the thing with you is, we (your readers) know you know your stuff very well, and then you always manage to, somehow, surprise us time and time again with unexpected data and info God knows how you manage to dig out. Bravo. As for Tina, what could I possibly add to the plethora of messages from all sources that inundated the web when we heard of her passing. Few artists could command such a powerful stage presence and inspire millions across generations with her music, her lust for life, her grit and her legacy.

Expand full comment

Love this breakdown. My hot (cold?) take is that I prefer the rocked out version of River deep to the original Specter version.

Expand full comment

A beautifully written piece. And I found something Phil and I have in common, which is a first... a mutual preference for mono. Stereo never really having been intended for music, but for theater. Plus stereo gives me a headache, so y'know.

Expand full comment

I knew of her as a dancer and didn't know much about her as a singer. Top hits highlighted her harsh tones, so I never knew her range. Her voice shows up in the Bluesy type songs ...she could sing! I will be searching more of her earlier material. Thanks for the videos, she really felt her potential as a front performer when we see her break from Ik and the band and go out to the audience..loved that. Wanted comment on your Gordon Lightfoot tribute too, but phone wouldn't cooperate, so another great artist I didn't fully appreciate. I have been listening to his beautiful music a lot. I think my fav is Rainy Day People but still listening 😊

Expand full comment

Loved the outtakes as a whole: fascinating to see the progression. Especially liked #7. Thanks for such a brilliant post, Brad

Expand full comment

Vindicated at last! See, I KNEW you, of all people, would find something original to say, and you have not disappointed. Brilliant linkages, Brad, of which I had no idea. I read about Spector paying Ike to stay away in an obit, and the many takes. Didn't have access to those takes though so I'm looking forward to listening to them. Didn't know about good vibrations link. Thanks for a great article!

Expand full comment

Great column, Brad. The HOF video is the crowning touch, really tying together how many major rock stars converged around Tina (and Phil). The pop music industry often produces and celebrates crap, but in this case, and that era, they got it right!

Expand full comment

Now, my first guess was Brian Wilson, but I thought it was too obvious, that's why I went with Glenn Campbell, because I knew he was a well respected studio musician.

Expand full comment

Fantastic breakdown of a legendary track. Well done, Brad!

Expand full comment