Eclectic turns electric in this one! The new and the little-known, featuring a male singer who was a female when I owned her 1979 album that year! Oh, this one will open eyes as well as ears!
Those early Jane's Addiction shows were an unpredictable, dangerously shambolic, but beautiful chaos of extraordinary rock & roll energy and ear-splitting wattage! Early Flaming Lips (and Brian Jonestown Massacre) shows were similar.
Is that energy still around today? I'm sure it is, but there was something about that time, those groups, and the unharnessed ability to channel everything that rock and roll is and should always be, and then explode out of the gates and amps with unbridled, brute force.
Thanks, Michael.....it's interesting to hear (from you and Steve) about the unpredictability of that certain era of rock. I can't recall a similar "boiling under/over" band or artist from "my" '70s! I'm sure there was occasional rancor within, from time to time, but onstage fisticuffs? Can't recall. Good stuff, though.....comparing decades/eras!
Thank you for that comedy start to the day with Spinal Tap, The Credibility Gap, and Harry Shearer. Loved watching the extras you included as well, especially the interview with Marty and the band.
That Gene Clark song is wonderful, must listen to the entire album.
What a send-off with Barbra. Sent shivers up and down my spine, a singer/entertainer in a class of her own.
(Lancaster, yeah! Worked there for four years, great place.)
Thank you, Ellen....glad you liked! The Gene Clark is certainly one I should've heard before (and, I thank Steve for adding it!)....I remember well the album cover, having to stock our mid-'70s record store, and, that Clark cover, with its unique graphics, is a memorable one!
And, one of the things I love is "rolling the dice" on the big Google machine, and that's how that recent Spinal Tap interview came about! Sometimes, ya hit gold!
I'm glad I got an opportunity to share some Barbra, and of course, Ella! Thanks again, Ellen!
What a great Tune Tag, gentlemen! I particularly enjoyed the Gene Clark track, and of course, that Ella performance (as well as Barbra's). Thanks so much for the shout out, Brad. Very interesting contrast between the two singers: both brilliant, without a doubt, but also very "musically clever" to know exactly how to make the most of their particular strengths. They don't (or hardly ever) make singers like those two anymore!
Fascinating to hear and read a bit about the Cindy/Cidny story. His strength of character is admirable for a whole host of reasons.
Thanks, Andy.....glad you like! I enjoyed Steve's contributions, too!
Arrangements, styles, strengths within those stylistic elements....it's all fascinating to compare/contrast singing styles! I'd love to have quizzed some of those classic songwriters of yesteryear, like Styne and Merrill on "Parade." I'd bet we'd hear some responses like, "Yeah, I can hear her going there in that part of the song!" to "Whoa! I can't believe she went THERE....but, she nailed it!" "Musically clever".....YOU nailed it!😉👂
As for Cidny....you're spot on about his strength of character! And, I can't let you go without thanking you for your gently guiding me through the early stages of piecing his section together! I was so gobsmacked when I did my research, and updated what I knew (or thought I knew!) about how his life had progressed since the late-'70s!🙌🤗
Thanks, Ken! Glad you enjoyed! Steve’s contributions were epic, and I know I heard some new ones to me! And, Bullens had what it took, at the time, to make some real strides on the pop charts.
Great Tag guys! Loved that there was a Japan song here too!
Jane's Addiction is one of my favorite bands too, but I kind of wish they'd stayed broken up after Ritual. They were one of those bands that burned fast and bright and much as I love them, I think the encore made them less legendary somehow.
Thanks, Adam! I really liked this one with Steve....lots of new sounds for me! I also appreciate your POV on Japan and Jane's Addiction, both being bands I'd only had a cursory knowledge of, and hadn't heard much by, really, either.
I gotta think it's a gas, as a reader, to see just what songs'n'artists pop up on the Tag! I know I'm left with mouth agape, quite often, when I see this or that song or artist come in from our guest!
Exceptional edition, you two! As a drummer, I often feared spontaneously combusting like Spinal Tap’s Mick Shrimpton. And “Trading Cindy’s” feels like a great band or album name. Thanks to you both for writing this - really had fun reading and listening!
Thanks, tons, HF! Steve has some great song/artist selections, a couple of 'em new to me! That's hilarious....If you were young enough to truly fear bursting into flames while drumming (don't rub your sticks together crossing over to the hi-hat!)...that's a scream! Even if you're JUST teasing, I love the visual that that brings about...drumming while tembling ("drumbling"?)!
Thanks again.....btw, Tune Tag plays well on repeated listenings! Like, in a week or so, you'll find that it's imminently entertaining that second....and third time around!
Oh yeah - lots of exploration crammed into your weekly editions. I also had to stop myself from engaging on Jane’s Addiction - great band, so many memories.
I haven't listened to much Jane's Addiction (I've heard "Jane Says" but didn't have a strong opinion about the band) and that was a good introduction. The video helps -- I have a much better sense of the music with the visuals.
I can understand how that might have thrown Brad off a little bit. I really enjoyed the MTB selection. I'd heard of them before but (again) hadn't listened to them much and that's a nice introduction.
(Random Tag, I've been recently enjoying Bruce Molsky's recording of "Train On The Island" which has a somewhat related mood and a similar "X on the Y" title: https://youtu.be/iNOv0DuVQss?list=RDiNOv0DuVQss )
I liked the Gene Clark song and as a more direct Tag the emphasis on the phrase "have you seen" made me think of one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot songs, "Marie Christine" (It amuses me because it starts out and you think it's going to be a simple sailing song and then, by the forth verse I start to wonder, "is this actually about a boat, and was that image as risque as it sounded. . . ") -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8tCn1NETUk
I wasn't as fond of the Cindy Bullens song but the story and the interview were very impressive (and, as another side note, the thumbnail photo for the interview reminds me of another musician that I know, but they look less similar watching the video: https://www.pugetsoundguitarworkshop.org/instructors/geof-morgan)
The Ella Fitzgerald version of "Don't Rain On My Parade" is great and I appreciate the sense of humor.
Wow....that Molsky is some rootsy stuff! Rounder does love that! I enjoy their harmonies. Thanks for the links....I'll dig into them more fully a little later. I'm glad you liked Ella's arrangement and performance of "Parade"! She's amazing! Thanks again!
Thanks. The Molsky song wasn't the most direct connection but I think it's great, and I'd just been listening to it (it was on the playlist I made of music which reminded me of my childhood).
Yes, I very much enjoyed that ella fitzgerald version.
Well, THAT's a playlist I'd think you could find a home somewhere to share, John! DM me if you think a future collab that features that playlist sounds intriguing to you!
Loved the comedy start, could not help but think of all the Firesign Theatre albums we churned through in the 70’s with nothing but your imagination. “Don’t crush that dwarf, hand me the pliers”!
Indeed, Clark....mad props to Steve and his unique adds! Yes....Despite their lower-key presence (and far less prolific output, album-wise), the Gap might be called the American Firesign. But, as I mentioned, it was the CG my bro and I would quote repeatedly...it was fun to, finally, make each other laugh than for me to constantly avoid his attempts to harass/bug/pester me (hence, my locked door to my bedroom, and retreating back to my beloved albums for comfort, and my reason for being 'Stack-side now)!😁
We actually had a couple of Firesign albums, mid-'70s, in the control room at Houston's commercial FM rocker, KLOL (where I spent a year on-air). The music- and/or program director would always mark the preferred/cleared cuts to play from them!
And, we're always pleased to share new music to our readers! Thanks, Clark!
I've only listened to the first few songs, but I have something that I have to share. The style of "In Someone's Sneakers" made me think of National Lampoon's "Deteriorata" (1972) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Axyqk5ERKQ
What I hadn't realized until looking it up on YouTube was that it has "Music written by Christopher Guest"
Also featuring the voice of Melissa Manchester, which I hadn't known either.
I had forgotten that "Deteriorata" was on that National Lampoon album....I was mind-jumbling it onto something by Firesign Theatre....so, I appreciate THAT being cleared up (in my head)! And, I wasn't aware of Guest and Melissa being involved with that NL parody. I wonder if Guest was a writer/contributor/editor for NL, the mag, as he was so involved, musically, with the album! Thanks for all this, Nick!
Those early Jane's Addiction shows were an unpredictable, dangerously shambolic, but beautiful chaos of extraordinary rock & roll energy and ear-splitting wattage! Early Flaming Lips (and Brian Jonestown Massacre) shows were similar.
Is that energy still around today? I'm sure it is, but there was something about that time, those groups, and the unharnessed ability to channel everything that rock and roll is and should always be, and then explode out of the gates and amps with unbridled, brute force.
Thanks, Michael.....it's interesting to hear (from you and Steve) about the unpredictability of that certain era of rock. I can't recall a similar "boiling under/over" band or artist from "my" '70s! I'm sure there was occasional rancor within, from time to time, but onstage fisticuffs? Can't recall. Good stuff, though.....comparing decades/eras!
Thank you for that comedy start to the day with Spinal Tap, The Credibility Gap, and Harry Shearer. Loved watching the extras you included as well, especially the interview with Marty and the band.
That Gene Clark song is wonderful, must listen to the entire album.
What a send-off with Barbra. Sent shivers up and down my spine, a singer/entertainer in a class of her own.
(Lancaster, yeah! Worked there for four years, great place.)
Thank you, Ellen....glad you liked! The Gene Clark is certainly one I should've heard before (and, I thank Steve for adding it!)....I remember well the album cover, having to stock our mid-'70s record store, and, that Clark cover, with its unique graphics, is a memorable one!
I love sharing The Credibility Gap when I can....most Tap fans know nothing of their existence....the music on that album has quite an impressive list of players!👇 https://www.discogs.com/master/543780-The-Credibility-Gap-A-Great-Gift-Idea
And, one of the things I love is "rolling the dice" on the big Google machine, and that's how that recent Spinal Tap interview came about! Sometimes, ya hit gold!
I'm glad I got an opportunity to share some Barbra, and of course, Ella! Thanks again, Ellen!
What a great Tune Tag, gentlemen! I particularly enjoyed the Gene Clark track, and of course, that Ella performance (as well as Barbra's). Thanks so much for the shout out, Brad. Very interesting contrast between the two singers: both brilliant, without a doubt, but also very "musically clever" to know exactly how to make the most of their particular strengths. They don't (or hardly ever) make singers like those two anymore!
Fascinating to hear and read a bit about the Cindy/Cidny story. His strength of character is admirable for a whole host of reasons.
Thanks, Andy.....glad you like! I enjoyed Steve's contributions, too!
Arrangements, styles, strengths within those stylistic elements....it's all fascinating to compare/contrast singing styles! I'd love to have quizzed some of those classic songwriters of yesteryear, like Styne and Merrill on "Parade." I'd bet we'd hear some responses like, "Yeah, I can hear her going there in that part of the song!" to "Whoa! I can't believe she went THERE....but, she nailed it!" "Musically clever".....YOU nailed it!😉👂
As for Cidny....you're spot on about his strength of character! And, I can't let you go without thanking you for your gently guiding me through the early stages of piecing his section together! I was so gobsmacked when I did my research, and updated what I knew (or thought I knew!) about how his life had progressed since the late-'70s!🙌🤗
Steve’s contributions were great!
Definitely clever songwriters with clever singers to match!
You’re very welcome, my friend… you nailed it!
Thanks, fellas. That was super diverse! Really liked the jangle of Hurry Up Forever.
Thanks, Ken! Glad you enjoyed! Steve’s contributions were epic, and I know I heard some new ones to me! And, Bullens had what it took, at the time, to make some real strides on the pop charts.
Fantastic as usual!
Thank you, Kristin! Steve, take a bow!
Great Tag guys! Loved that there was a Japan song here too!
Jane's Addiction is one of my favorite bands too, but I kind of wish they'd stayed broken up after Ritual. They were one of those bands that burned fast and bright and much as I love them, I think the encore made them less legendary somehow.
Thanks, Adam! I really liked this one with Steve....lots of new sounds for me! I also appreciate your POV on Japan and Jane's Addiction, both being bands I'd only had a cursory knowledge of, and hadn't heard much by, really, either.
I gotta think it's a gas, as a reader, to see just what songs'n'artists pop up on the Tag! I know I'm left with mouth agape, quite often, when I see this or that song or artist come in from our guest!
Exceptional edition, you two! As a drummer, I often feared spontaneously combusting like Spinal Tap’s Mick Shrimpton. And “Trading Cindy’s” feels like a great band or album name. Thanks to you both for writing this - really had fun reading and listening!
Thanks, tons, HF! Steve has some great song/artist selections, a couple of 'em new to me! That's hilarious....If you were young enough to truly fear bursting into flames while drumming (don't rub your sticks together crossing over to the hi-hat!)...that's a scream! Even if you're JUST teasing, I love the visual that that brings about...drumming while tembling ("drumbling"?)!
Thanks again.....btw, Tune Tag plays well on repeated listenings! Like, in a week or so, you'll find that it's imminently entertaining that second....and third time around!
Oh yeah - lots of exploration crammed into your weekly editions. I also had to stop myself from engaging on Jane’s Addiction - great band, so many memories.
*Matching Cindy’s (grrr, proofreading!)
Final thoughts; that was a good tune tag.
I haven't listened to much Jane's Addiction (I've heard "Jane Says" but didn't have a strong opinion about the band) and that was a good introduction. The video helps -- I have a much better sense of the music with the visuals.
I can understand how that might have thrown Brad off a little bit. I really enjoyed the MTB selection. I'd heard of them before but (again) hadn't listened to them much and that's a nice introduction.
(Random Tag, I've been recently enjoying Bruce Molsky's recording of "Train On The Island" which has a somewhat related mood and a similar "X on the Y" title: https://youtu.be/iNOv0DuVQss?list=RDiNOv0DuVQss )
I liked the Gene Clark song and as a more direct Tag the emphasis on the phrase "have you seen" made me think of one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot songs, "Marie Christine" (It amuses me because it starts out and you think it's going to be a simple sailing song and then, by the forth verse I start to wonder, "is this actually about a boat, and was that image as risque as it sounded. . . ") -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8tCn1NETUk
I wasn't as fond of the Cindy Bullens song but the story and the interview were very impressive (and, as another side note, the thumbnail photo for the interview reminds me of another musician that I know, but they look less similar watching the video: https://www.pugetsoundguitarworkshop.org/instructors/geof-morgan)
The Ella Fitzgerald version of "Don't Rain On My Parade" is great and I appreciate the sense of humor.
Good episode, guys!
Wow....that Molsky is some rootsy stuff! Rounder does love that! I enjoy their harmonies. Thanks for the links....I'll dig into them more fully a little later. I'm glad you liked Ella's arrangement and performance of "Parade"! She's amazing! Thanks again!
Thanks. The Molsky song wasn't the most direct connection but I think it's great, and I'd just been listening to it (it was on the playlist I made of music which reminded me of my childhood).
Yes, I very much enjoyed that ella fitzgerald version.
MTB's "Fire" features prominently on my playlist " The Golden Age of Rock 'n Soul Flute" 😎
Well, THAT's a playlist I'd think you could find a home somewhere to share, John! DM me if you think a future collab that features that playlist sounds intriguing to you!
I will send you a link!
Loved the comedy start, could not help but think of all the Firesign Theatre albums we churned through in the 70’s with nothing but your imagination. “Don’t crush that dwarf, hand me the pliers”!
And then some folks I was not aware of, again.
Thank you both!
Indeed, Clark....mad props to Steve and his unique adds! Yes....Despite their lower-key presence (and far less prolific output, album-wise), the Gap might be called the American Firesign. But, as I mentioned, it was the CG my bro and I would quote repeatedly...it was fun to, finally, make each other laugh than for me to constantly avoid his attempts to harass/bug/pester me (hence, my locked door to my bedroom, and retreating back to my beloved albums for comfort, and my reason for being 'Stack-side now)!😁
We actually had a couple of Firesign albums, mid-'70s, in the control room at Houston's commercial FM rocker, KLOL (where I spent a year on-air). The music- and/or program director would always mark the preferred/cleared cuts to play from them!
And, we're always pleased to share new music to our readers! Thanks, Clark!
I've only listened to the first few songs, but I have something that I have to share. The style of "In Someone's Sneakers" made me think of National Lampoon's "Deteriorata" (1972) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Axyqk5ERKQ
What I hadn't realized until looking it up on YouTube was that it has "Music written by Christopher Guest"
Also featuring the voice of Melissa Manchester, which I hadn't known either.
I had forgotten that "Deteriorata" was on that National Lampoon album....I was mind-jumbling it onto something by Firesign Theatre....so, I appreciate THAT being cleared up (in my head)! And, I wasn't aware of Guest and Melissa being involved with that NL parody. I wonder if Guest was a writer/contributor/editor for NL, the mag, as he was so involved, musically, with the album! Thanks for all this, Nick!