Mark drops by unannounced, but brings a coffee cake and a sack full of bangin' tunes, and we certainly know what to do with both! Pull up a wing chair, and settle in. This is gonna be good!
One of my favourite Tune Tags. Ever. There, I said it!
Number of reasons, in no particular order. First, the tracks. All of them superbly produced. Some I knew but was glad to hear again. Some new discoveries.
Second, the tags themselves. Mark came super prepared, and I love that, but I also love the many tricks Brad has up his sleeve. The name of the game, and tagging the Tag(g)?! 😅 Come on!! Brilliant 👏🏻 Talk about thinking outside the (juke)box.
Third, I loved the variety of tags throughout: words, record labels, session players, covers, years, etc.
Nice to see me rocking the mug, as well! Thanks! By the way, dear reader, have you got yours?
Thanks, Andy! You've wrapped it all up perfectly! When the Taggers are talented, and go above and beyond, you get a wonderful symphony of songs like we have here with Mark's inspired picks! And, your identifying the various ways a Tag can be employed....when that can be achieved, an entertaining Tag ensues!
Andy's right, readers......lots of great Mug-worthy holidays coming up....Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and don't forget birthdays, anniversaries, and the blooming of spring flowers!
Plus, Tune Tag mugs are available in 8 colorful hues!👇
A fantastic batch of tracks this week, thoroughly enjoyed the music and the tagging guys, thanks!
Love the ABBA track to kick things off, a true classic, one of their best.
Never heard of Bourgeois Tagg but I loved that track! They would definitely have been in my wheelhouse back in the early 80s if I’d heard of them. Will need to check out the full album.
Wow, what a track by Dusty Springfield! Never heard it before but it was fantastic!! Brenda Russell is an artist I’ve been meaning to explore for years. Never heard a track from her I didn’t enjoy.
"They would definitely have been in my wheelhouse back in the early 80s if I’d heard of them." I love that statement, Mark! That's why we're here (among several other reasons!)....we'll let you hear what radio didn't/couldn't/wouldn't!
Coming this weekend is a group and song from 2003 you may not have heard at the time....I didn't! But, I heard it recently, and it's killer! Stay tuned!
That Dusty track was new to me, too, 'cause even if it was around the same time as her late-'70s U.S. United Artists albums (which I had), that single was not a Stateside release, and a UK issue!
Bourgeois Tagg is worth digging into (especially that Todd-produced "YoYo" album). Somewhere, I'm social media friends with Brent Bourgeois...whether it be FB or another. When I slap this TT onto the socials, I'll try to....uh, tagg him, and see if I can bring him out from the shadows! I'll holler to FR&B-ers if I make contact!
In short, the MER-Mark played a wonderful Tag, and I loved his song and artist choices! Would you believe we've already got his #3 in the can....it'll drop mid-summer! Again, stay tuned!!😁Thanks again, Mark!!
Oh that's a fun tune tag. As Andres say, the back-and-forth is entertaining, and the tags are creative, and there's a bunch of music that I like. I have a few (hopefully) fun connections to share, but let me say that I enjoyed all of the songs.
I thought the Brenda Russell track really sounded great. "Doctor's Daughter" could also be connected to Dusty Springfield -- it has some obvious parallels with "Son Of A Preacher Man."
Both ABBA and Grace Jones are classics.
It was fun to see Clive Gregson show-up. I was just having a conversation with someone who reminded me about his 80s work with Christine Collister which is very good ( for example -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmAyAbgnIGk ). I believe they met because they were both working with Richard Thompson (here's a very nice recording of the three of them covering a Byrds song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOGubXvfxow )
Over the last year, I've been coming back to Grace Jones and really enjoying her work. Speaking of Island Records, I particularly like her recordings at the Compass Point Studio working with the Island Records house band. One of my favorite tracks is her cover of Roxy Music's "Love Is The Drug" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZlaPO8YQwo
This is a good article about what makes those recordings special
"What Blackwell did was provide the essential creative platform for Jones. Warm Leatherette wasn’t just intended to showcase a new type of music, although it certainly did that. It was also meant as the calling card for a grander project: the creation of an Island house band, studio and sound.
In Blackwell’s vision, the Compass Point Studios he had built in Nassau, the Bahamas in 1977 would take its place alongside Sun Studios, Muscle Shoals, RCA Studio B and Abbey Road as one of those spaces with an aura, a legend, an identity, an indelible association with a particular musical ethos. The band he installed there, who with no little justification labelled themselves the Compass Point All Stars, were intended to join the Wrecking Crew, the Funk Brothers, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, as one of the great house bands. The idea was that Compass Point would do for reggae what those studios and those collectives had done for rock & roll, for soul, for rock, for mainstream pop, for R&B, for country; it would both draw upon and develop it, retain its essence while shaping it into a modern, cosmopolitan, superbly crafted proposition with huge commercial appeal.
On some terms, Blackwell’s vision succeeded – Compass Point became a destination for major artists, throughout both its first run in the 80s, and its revival in the 90s and 00s before its managers deemed Nassau too dangerous for visiting bands and closed the operation down. On others, it fell short. ..."
Thanks so much, Nick, for this, as well as the compliments for Mark and myself! I'm glad you like the Brenda Russell track....it was one of those songs, that, in the midst of a fun-to-listen-to album, just stuck out and spoke to me both lyrically and musically!
I like your connection of Stephen's "Doctor's Daughter" to "Son of a Preacher Man".....Stephen would, I think, agree...and, be flattered!
Just reading up on Gregson...he worked, it seems, with mostly females (post- Any Trouble)---at least, a lot of ladies have recorded songs he's written---and he's just two months older than I...and, has made his home in my hometown of Houston! Wonder if he's an Astros fan!
Great POV on Chris Blackwell....I didn't know he was so entwined on the studio end. I'd only appreciated his Island prowess and signings. Thanks again, Nick....for this, and your appreciated following and contributions to the FR&B family!
Thanks for the kind words; very glad to add my part to the FR&B family.
One interesting addendum about Island records. I had looked up that article when I was trying to find out more about those Grace Jones recording. But, after this conversation I looked up Compass Point Studios and it's interesting that wikipedia only lists 12 albums made with the full Compass Points All Stars band -- 3 of which are by Grace Jones.
So it really looks like those albums were not only among the best by Grace Jones but also the best recorded by that group.
Thanks, Dan! Now, the goal hits me to begin with ABBA and, somehow, end with Boulder, Colorado's Zephyr, guitarist, Tommy Bolin's first band!😁👍https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zephyr_(band)
Thanks, Linda.....You're right about the music history knowledge of our fellow 'Stackers! I've been loud'n'proud about Mark's depth and volume of knowledge and rock/pop history for a while, now! He's clearly got an innate "nose" for music genres and eras that are "normally" out of reach for most his age (just over half my age).
His lifetime location in Canada gives him just that much more of an international edge, as well! In short, color me impressed by his abilities! We've actually got another TT already in the can for summer pub! We got to our last song on this one, and he just wanted to keep it going!!! Ya gotta love that about the whippersnapper!🎵😁👍In short...you rock, Mark!
One of my favourite Tune Tags. Ever. There, I said it!
Number of reasons, in no particular order. First, the tracks. All of them superbly produced. Some I knew but was glad to hear again. Some new discoveries.
Second, the tags themselves. Mark came super prepared, and I love that, but I also love the many tricks Brad has up his sleeve. The name of the game, and tagging the Tag(g)?! 😅 Come on!! Brilliant 👏🏻 Talk about thinking outside the (juke)box.
Third, I loved the variety of tags throughout: words, record labels, session players, covers, years, etc.
Nice to see me rocking the mug, as well! Thanks! By the way, dear reader, have you got yours?
Amazing work, gents!
Thanks Andy! 😀
Thanks, Andy! You've wrapped it all up perfectly! When the Taggers are talented, and go above and beyond, you get a wonderful symphony of songs like we have here with Mark's inspired picks! And, your identifying the various ways a Tag can be employed....when that can be achieved, an entertaining Tag ensues!
Andy's right, readers......lots of great Mug-worthy holidays coming up....Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and don't forget birthdays, anniversaries, and the blooming of spring flowers!
Plus, Tune Tag mugs are available in 8 colorful hues!👇
https://front-row-and-backstage.printify.me/product/17441212/music-lovers-accent-coffee-mug-perfect-for-friends-and-coffee-enthusiasts
Absolutely! The versatility of the game is unmatched. Well done, once again.
And dear readers, I cannot recommend the mug enough! And the candle. And the FR&B notepad. Gonna have to visit the store again soon!
A fantastic batch of tracks this week, thoroughly enjoyed the music and the tagging guys, thanks!
Love the ABBA track to kick things off, a true classic, one of their best.
Never heard of Bourgeois Tagg but I loved that track! They would definitely have been in my wheelhouse back in the early 80s if I’d heard of them. Will need to check out the full album.
Wow, what a track by Dusty Springfield! Never heard it before but it was fantastic!! Brenda Russell is an artist I’ve been meaning to explore for years. Never heard a track from her I didn’t enjoy.
Thanks Mark! I don't remember how I wound up hearing that Dusty Springfield track but it's a good one!
"They would definitely have been in my wheelhouse back in the early 80s if I’d heard of them." I love that statement, Mark! That's why we're here (among several other reasons!)....we'll let you hear what radio didn't/couldn't/wouldn't!
Coming this weekend is a group and song from 2003 you may not have heard at the time....I didn't! But, I heard it recently, and it's killer! Stay tuned!
That Dusty track was new to me, too, 'cause even if it was around the same time as her late-'70s U.S. United Artists albums (which I had), that single was not a Stateside release, and a UK issue!
Bourgeois Tagg is worth digging into (especially that Todd-produced "YoYo" album). Somewhere, I'm social media friends with Brent Bourgeois...whether it be FB or another. When I slap this TT onto the socials, I'll try to....uh, tagg him, and see if I can bring him out from the shadows! I'll holler to FR&B-ers if I make contact!
In short, the MER-Mark played a wonderful Tag, and I loved his song and artist choices! Would you believe we've already got his #3 in the can....it'll drop mid-summer! Again, stay tuned!!😁Thanks again, Mark!!
Oh that's a fun tune tag. As Andres say, the back-and-forth is entertaining, and the tags are creative, and there's a bunch of music that I like. I have a few (hopefully) fun connections to share, but let me say that I enjoyed all of the songs.
I thought the Brenda Russell track really sounded great. "Doctor's Daughter" could also be connected to Dusty Springfield -- it has some obvious parallels with "Son Of A Preacher Man."
Both ABBA and Grace Jones are classics.
It was fun to see Clive Gregson show-up. I was just having a conversation with someone who reminded me about his 80s work with Christine Collister which is very good ( for example -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmAyAbgnIGk ). I believe they met because they were both working with Richard Thompson (here's a very nice recording of the three of them covering a Byrds song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOGubXvfxow )
Over the last year, I've been coming back to Grace Jones and really enjoying her work. Speaking of Island Records, I particularly like her recordings at the Compass Point Studio working with the Island Records house band. One of my favorite tracks is her cover of Roxy Music's "Love Is The Drug" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZlaPO8YQwo
This is a good article about what makes those recordings special
https://thequietus.com/opinion-and-essays/anniversary/grace-jones-warm-leatherette-compass-point-trilogy/
"What Blackwell did was provide the essential creative platform for Jones. Warm Leatherette wasn’t just intended to showcase a new type of music, although it certainly did that. It was also meant as the calling card for a grander project: the creation of an Island house band, studio and sound.
In Blackwell’s vision, the Compass Point Studios he had built in Nassau, the Bahamas in 1977 would take its place alongside Sun Studios, Muscle Shoals, RCA Studio B and Abbey Road as one of those spaces with an aura, a legend, an identity, an indelible association with a particular musical ethos. The band he installed there, who with no little justification labelled themselves the Compass Point All Stars, were intended to join the Wrecking Crew, the Funk Brothers, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, as one of the great house bands. The idea was that Compass Point would do for reggae what those studios and those collectives had done for rock & roll, for soul, for rock, for mainstream pop, for R&B, for country; it would both draw upon and develop it, retain its essence while shaping it into a modern, cosmopolitan, superbly crafted proposition with huge commercial appeal.
On some terms, Blackwell’s vision succeeded – Compass Point became a destination for major artists, throughout both its first run in the 80s, and its revival in the 90s and 00s before its managers deemed Nassau too dangerous for visiting bands and closed the operation down. On others, it fell short. ..."
Thanks Nick! Grace Jones is one of my idols!
Thanks so much, Nick, for this, as well as the compliments for Mark and myself! I'm glad you like the Brenda Russell track....it was one of those songs, that, in the midst of a fun-to-listen-to album, just stuck out and spoke to me both lyrically and musically!
I like your connection of Stephen's "Doctor's Daughter" to "Son of a Preacher Man".....Stephen would, I think, agree...and, be flattered!
Just reading up on Gregson...he worked, it seems, with mostly females (post- Any Trouble)---at least, a lot of ladies have recorded songs he's written---and he's just two months older than I...and, has made his home in my hometown of Houston! Wonder if he's an Astros fan!
Great POV on Chris Blackwell....I didn't know he was so entwined on the studio end. I'd only appreciated his Island prowess and signings. Thanks again, Nick....for this, and your appreciated following and contributions to the FR&B family!
Thanks for the kind words; very glad to add my part to the FR&B family.
One interesting addendum about Island records. I had looked up that article when I was trying to find out more about those Grace Jones recording. But, after this conversation I looked up Compass Point Studios and it's interesting that wikipedia only lists 12 albums made with the full Compass Points All Stars band -- 3 of which are by Grace Jones.
So it really looks like those albums were not only among the best by Grace Jones but also the best recorded by that group.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass_Point_Studios
Great fun guys! Any Tune Tag that starts with ABBA is all right by me!
Thanks Dan! As you know, they're one of my favourites and they don't pop up on TT much!
Thanks, Dan! Now, the goal hits me to begin with ABBA and, somehow, end with Boulder, Colorado's Zephyr, guitarist, Tommy Bolin's first band!😁👍https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zephyr_(band)
Thanks, Linda.....You're right about the music history knowledge of our fellow 'Stackers! I've been loud'n'proud about Mark's depth and volume of knowledge and rock/pop history for a while, now! He's clearly got an innate "nose" for music genres and eras that are "normally" out of reach for most his age (just over half my age).
His lifetime location in Canada gives him just that much more of an international edge, as well! In short, color me impressed by his abilities! We've actually got another TT already in the can for summer pub! We got to our last song on this one, and he just wanted to keep it going!!! Ya gotta love that about the whippersnapper!🎵😁👍In short...you rock, Mark!
Thanks Brad!
Glad you enjoyed it, Linda!