We embark on a voyage to a land of lesser-heard classic rock artists & tunes! Yacht Rock Radio might play them, but some of these eluded terrestrial radio 5 decades ago. We're doing what they didn't!
Great piece as always! Interesting how volatile the post-band future for some artists can be. Some achieve even greater success (on a commercial and creative level) whereas some never manage to match the heights of the bands they left behind. I’ve often wondered whether this is due to talent, luck, synchronicity with the times, or a combination of these (and more).
Thanks, Andy! I was amazed, looking back, to discover that Carmen's and Gabriel's respective departures were within such a close proximity, time-wise! Each's solo-going had different motivators, but regardless, they had to wonder about their futures....for about 5 minutes!
Neither could have possibly thought they'd be "alone" for long....I'm betting there were bidding wars aplenty for each before they signed their respective deals! How nice to have such a cache of material behind you to embark on such unknown, but wide open, musical territories!
While each might have (even for the shortest amount of time) gone, "Yikers! What do I do now?! How will I live?!", label execs were all agog: "Holy crap! Do you see who's available now?! Let's move to sign him!"
You set us up to believe that Eric Carmen was a possible replacement for Gabriel in Genesis! Ha, now that's a perfect use for AI, if ever there was one!
As a fellow lover of the leisure water-vessel music, I appreciate this "part 2" post. Count me as one who did not know Sutherland Bros. & Quiver. and Bruce Thomas was in the band? That was the mind-blown factoid for me. 🤯
Lastly, "Bad Time" is one of my all-time favorite songs. I will admit, though, to preferring The Jayhawks version of it.
I was just amazed, when I put my head to it...."hey, didn't Carmen and Gabriel leave their respective bands at about the same time?" Yep, within a month! Which would mean nothing if one wasn't (as I was) a fan of both at the time.
I've got about 3-4 more YPAs in the Q (each with 3 artists/songs)....a list came easily several weeks ago when I created it, so stay tuned!
I had Quiver's first two Warner Bros albums ('71, '72...I was 17)...more largesse Dad brought home from the radio station! I wish I could tell you I listened to both relentlessly (although I did hear them), but they were battling for bedroom-turntable time with the likes of Tull, Sabbath, Alice, Neil Young, Joni, White Witch, Van Morrison, ad infinitum! Which is the exact dynamics that happened at radio stations across the nation at the time!
If The Jayhawks' cover was the first version of "Bad Time" you heard, that's likely why you prefer it. More importantly (and I know nothing about The Jayhawks' library of songs), I'm betting "Bad Time" was less of a stylistic leap for the 'Hawks as it was a gigantic shift for Grand Funk (even with Todd's "American Band" pop-forward hit two years before).
One just has to look at the Raspberries' recipe for wonder-pop that helped to whelp "Bad Time," sonically: Capitol and Jimmy Ienner (and the songwriting growth of Farner....and, a short-term rough patch with his lady that prompted it)!
I'm not sure if I heard the Jayhawks version first or not. It's a quite faithful cover, but for me, the harmonies of Mark Olson and Gary Louris are what elevate it to levels the GFR original doesn't reach. It also has the advantage of being better recorded. It really is such a perfect song, either way.
I meant to mention my thoughts on the 'Hawks cover, as it's the first time I'd heard it. I enjoyed their arrangement, and the swing they put on it. But, you're right about the harmonies (and the unison double-tracking)...nicely done, and separates it (as covers should!) from the original right nicely!
Olson and Louris... throw me into a different listening mode and I really like that zone! I also felt that O’Martian (sic) added that third level. I wish that Olson could carry over his Jayhawks persona to his solo releases. His work in ‘The Continental Drifters’ is also very well matched with the rest of that talented band.
The Jayhawks make good albums not just good songs. There was a Canadian duo called The Cash Brothers that were a Canadian band that had excellent vocals and approached the structuring of their music like the Jayhawks. Have you guys heard them?
I was just playing Tomorrow the Green Grass earlier today. It’s either that or Hollywood Town Hall that are my favorite, but I think the post-Olson albums are excellent too. Karen Grotberg’s vocals are a lovely added flavor to the later albums. I don’t know the Cash Brothers but I’m gonna look them up now.
Yes! And, I always like thinking that (yes, besides a paycheck), when one of these star players says "yes" to a session, they're giving their "stamp of musical approval" to the one who hired them!
EXACTLY. Star players can pick and choose. It must also be a cascading effect, so you get a core group, with someone like Porcaro, and things start to fall in place. Fascinating.
My teenage son is autistic and one day I overheard him singing "All By Myself" in the shower. Not surprisingly, I talked with him later, concerned he was having a tough period and that was why he was singing the song that he told me was one of his favorites.
But he didn't see the song as down or bittersweet at all. He told me it was a very optimistic song, which is why he loved it. "He singing that he has been by himself, but he doesn't want to be anymore. He's deciding to go out and make friends and so it's inspirational!"
It's not at all the take I would have had on the song. But if it makes him happy.
BTW, I am a sucker for Camen's much less-loved "Boats Against The Current" album, which includes "She Did It" and "Marathon Man."
I followed Carmen for a long time on Twitter, but his is one of those people whose brains seemed to break a bit during the pandemic. He became pretty extreme and eventually deleted his account entirely.
That's a sweet story about your son. It's all about interpretation...any songwriter would love that! I had all of Carmen's solo albums, and love "She Did It" (it might show up on a future YPA!). I don't recall "Marathon Man," and I'm sure there are other solo songs of his I should re-acquaint myself with!
Another excellently crafted list of musicians and musicians !
“Power Pop” is a tougher category/genre and your other references were spot on... especially Todd Rundgren. Rundgren virtually invented the power chord when he produced/engineered The New York Dolls debut album.
Loved you dropping in Grand Funk Railroad big sounds with a power pop destination lingering in most tracks. Watching them live and hearing them play “An American Band” is quite a treat.
Most of all, your inclusion of Sutherland Brothers and Quiver is right up there with Roy Wood... ok, ok that’s a bit over the top on my part but still what a choice!!! Tim Renwick IS the most underrated guitarist (along with Prince) the second half of the 20th century. Renwick is also found playing rhythm guitar for The Pink Floyd on the performance “The Delicate Sound of Thunder”.
Your mentions of Cal Batchelor is sharp, he did so much for English bands who struggled to get a solid sound as he was prolific as a session musician. Didn’t know about Willie playing with The Pink Floyd” until now as I could see a drummer playing beside Mason.
Side note: I found Quiver’s first album at the same place I found my personal copy of Linc Mayorga’s album (after I sold it back in’76) while visiting Arizona a few weeks ago plus just last night we played a Sutherland Brothers and Quiver song since Carol (boss, wife, director, a person who is always correct and continually lets me know) wanted the library of music to be randomly played. I find synchronicity all over music but especially with The Pink Floyd.
I love your choice of music and the background you provide. After reading this I have greater respect for Eric Carmen.
Thanks, IP! I'm glad you so thoroughly enjoyed! So many UK-area guitarists are "just under the surface"--joining Renwick and Batchelor, IMO, are Kevin Ayers, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, and Kevin Coyne, among others! Cool timing on your getting the Quiver debut. I feel like we might be the only two on the planet to ever own it!
And, I love your last 2 sentences! Thank you so much, and greater respect in Eric's direction is very well-justified, and I'm happy I could help you down that road!😁👍
Great! That's what we're here for, Andrew.....so many artists (and songs) had a tiny mainstream breakthrough here, and one there (in Carmen's case, a movie soundtrack and a Celine cover hit, decades apart), but so much of his catalogue (group and solo) is completely unknown by many.....but, not by you! Good on ya, bruh, and happy listening!
Great piece as always! Interesting how volatile the post-band future for some artists can be. Some achieve even greater success (on a commercial and creative level) whereas some never manage to match the heights of the bands they left behind. I’ve often wondered whether this is due to talent, luck, synchronicity with the times, or a combination of these (and more).
Thanks, Andy! I was amazed, looking back, to discover that Carmen's and Gabriel's respective departures were within such a close proximity, time-wise! Each's solo-going had different motivators, but regardless, they had to wonder about their futures....for about 5 minutes!
Neither could have possibly thought they'd be "alone" for long....I'm betting there were bidding wars aplenty for each before they signed their respective deals! How nice to have such a cache of material behind you to embark on such unknown, but wide open, musical territories!
While each might have (even for the shortest amount of time) gone, "Yikers! What do I do now?! How will I live?!", label execs were all agog: "Holy crap! Do you see who's available now?! Let's move to sign him!"
Absolutely. Their track record and, crucially, their potential, for sure kept their doors and options wide open!
You set us up to believe that Eric Carmen was a possible replacement for Gabriel in Genesis! Ha, now that's a perfect use for AI, if ever there was one!
As a fellow lover of the leisure water-vessel music, I appreciate this "part 2" post. Count me as one who did not know Sutherland Bros. & Quiver. and Bruce Thomas was in the band? That was the mind-blown factoid for me. 🤯
Lastly, "Bad Time" is one of my all-time favorite songs. I will admit, though, to preferring The Jayhawks version of it.
https://youtu.be/CprL7Wtf5x8?si=MJhx2P-iI4UOM33V
I was just amazed, when I put my head to it...."hey, didn't Carmen and Gabriel leave their respective bands at about the same time?" Yep, within a month! Which would mean nothing if one wasn't (as I was) a fan of both at the time.
I've got about 3-4 more YPAs in the Q (each with 3 artists/songs)....a list came easily several weeks ago when I created it, so stay tuned!
I had Quiver's first two Warner Bros albums ('71, '72...I was 17)...more largesse Dad brought home from the radio station! I wish I could tell you I listened to both relentlessly (although I did hear them), but they were battling for bedroom-turntable time with the likes of Tull, Sabbath, Alice, Neil Young, Joni, White Witch, Van Morrison, ad infinitum! Which is the exact dynamics that happened at radio stations across the nation at the time!
If The Jayhawks' cover was the first version of "Bad Time" you heard, that's likely why you prefer it. More importantly (and I know nothing about The Jayhawks' library of songs), I'm betting "Bad Time" was less of a stylistic leap for the 'Hawks as it was a gigantic shift for Grand Funk (even with Todd's "American Band" pop-forward hit two years before).
One just has to look at the Raspberries' recipe for wonder-pop that helped to whelp "Bad Time," sonically: Capitol and Jimmy Ienner (and the songwriting growth of Farner....and, a short-term rough patch with his lady that prompted it)!
I'm not sure if I heard the Jayhawks version first or not. It's a quite faithful cover, but for me, the harmonies of Mark Olson and Gary Louris are what elevate it to levels the GFR original doesn't reach. It also has the advantage of being better recorded. It really is such a perfect song, either way.
I meant to mention my thoughts on the 'Hawks cover, as it's the first time I'd heard it. I enjoyed their arrangement, and the swing they put on it. But, you're right about the harmonies (and the unison double-tracking)...nicely done, and separates it (as covers should!) from the original right nicely!
Olson and Louris... throw me into a different listening mode and I really like that zone! I also felt that O’Martian (sic) added that third level. I wish that Olson could carry over his Jayhawks persona to his solo releases. His work in ‘The Continental Drifters’ is also very well matched with the rest of that talented band.
The Jayhawks make good albums not just good songs. There was a Canadian duo called The Cash Brothers that were a Canadian band that had excellent vocals and approached the structuring of their music like the Jayhawks. Have you guys heard them?
I was just playing Tomorrow the Green Grass earlier today. It’s either that or Hollywood Town Hall that are my favorite, but I think the post-Olson albums are excellent too. Karen Grotberg’s vocals are a lovely added flavor to the later albums. I don’t know the Cash Brothers but I’m gonna look them up now.
I had not heard or heard of The Cash Brothers. Steve will offer a response for ya.
I loved "Boats Against the Current" more than critics did at the time. But, what do I know?
You know dynamite musicians, Mike! Remind yourself of that album's cast o' players:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boats_Against_the_Current
I loved "She Did It." Here's proof, in case you missed it:
https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/yacht-pop-anchors-3-beach-boys-edition?utm_source=publication-search
That LP's sax section alone! Man. And Brian Wilson on backing vocals. Gold along with Andrew Gold.
Yes! And, I always like thinking that (yes, besides a paycheck), when one of these star players says "yes" to a session, they're giving their "stamp of musical approval" to the one who hired them!
EXACTLY. Star players can pick and choose. It must also be a cascading effect, so you get a core group, with someone like Porcaro, and things start to fall in place. Fascinating.
My teenage son is autistic and one day I overheard him singing "All By Myself" in the shower. Not surprisingly, I talked with him later, concerned he was having a tough period and that was why he was singing the song that he told me was one of his favorites.
But he didn't see the song as down or bittersweet at all. He told me it was a very optimistic song, which is why he loved it. "He singing that he has been by himself, but he doesn't want to be anymore. He's deciding to go out and make friends and so it's inspirational!"
It's not at all the take I would have had on the song. But if it makes him happy.
BTW, I am a sucker for Camen's much less-loved "Boats Against The Current" album, which includes "She Did It" and "Marathon Man."
I followed Carmen for a long time on Twitter, but his is one of those people whose brains seemed to break a bit during the pandemic. He became pretty extreme and eventually deleted his account entirely.
That's a sweet story about your son. It's all about interpretation...any songwriter would love that! I had all of Carmen's solo albums, and love "She Did It" (it might show up on a future YPA!). I don't recall "Marathon Man," and I'm sure there are other solo songs of his I should re-acquaint myself with!
Thanks for sharing that, Rick.
Another excellently crafted list of musicians and musicians !
“Power Pop” is a tougher category/genre and your other references were spot on... especially Todd Rundgren. Rundgren virtually invented the power chord when he produced/engineered The New York Dolls debut album.
Loved you dropping in Grand Funk Railroad big sounds with a power pop destination lingering in most tracks. Watching them live and hearing them play “An American Band” is quite a treat.
Most of all, your inclusion of Sutherland Brothers and Quiver is right up there with Roy Wood... ok, ok that’s a bit over the top on my part but still what a choice!!! Tim Renwick IS the most underrated guitarist (along with Prince) the second half of the 20th century. Renwick is also found playing rhythm guitar for The Pink Floyd on the performance “The Delicate Sound of Thunder”.
Your mentions of Cal Batchelor is sharp, he did so much for English bands who struggled to get a solid sound as he was prolific as a session musician. Didn’t know about Willie playing with The Pink Floyd” until now as I could see a drummer playing beside Mason.
Side note: I found Quiver’s first album at the same place I found my personal copy of Linc Mayorga’s album (after I sold it back in’76) while visiting Arizona a few weeks ago plus just last night we played a Sutherland Brothers and Quiver song since Carol (boss, wife, director, a person who is always correct and continually lets me know) wanted the library of music to be randomly played. I find synchronicity all over music but especially with The Pink Floyd.
I love your choice of music and the background you provide. After reading this I have greater respect for Eric Carmen.
Thanks, IP! I'm glad you so thoroughly enjoyed! So many UK-area guitarists are "just under the surface"--joining Renwick and Batchelor, IMO, are Kevin Ayers, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, and Kevin Coyne, among others! Cool timing on your getting the Quiver debut. I feel like we might be the only two on the planet to ever own it!
And, I love your last 2 sentences! Thank you so much, and greater respect in Eric's direction is very well-justified, and I'm happy I could help you down that road!😁👍
Nice! Listening to Carmen's early stuff right now. I can see the influence he had on later artists.
Also: my main exposure to him was probably from Dirty Dancing, so I wasn't exposed to his earlier stuff. I'm interested now.
Great! That's what we're here for, Andrew.....so many artists (and songs) had a tiny mainstream breakthrough here, and one there (in Carmen's case, a movie soundtrack and a Celine cover hit, decades apart), but so much of his catalogue (group and solo) is completely unknown by many.....but, not by you! Good on ya, bruh, and happy listening!