Phonographic Memory

ladyislingering · 05-19-2013, 11:59 AM

Let's start with a little bit of classic motown.

Gladys Knight & The Pips - "I Heard it Through the Grapevine"

Spoiler for Gladys is so cute, though!:

And just a little more.

Martha & The Vandellas - "Nowhere to Run"

Spoiler for Weird video!:

Junior Walker & The All Stars - "Shotgun"

Spoiler for Funky stuff.:

This is one of my mother's favorite songs, and one that will always remind me of my childhood.

Little Anthony & The Imperials - "Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop"

Spoiler for Kids were singing this damn chorus everywhere in the 90s. Why?:

Well, would you look at what I found ... almost forgot about this one.

The Mamas & The Papas - "Creque Alley"

Spoiler for RIP my beautiful Californian days:

I was jamming out to this in the car this morning.

Dusty Springfield - "Anyone Who Had a Heart"

Spoiler for Dusty is the real queen.:

A little more Dusty...

"All Cried Out"

Spoiler for RIP Dusty.:

This has been running through my head off and on for a few days...

Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Run Through the Jungle"

Spoiler for Stoned memories attached to this one.:

Next time: T. Rex.

Gavin B. · 05-19-2013, 05:42 PM

You newest post brought back a few memories for me.

My parents used to mix up martinis at yard parties and everybody would dance in a conga line to Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop. It was like a scene out of the cable television show Mad Men.

I had forgotten what a great song All Cried Out was. I have a remastered copy of A Girl Called Dusty where the mix sounds much better. Most of the dozens of Dusty anthologies were mastered in pre-digital age and have the sound quality of an 8 track tape player.

I've listened to the Mamas & Papas for years and somehow I never came across the across the song Twelve-Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To the Canyon) until about five years ago. Like California Dreamin' autobiographical song about John Phillips' move from New York City to Laurel Canyon in sunny La-La Land. I think it's the most beautiful song John Phillips ever wrote. The lead vocal harmonies by Cass & Denny on the verses are so lovely I get a lump in my throat whenever I play the song.

ladyislingering · 05-19-2013, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin B.

You newest post brought back a few memories for me.

My parents used to mix up martinis at yard parties and everybody would dance in a conga line to Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop. It was like a scene out of the cable television show Mad Men.

I had forgotten what a great song All Cried Out was. I have a remastered copy of A Girl Called Dusty where the mix sounds much better. Most of the dozens of Dusty anthologies were mastered in pre-digital age and have the sound quality of an 8 track tape player.

I've listened to the Mamas & Papas for years and somehow I never came across the across the song Twelve-Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To the Canyon) until about five years ago. Like California Dreamin' autobiographical song about John Phillips' move from New York City to Laurel Canyon in sunny La-La Land. I think it's the most beautiful song John Phillips ever wrote. The lead vocal harmonies by Cass & Denny on the verses are so lovely I get a lump in my throat whenever I play the song.

I was absolutely shivering listening to that track. I've never heard it before, but I should always know that any song of theirs is a beauty. Never have I heard vocal harmonies as pure or beautiful as The Mamas & The Papas. Nobody will ever come close to the talent they had.

ladyislingering · 05-21-2013, 12:58 AM

I feel it's more appropriate to put the scheduled feature of T. Rex on hold for another night, to make way for The Doors. Ray Manzarek, keyboardist, passed away last night in Germany after a long struggle with bile duct cancer. I was deeply saddened by this news; I'm still sad, but coping. All our heroes must die eventually.

Sleep well, Ray. You and Jim have a lot of catching up to do. You are so loved and admired.

I'll start with one of my most favorite Doors track:

"The Crystal Ship"

Spoiler for "we'll meet again.":

This next track will always remind me of the winter I spent in my father's basement after coming home from Cincinnati. I sat there in the dark for weeks, just my records and I, trying to heal my shattered soul.

"When the Music's Over"

Spoiler for 'music is your only friend - until the end.':

This will always remind me of drunk times in our apartment in California. Very drunk times. Falling-asleep-in-the-bathroom times.

"Soul Kitchen"

Spoiler for "Learn to forget.... learn to forget.":

And then there's this. I love this song so much, perhaps because it dates itself a little bit. And it makes me so comfortable.

"20th Century Fox"

Spoiler for "she's no drag, just watch the way she walks...":

I've always loved the bassline in this, but Ray's keyboards are ever prominent. Just fabulous. And this one sounds like a vinyl rip. Hell yeah.

"Peace Frog/Blue Sunday"

Spoiler for "she came and then she drove away - sunlight in her hair":

My dad fancied the Doors when I was a kid; he didn't collect much of their material (I made up for that later in my life with my records, though) apart from a Greatest Hits album. This next song will always remind me of being about 8 years old and in a fuss because it was raining like crazy outside. It later became a favorite of mine in high school, because I was ... well, strange.

"People Are Strange"

Spoiler for Jim's pretty nice to watch, god damn.:

Close-ups of Ray's golden hands, Robby's black eye, Jim Morrison looking drunk as hell, and this lovely song. What more could you ever want out of a video? Seriously!

"Touch Me" (Live on Smothers Brothers)

Spoiler for 1968 Ray can sure as hell touch me.:

Remember "Gloria"? Shadows of Knight? Aww yeah, man. That's some groovy stuff. Well ... Jim Morrison had it in his mind and turned it into some sort of super-horny masterpiece.

And here it is.

The Doors - "Gloria"

Spoiler for it even made ME blush a little.:

And here's more of Jim getting all horny on us.

"Backdoor Man"

Spoiler for "But the Little Girls Understand" is also an album by the Knack.:

Fan yourself off and get a load of this. I've always loved the bass-heavy sound of this.

"Five to One"

Spoiler for So fine.:

This is one of the grooviest Doors songs. I can't find the right words, but I love the distortion. I love the electronic sound. It must have really blown some brains clear out of their skulls at the time it was released. It's just unlike anything else that was going on at the time.

"Waiting for the Sun"

Spoiler for It's all you, Mr. Manzarek.:

This next song reminds me of many nights spent completely drugged out of all fathomable consciousness, but just aware to the point where I could understand the lyrics. And I took them to heart. This song stayed with me for a very long time.

"You're Lost, Little Girl"

Spoiler for And the tears are flowing.:

Lastly, who could forget Ray's defining masterpiece, the big, crazy-long keyboard solo in "Light My Fire" ... he's banging it out on TWO FREAKING PIANOS HERE.

"Light My Fire" (Live)

RIP Ray Manzarek, the man with the golden hands. We lost a remarkable man today. There's so much more I could have included in this feature, but I think this will suffice. For now, there is no more pain for Ray, only a beautiful legacy left behind.

Trollheart · 05-21-2013, 11:18 AM

RIP Ray.

I was never a fan of the Doors, but even I could see this guy was something special at the keys. Either way, it's another rock legend lost to us and as someone once said, every death diminishes us all.

Ride that storm, Ray!

Gavin B. · 05-21-2013, 12:59 PM

I always wondered who was playing the bass on the Door's studio albums. A few years back I heard an interview with Ray Manzarek on NPR and he said the Doors never used a bass player in live shows or on studio recordings. Manzareck said he played the keyboard parts with his right hand while playing the bass lines on the organ with his left hand. Damn, I never knew that!

I don't envy old rock & roll soldiers like Manzarek who spend the rest of their adult lives in the shadow of the musical accomplishments they earned when they were young and in their twenties.

It's hard to reinvent yourself if you used to play keyboards for the Doors. Manzarek stayed in the music business and produced a small legacy of respectable solo albums & even produced the Los Angeles the acknowledged masterpiece of the band X, L.A.'s premier punk band.

ladyislingering · 05-21-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

I was never a fan of the Doors, but even I could see this guy was something special at the keys.

I've been fond of the Doors for years, but I never knew Ray's talent extended to this -

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin B.

Manzareck said he played the keyboard parts with his right hand while playing the bass lines on the organ with his left hand. Damn, I never knew that! .

Seriously, Ray was a keyboard badass.

ladyislingering · 05-21-2013, 09:55 PM

Before I begin with this next feature, I have to stress the importance of the following statement:

I love Marc Bolan. I adore him for everything he was. It hurts a little, and my heart aches when I think of how his life ended. He was completely adorable, full of himself, believed in what he wanted in this world, and wouldn't settle for anything less. He is someone to be admired.

Glam is often dismissed as "silly" in all its flamboyance, but Marc Bolan was glam rock. He was the two-penny prince, and I absolutely love his fabulous little soul.

Spoiler for Questionable content to follow:

Here's the promised T. Rex feature.

This song will always remind me of my first time borrowing a rental car - I took it to the airport, and drove past 40 miles of cows and trees.

Marc's on backing vocals here - he spent a little time with this group in the late 60s. Ki and I had a stray cat named Desdemona Delilah. Or, simply, Desi D.

John's Children - "Desdemona"

Lift up your skirt and fly.

Andy Ellison was also a part of John's Children; he later went on to play with Radio Stars, with ex-Sparks bassist Martin Gordon. Marc later invited Radio Stars to his TV program in the late 70s.

Now here's Marc with Steve Peregrin Took - T. Rex was once Tyrannosaurus Rex, a folk duo.

Tyrannosaurus Rex - "Debora"

Spoiler for La la la la la la:

You can hear Marc speak here in this bootleg. He had a delicate speaking voice that makes me weak in the knees.

"Mustang Ford"

Spoiler for "It's all put together with alligator leather...":

"Chariots of Silk"

Spoiler for So pretty.:

Along came Mickey Finn (who met his demise in 2003 after a lifelong struggle with alcoholism) and this happened ...

"Lofty Skies"

Spoiler for "We kissed and cried.":

"Jewel"

Spoiler for More prettiness.:

"Seagull Woman"

Spoiler for "One day we changed from children, into people.":

Their sound began to change in the early 70s.

"Ride a White Swan"

Spoiler for "Wear your hair long, babe, you can't go wrong.":

1971 brought us the T. Rex record that everyone and their mother knows. "Electric Warrior" ... which brought us the song that everyone knows. You know the one.

"Get it On" (ToTP)

Spoiler for "You got the teeth of the hydra upon you..":

One of my personal favorites from this album -

"Mambo Sun"

Spoiler for Proper bedroom music.:

And another -

"Planet Queen"

Spoiler for "Flying saucer, take me away - give me your daughter!":

Then, in '72, another popular T. Rex record was released. Let us not forget this next track, which was released only as a single, but kicks ass.

"20th Century Boy"

Spoiler for Seriously.:

This next song also suffered the same fate.

"Children of the Revolution"

Spoiler for "I drive a Rolls Royce, 'cause it's good for my voice!":

Marc Bolan never drove a Rolls Royce. He never drove anything, because he was terrified of dying in a car. (Much like myself - except, unlike Marc, I've had a license, and I drive every once in a while despite my fears.)

Speaking of cars...

"Cadillac"

Spoiler for "There's a shadow in my basement, and I'm scared to sleep alone!":

"Buick MacKane"

Spoiler for Super groovy.:

And if you don't feel like a super badass listening to this, I don't think we're listening to the same song.

"Chariot Choogle"

Spoiler for Super cheesy "yehhh" sounds!:

Mark Volman of The Turtles sang backup on many tracks from "The Slider". If that isn't the most badass thing you've ever heard, get out of here. Seriously. Just go.

Last two from "The Slider" that I really really dig -

"Baby Strange"

Spoiler for "I wanna call ya - I wanna ball ya" - how charming.:

"Telegram Sam"

Spoiler for "Youuuuu are my main man!" ;D:

"Tanx" (1973) was kind of a disaster (as well as the albums that followed, up to 1977...) thanks to a host of illicit substances (mostly cocaine) that were swimming through Marc's fine little self. So I think we'll just skip that whole thing for now and go right into this great track from "Dandy in the Underworld". Its title track.

Marc got his act together and had a child with Gloria Jones in '77. He had his own show, too.

Marc passed away in a car accident a couple weeks before his 30th birthday, on September 16th, 1977. He left behind his wife, Gloria, and his newborn son, Rolan.

Here's a photo of David Bowie being restrained by a couple friends after being harassed by the press at Marc's funeral. The two were very close friends.

There's a lot more that could have been added to this post, but I'm in a time crunch, and I would much rather inspire others to do a little digging of their own, and to fall in love with T. Rex on their own time.

By the way, I almost forgot to roll out my Song of the Day for 05/21/2013 -

This one's for Ki. Happy birthday tomorrow, sweetie.

The Beatles - "I'm Happy Just to Dance With You"

Next time: Who the hell knows?

ladyislingering · 05-23-2013, 07:49 PM

Song of the Day - 05/23/2013. I almost forgot about this until today.

Petula Clark - "My Love"

Petula makes me happy.

"Don't Sleep in the Subway"

Spoiler for fond memories of high school.:

"Downtown"

Spoiler for there is something so comforting about this song.:

Anyway, every so often this odd song runs through my head and reminds me of the entire week I spent as a sales associate at a Forever 21 shop in Northern California. I couldn't stand the irritating girls there; they were so preppy, plastic, caked with make-up, empty-headed. This song was the only tolerable thing that ever played in that store.

If only for the music. The lyrics are practically worthless.

Lindstrøm & Christabelle - "Lovesick"

Spoiler for in fact the vocals kind of ruin it a little.:

It always reminded me of this lush creation -

Lynsey De Paul - "Sugar Me"

Spoiler for I love this goddamn song.:

Around the time I discovered the song above, I was also getting groovy with Fox. This next song will always remind me of walking through town during the last summer I spent in Minnesota.

Fox - "Only You Can"

Spoiler for Noosha Fox is seriously hot though.:

And then there's this. I love this cheesy garbage.

Fox - "Imagine Me, Imagine You"

Spoiler for what would we doooooo?:

During my intro to Fox, I was also becoming acquainted with some similar (though lesser known) sounds of the 70s.

Sailor - "Girls, Girls, Girls"

Spoiler for What the hell is this genre anyway?:

Racey - "Some Girls"

Spoiler for More disco-ey doo-wop WHAT THE HELL IS THIS GENRE:

And this is just really dumb, but it's a real earworm.

Kenny - "The Bump"

Spoiler for How did my parents not murder me for playing this all the time?:

Was any youth complete without Sweet? Nope. NOPE NOPE.

Sweet - "Wig Wam Bam"

Spoiler for I'm not even sorry for loving this song.:

I have this next vinyl single. Because I had to have it, and yes, I played it to death.

Silver - "Wham Bam (Shang a Lang)"

Spoiler for More proof that some people just aren't good at writing songs.:

May as well throw in the Bay City Rollers ...

"Saturday Night"

Spoiler for simultaneously cute and irritating.:

Speaking of singles I drove my parents nuts with as a young lady ... my record suspiciously went missing at some point but I absolutely loved this song when I was about 15/16.

Rod Stewart - "You're In My Heart"

Spoiler for More cheese.:

This song actually popped into my head this morning. I don't know why. But I do remember loving this one around 13/14. I also loved Neil Sedaka, but we'll explore his wonders on a different occasion.

Captain & Tennille - "Love Will Keep Us Together"

Spoiler for bathing in nostalgia right about now.:

Here comes the part where I lose all credibility in having any sort of decent taste in music. I loved this song when I was about 14/15. Could these lyrics be any dumber? Good lord.

The DeFranco Family - "Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat)"

Spoiler for Why, young self? Why?:

And of course, I had to have this LP. Had to.

Marshall Hain - "Dancing in the City"

Spoiler for More dumb lyrics, but proper music.:

I think I'm going to aptly name this post (everything after Petula, of course) "really terrible crap I have loved".

Next time: Squeeze, and why they're pretty alright.

ladyislingering · 05-27-2013, 01:46 PM

Before I begin with the Squeeze feature, I've got to throw in a couple videos I watched this morning that totally blew me away. These are a couple songs I feel I've already talked about, but here's two live performances that are absolutely stellar.

Gayle McCormick has serious pipes of gold. If you can listen to her and not be impressed, you're probably tone deaf. The song below is a cover of the Shirelles' original hit; it's also been covered by the Carpenters, the Beatles, Cilla Black and even Ace goddamn Frehley.

Smith - "Baby It's You" (1969)

I know I've posted this next song at least twice, but I just found this video this morning. This is a live performance (though I can't tell if the music itself is a pre-recorded track) and the vocals are outstanding. Mark Stein appears to be on something funky as he bangs away at the organ like he's having an orgasm and grooving at the same time. Maybe that's all part of the charm.

I love this song (originally by Diana Ross & The Supremes); I love this group.

Vanilla Fudge - "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (1968)

Sometime during 2008/2009 I rediscovered this terrific group from London, Squeeze. Glenn Tillbrook and Chris Difford, two insanely skilled and clever songwriters, were the leaders of this new wave/power-pop group. I'd venture to say they were England's version of The Knack (except maybe a little less filthy).

Most American people remember Squeeze for this track. I know I did. This one's from 1981. The lyrics always made me a little uncomfortable because they're so difficult to figure out, but you can bet the vocals are smooth as hell. Here's some super-sexy vinyl.

Squeeze - "Tempted"

Apart from this song, I wasn't truly aware of the genius of Squeeze for years. Then I heard this. It's dumb, it's poppy, but it was different. Check that Cockney accent. Here's an early track from the late 70s.

"Cool for Cats"

The squaw is with the corporal, she's tied against a tree.
She doesn't mind the language; it's the beating she don't need.

Spoiler for Yes, the "Cool for Cats" LP is in my collection.:

Also from "Cool for Cats", this song will always remind me of one of the grossest human beings I ever had the misfortune of knowing. He was a chronic masturbator, and just an all-around disgusting creature. Good riddance.

"Touching Me, Touching You"

I'm always touching myself,
I've got nothing better to do,
and when I'm touching myself
I'm always thinking of you

Spoiler for fap fap fap fap fap fap fap:

Yet another odd track from "Cool for Cats", sort of disco-y but the lyrics are just fantastic.

"Slap and Tickle"

Spoiler for Though the chorus really means nothing.:

Though this is my favorite from the album. It's so pretty.

"Goodbye Girl"

Spoiler for Suunliiight on the linooooo...:

I have Squeeze's first LP on limited edition red vinyl. Why? I don't know; I had to have it, I guess. Here's a gem from that album (1978). I'm sort of surprised this song wasn't courtesy of Giorgio Moroder. I absolutely love this song.

"Take Me, I'm Yours"

Spoiler for Very Pet Shop Boys - just cooler.:

I'm relatively certain I have "Argybargy" (1980) in my collection but it's been a good year since I've looked at the majority of my records. This song always stood out to me.

"Another Nail in My Heart"

Spoiler for The dudes are looking cute in this video.:

I've always really loved this song, too. Maybe it's just the strange sound of it; I don't even really know what I love about it. I just love it. Maybe it's just so typical of the era, and so new-wavy. Or maybe it's just the synth sounds. I don't know; it's just cool.

"I Think I'm Go-Go"

Spoiler for Super cool.:

No truer words have ever been sung - "if I didn't love you, I'd hate you" - very accurate in my black and white world. More brilliant lyrics; it's just the Squeeze way.

"If I Didn't Love You"

Spoiler for Love the synth in this one.:

I do have to admit that I'm not terribly familiar with "East Side Story", Squeeze's 4th album. It's in my collection but I've never actually listened to it past "Tempted". I'll work on that sometime.

From their 5th album, "Sweets from a Stranger" (1982), a song that everyone's probably heard at least once at the grocery store.

"Black Coffee in Bed"

Spoiler for They sort of started getting lame at this point.:

This next one is just brilliant. I don't know what set of lyrics to quote here that could sum it all up; it's just lovely and lush.

"Tongue Like a Knife"

She was the jewel that sparkled in darkness,
she was the love of everyone's life,
she was the catch of everyone's parties,
she was the one with a tongue like a knife.

Spoiler for WARNING: VIDEO CUTS OFF EARLY. It was the only studio version I could find.:

I sort of lost interest in Squeeze past this album, but this next track (from 1987's "Babylon and On") is pretty cool. The brass is very typical of the late 80s, as are the rapidly-sung lyrics. But it sounds more like classic Squeeze than anything.

"Hourglass"

Spoiler for More 80s than you need.:

I'll throw this one in for good measure. It's a b-side from "Argybargy".

"Annie, Get Your Gun"

Spoiler for Pretty neat stuff.:

And I almost hate to admit it, but this song plays in my head whenever I've been in West Seattle.

"Up the Junction"

Spoiler for Though it makes me kind of sad.:

As you can tell, my obsession with Squeeze was brief and not terribly extensive. Perhaps someday I'll extend my knowledge of their catalogue. For now, this will have to do.

Though I really loved this hilarious song by Chris Difford. It sounds like something Weird Al wrote; it's just funny as hell.

Now I have tits just like my mum,
I'm out of breath before I run,
I like to eat, because it's fun!

"Fat as a Fiddle"

Next time: the genius of Weird Al Yankovic?? We'll see.

05-19-2013, 11:59 AM	#31 (permalink)
ladyislingering Maelian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seattle Posts: 695	Let's start with a little bit of classic motown. Gladys Knight & The Pips - "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" Spoiler for Gladys is so cute, though!: And just a little more. Martha & The Vandellas - "Nowhere to Run" Spoiler for Weird video!: Junior Walker & The All Stars - "Shotgun" Spoiler for Funky stuff.: This is one of my mother's favorite songs, and one that will always remind me of my childhood. Little Anthony & The Imperials - "Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop" Spoiler for Kids were singing this damn chorus everywhere in the 90s. Why?: Well, would you look at what I found ... almost forgot about this one. The Mamas & The Papas - "Creque Alley" Spoiler for RIP my beautiful Californian days: I was jamming out to this in the car this morning. Dusty Springfield - "Anyone Who Had a Heart" Spoiler for Dusty is the real queen.: A little more Dusty... "All Cried Out" Spoiler for RIP Dusty.: This has been running through my head off and on for a few days... Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Run Through the Jungle" Spoiler for Stoned memories attached to this one.: Next time: T. Rex. __________________ You and I, We were born to die.

05-19-2013, 05:42 PM	#32 (permalink)
Gavin B. Model Worker Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,248	You newest post brought back a few memories for me. My parents used to mix up martinis at yard parties and everybody would dance in a conga line to Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop. It was like a scene out of the cable television show Mad Men. I had forgotten what a great song All Cried Out was. I have a remastered copy of A Girl Called Dusty where the mix sounds much better. Most of the dozens of Dusty anthologies were mastered in pre-digital age and have the sound quality of an 8 track tape player. I've listened to the Mamas & Papas for years and somehow I never came across the across the song Twelve-Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To the Canyon) until about five years ago. Like California Dreamin' autobiographical song about John Phillips' move from New York City to Laurel Canyon in sunny La-La Land. I think it's the most beautiful song John Phillips ever wrote. The lead vocal harmonies by Cass & Denny on the verses are so lovely I get a lump in my throat whenever I play the song. __________________ There are two types of music: the first type is the blues and the second type is all the other stuff. Townes Van Zandt

05-21-2013, 12:58 AM	#34 (permalink)
ladyislingering Maelian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seattle Posts: 695	I feel it's more appropriate to put the scheduled feature of T. Rex on hold for another night, to make way for The Doors. Ray Manzarek, keyboardist, passed away last night in Germany after a long struggle with bile duct cancer. I was deeply saddened by this news; I'm still sad, but coping. All our heroes must die eventually. Sleep well, Ray. You and Jim have a lot of catching up to do. You are so loved and admired. I'll start with one of my most favorite Doors track: "The Crystal Ship" Spoiler for "we'll meet again.": This next track will always remind me of the winter I spent in my father's basement after coming home from Cincinnati. I sat there in the dark for weeks, just my records and I, trying to heal my shattered soul. "When the Music's Over" Spoiler for 'music is your only friend - until the end.': This will always remind me of drunk times in our apartment in California. Very drunk times. Falling-asleep-in-the-bathroom times. "Soul Kitchen" Spoiler for "Learn to forget.... learn to forget.": And then there's this. I love this song so much, perhaps because it dates itself a little bit. And it makes me so comfortable. "20th Century Fox" Spoiler for "she's no drag, just watch the way she walks...": I've always loved the bassline in this, but Ray's keyboards are ever prominent. Just fabulous. And this one sounds like a vinyl rip. Hell yeah. "Peace Frog/Blue Sunday" Spoiler for "she came and then she drove away - sunlight in her hair": My dad fancied the Doors when I was a kid; he didn't collect much of their material (I made up for that later in my life with my records, though) apart from a Greatest Hits album. This next song will always remind me of being about 8 years old and in a fuss because it was raining like crazy outside. It later became a favorite of mine in high school, because I was ... well, strange. "People Are Strange" Spoiler for Jim's pretty nice to watch, god damn.: Close-ups of Ray's golden hands, Robby's black eye, Jim Morrison looking drunk as hell, and this lovely song. What more could you ever want out of a video? Seriously! "Touch Me" (Live on Smothers Brothers) Spoiler for 1968 Ray can sure as hell touch me.: Remember "Gloria"? Shadows of Knight? Aww yeah, man. That's some groovy stuff. Well ... Jim Morrison had it in his mind and turned it into some sort of super-horny masterpiece. And here it is. The Doors - "Gloria" Spoiler for it even made ME blush a little.: And here's more of Jim getting all horny on us. "Backdoor Man" Spoiler for "But the Little Girls Understand" is also an album by the Knack.: Fan yourself off and get a load of this. I've always loved the bass-heavy sound of this. "Five to One" Spoiler for So fine.: This is one of the grooviest Doors songs. I can't find the right words, but I love the distortion. I love the electronic sound. It must have really blown some brains clear out of their skulls at the time it was released. It's just unlike anything else that was going on at the time. "Waiting for the Sun" Spoiler for It's all you, Mr. Manzarek.: This next song reminds me of many nights spent completely drugged out of all fathomable consciousness, but just aware to the point where I could understand the lyrics. And I took them to heart. This song stayed with me for a very long time. "You're Lost, Little Girl" Spoiler for And the tears are flowing.: Lastly, who could forget Ray's defining masterpiece, the big, crazy-long keyboard solo in "Light My Fire" ... he's banging it out on TWO FREAKING PIANOS HERE. "Light My Fire" (Live) RIP Ray Manzarek, the man with the golden hands. We lost a remarkable man today. There's so much more I could have included in this feature, but I think this will suffice. For now, there is no more pain for Ray, only a beautiful legacy left behind. __________________ You and I, We were born to die.

05-21-2013, 11:18 AM	#35 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,992	RIP Ray. I was never a fan of the Doors, but even I could see this guy was something special at the keys. Either way, it's another rock legend lost to us and as someone once said, every death diminishes us all. Ride that storm, Ray! __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

05-21-2013, 12:59 PM	#36 (permalink)
Gavin B. Model Worker Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,248	I always wondered who was playing the bass on the Door's studio albums. A few years back I heard an interview with Ray Manzarek on NPR and he said the Doors never used a bass player in live shows or on studio recordings. Manzareck said he played the keyboard parts with his right hand while playing the bass lines on the organ with his left hand. Damn, I never knew that! I don't envy old rock & roll soldiers like Manzarek who spend the rest of their adult lives in the shadow of the musical accomplishments they earned when they were young and in their twenties. It's hard to reinvent yourself if you used to play keyboards for the Doors. Manzarek stayed in the music business and produced a small legacy of respectable solo albums & even produced the Los Angeles the acknowledged masterpiece of the band X, L.A.'s premier punk band. __________________ There are two types of music: the first type is the blues and the second type is all the other stuff. Townes Van Zandt

05-21-2013, 09:55 PM	#38 (permalink)
ladyislingering Maelian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seattle Posts: 695	Before I begin with this next feature, I have to stress the importance of the following statement: I love Marc Bolan. I adore him for everything he was. It hurts a little, and my heart aches when I think of how his life ended. He was completely adorable, full of himself, believed in what he wanted in this world, and wouldn't settle for anything less. He is someone to be admired. Glam is often dismissed as "silly" in all its flamboyance, but Marc Bolan was glam rock. He was the two-penny prince, and I absolutely love his fabulous little soul. Spoiler for Questionable content to follow: Furthermore, had I been given the chance, and had I been alive at the right time, I definitely would have fucked him. Here's the promised T. Rex feature. This song will always remind me of my first time borrowing a rental car - I took it to the airport, and drove past 40 miles of cows and trees. Marc's on backing vocals here - he spent a little time with this group in the late 60s. Ki and I had a stray cat named Desdemona Delilah. Or, simply, Desi D. John's Children - "Desdemona" Lift up your skirt and fly. Andy Ellison was also a part of John's Children; he later went on to play with Radio Stars, with ex-Sparks bassist Martin Gordon. Marc later invited Radio Stars to his TV program in the late 70s. Now here's Marc with Steve Peregrin Took - T. Rex was once Tyrannosaurus Rex, a folk duo. Tyrannosaurus Rex - "Debora" Spoiler for La la la la la la: You can hear Marc speak here in this bootleg. He had a delicate speaking voice that makes me weak in the knees. "Mustang Ford" Spoiler for "It's all put together with alligator leather...": "Chariots of Silk" Spoiler for So pretty.: Along came Mickey Finn (who met his demise in 2003 after a lifelong struggle with alcoholism) and this happened ... "Lofty Skies" Spoiler for "We kissed and cried.": "Jewel" Spoiler for More prettiness.: "Seagull Woman" Spoiler for "One day we changed from children, into people.": Their sound began to change in the early 70s. "Ride a White Swan" Spoiler for "Wear your hair long, babe, you can't go wrong.": 1971 brought us the T. Rex record that everyone and their mother knows. "Electric Warrior" ... which brought us the song that everyone knows. You know the one. "Get it On" (ToTP) Spoiler for "You got the teeth of the hydra upon you..": One of my personal favorites from this album - "Mambo Sun" Spoiler for Proper bedroom music.: And another - "Planet Queen" Spoiler for "Flying saucer, take me away - give me your daughter!": Then, in '72, another popular T. Rex record was released. Let us not forget this next track, which was released only as a single, but kicks ass. "20th Century Boy" Spoiler for Seriously.: This next song also suffered the same fate. "Children of the Revolution" Spoiler for "I drive a Rolls Royce, 'cause it's good for my voice!": Marc Bolan never drove a Rolls Royce. He never drove anything, because he was terrified of dying in a car. (Much like myself - except, unlike Marc, I've had a license, and I drive every once in a while despite my fears.) Speaking of cars... "Cadillac" Spoiler for "There's a shadow in my basement, and I'm scared to sleep alone!": "Buick MacKane" Spoiler for Super groovy.: And if you don't feel like a super badass listening to this, I don't think we're listening to the same song. "Chariot Choogle" Spoiler for Super cheesy "yehhh" sounds!: Mark Volman of The Turtles sang backup on many tracks from "The Slider". If that isn't the most badass thing you've ever heard, get out of here. Seriously. Just go. Last two from "The Slider" that I really really dig - "Baby Strange" Spoiler for "I wanna call ya - I wanna ball ya" - how charming.: "Telegram Sam" Spoiler for "Youuuuu are my main man!" ;D: "Tanx" (1973) was kind of a disaster (as well as the albums that followed, up to 1977...) thanks to a host of illicit substances (mostly cocaine) that were swimming through Marc's fine little self. So I think we'll just skip that whole thing for now and go right into this great track from "Dandy in the Underworld". Its title track. Marc got his act together and had a child with Gloria Jones in '77. He had his own show, too. Marc passed away in a car accident a couple weeks before his 30th birthday, on September 16th, 1977. He left behind his wife, Gloria, and his newborn son, Rolan. Here's a photo of David Bowie being restrained by a couple friends after being harassed by the press at Marc's funeral. The two were very close friends. There's a lot more that could have been added to this post, but I'm in a time crunch, and I would much rather inspire others to do a little digging of their own, and to fall in love with T. Rex on their own time. By the way, I almost forgot to roll out my Song of the Day for 05/21/2013 - This one's for Ki. Happy birthday tomorrow, sweetie. The Beatles - "I'm Happy Just to Dance With You" Next time: Who the hell knows? __________________ You and I, We were born to die.

05-23-2013, 07:49 PM	#39 (permalink)
ladyislingering Maelian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seattle Posts: 695	Song of the Day - 05/23/2013. I almost forgot about this until today. Petula Clark - "My Love" Petula makes me happy. "Don't Sleep in the Subway" Spoiler for fond memories of high school.: "Downtown" Spoiler for there is something so comforting about this song.: Anyway, every so often this odd song runs through my head and reminds me of the entire week I spent as a sales associate at a Forever 21 shop in Northern California. I couldn't stand the irritating girls there; they were so preppy, plastic, caked with make-up, empty-headed. This song was the only tolerable thing that ever played in that store. If only for the music. The lyrics are practically worthless. Lindstrøm & Christabelle - "Lovesick" Spoiler for in fact the vocals kind of ruin it a little.: It always reminded me of this lush creation - Lynsey De Paul - "Sugar Me" Spoiler for I love this goddamn song.: Around the time I discovered the song above, I was also getting groovy with Fox. This next song will always remind me of walking through town during the last summer I spent in Minnesota. Fox - "Only You Can" Spoiler for Noosha Fox is seriously hot though.: And then there's this. I love this cheesy garbage. Fox - "Imagine Me, Imagine You" Spoiler for what would we doooooo?: During my intro to Fox, I was also becoming acquainted with some similar (though lesser known) sounds of the 70s. Sailor - "Girls, Girls, Girls" Spoiler for What the hell is this genre anyway?: Racey - "Some Girls" Spoiler for More disco-ey doo-wop WHAT THE HELL IS THIS GENRE: And this is just really dumb, but it's a real earworm. Kenny - "The Bump" Spoiler for How did my parents not murder me for playing this all the time?: Was any youth complete without Sweet? Nope. NOPE NOPE. Sweet - "Wig Wam Bam" Spoiler for I'm not even sorry for loving this song.: I have this next vinyl single. Because I had to have it, and yes, I played it to death. Silver - "Wham Bam (Shang a Lang)" Spoiler for More proof that some people just aren't good at writing songs.: May as well throw in the Bay City Rollers ... "Saturday Night" Spoiler for simultaneously cute and irritating.: Speaking of singles I drove my parents nuts with as a young lady ... my record suspiciously went missing at some point but I absolutely loved this song when I was about 15/16. Rod Stewart - "You're In My Heart" Spoiler for More cheese.: This song actually popped into my head this morning. I don't know why. But I do remember loving this one around 13/14. I also loved Neil Sedaka, but we'll explore his wonders on a different occasion. Captain & Tennille - "Love Will Keep Us Together" Spoiler for bathing in nostalgia right about now.: Here comes the part where I lose all credibility in having any sort of decent taste in music. I loved this song when I was about 14/15. Could these lyrics be any dumber? Good lord. The DeFranco Family - "Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat)" Spoiler for Why, young self? Why?: And of course, I had to have this LP. Had to. Marshall Hain - "Dancing in the City" Spoiler for More dumb lyrics, but proper music.: I think I'm going to aptly name this post (everything after Petula, of course) "really terrible crap I have loved". Next time: Squeeze, and why they're pretty alright. __________________ You and I, We were born to die.

05-27-2013, 01:46 PM	#40 (permalink)
ladyislingering Maelian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seattle Posts: 695	Before I begin with the Squeeze feature, I've got to throw in a couple videos I watched this morning that totally blew me away. These are a couple songs I feel I've already talked about, but here's two live performances that are absolutely stellar. Gayle McCormick has serious pipes of gold. If you can listen to her and not be impressed, you're probably tone deaf. The song below is a cover of the Shirelles' original hit; it's also been covered by the Carpenters, the Beatles, Cilla Black and even Ace goddamn Frehley. Smith - "Baby It's You" (1969) I know I've posted this next song at least twice, but I just found this video this morning. This is a live performance (though I can't tell if the music itself is a pre-recorded track) and the vocals are outstanding. Mark Stein appears to be on something funky as he bangs away at the organ like he's having an orgasm and grooving at the same time. Maybe that's all part of the charm. I love this song (originally by Diana Ross & The Supremes); I love this group. Vanilla Fudge - "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (1968) Sometime during 2008/2009 I rediscovered this terrific group from London, Squeeze. Glenn Tillbrook and Chris Difford, two insanely skilled and clever songwriters, were the leaders of this new wave/power-pop group. I'd venture to say they were England's version of The Knack (except maybe a little less filthy). Most American people remember Squeeze for this track. I know I did. This one's from 1981. The lyrics always made me a little uncomfortable because they're so difficult to figure out, but you can bet the vocals are smooth as hell. Here's some super-sexy vinyl. Squeeze - "Tempted" Apart from this song, I wasn't truly aware of the genius of Squeeze for years. Then I heard this. It's dumb, it's poppy, but it was different. Check that Cockney accent. Here's an early track from the late 70s. "Cool for Cats" The squaw is with the corporal, she's tied against a tree. She doesn't mind the language; it's the beating she don't need. Spoiler for Yes, the "Cool for Cats" LP is in my collection.: Also from "Cool for Cats", this song will always remind me of one of the grossest human beings I ever had the misfortune of knowing. He was a chronic masturbator, and just an all-around disgusting creature. Good riddance. "Touching Me, Touching You" I'm always touching myself, I've got nothing better to do, and when I'm touching myself I'm always thinking of you Spoiler for fap fap fap fap fap fap fap: Yet another odd track from "Cool for Cats", sort of disco-y but the lyrics are just fantastic. "Slap and Tickle" Spoiler for Though the chorus really means nothing.: Though this is my favorite from the album. It's so pretty. "Goodbye Girl" Spoiler for Suunliiight on the linooooo...: I have Squeeze's first LP on limited edition red vinyl. Why? I don't know; I had to have it, I guess. Here's a gem from that album (1978). I'm sort of surprised this song wasn't courtesy of Giorgio Moroder. I absolutely love this song. "Take Me, I'm Yours" Spoiler for Very Pet Shop Boys - just cooler.: I'm relatively certain I have "Argybargy" (1980) in my collection but it's been a good year since I've looked at the majority of my records. This song always stood out to me. "Another Nail in My Heart" Spoiler for The dudes are looking cute in this video.: I've always really loved this song, too. Maybe it's just the strange sound of it; I don't even really know what I love about it. I just love it. Maybe it's just so typical of the era, and so new-wavy. Or maybe it's just the synth sounds. I don't know; it's just cool. "I Think I'm Go-Go" Spoiler for Super cool.: No truer words have ever been sung - "if I didn't love you, I'd hate you" - very accurate in my black and white world. More brilliant lyrics; it's just the Squeeze way. "If I Didn't Love You" Spoiler for Love the synth in this one.: I do have to admit that I'm not terribly familiar with "East Side Story", Squeeze's 4th album. It's in my collection but I've never actually listened to it past "Tempted". I'll work on that sometime. From their 5th album, "Sweets from a Stranger" (1982), a song that everyone's probably heard at least once at the grocery store. "Black Coffee in Bed" Spoiler for They sort of started getting lame at this point.: This next one is just brilliant. I don't know what set of lyrics to quote here that could sum it all up; it's just lovely and lush. "Tongue Like a Knife" She was the jewel that sparkled in darkness, she was the love of everyone's life, she was the catch of everyone's parties, she was the one with a tongue like a knife. Spoiler for WARNING: VIDEO CUTS OFF EARLY. It was the only studio version I could find.: I sort of lost interest in Squeeze past this album, but this next track (from 1987's "Babylon and On") is pretty cool. The brass is very typical of the late 80s, as are the rapidly-sung lyrics. But it sounds more like classic Squeeze than anything. "Hourglass" Spoiler for More 80s than you need.: I'll throw this one in for good measure. It's a b-side from "Argybargy". "Annie, Get Your Gun" Spoiler for Pretty neat stuff.: And I almost hate to admit it, but this song plays in my head whenever I've been in West Seattle. "Up the Junction" Spoiler for Though it makes me kind of sad.: As you can tell, my obsession with Squeeze was brief and not terribly extensive. Perhaps someday I'll extend my knowledge of their catalogue. For now, this will have to do. Though I really loved this hilarious song by Chris Difford. It sounds like something Weird Al wrote; it's just funny as hell. Now I have tits just like my mum, I'm out of breath before I run, I like to eat, because it's fun! "Fat as a Fiddle" Next time: the genius of Weird Al Yankovic?? We'll see. __________________ You and I, We were born to die.