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It’s your turn to shine.
Apr 242010
Apr 232010
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As an open-minded, true believer in The Power and Glory of Rock, I often wish I could better appreciate critically acclaimed bands that have never “done it” for me. Who doesn’t want to feel part of the In Crowd when hanging with rock ‘n roll tastemakers? You’ve heard my tales of revisiting bands like Love, Randy Newman, and others, and I appreciate that you have been moved by my efforts.
Occasionally, howver, my desire to appreciate a critically acclaimed band is driven more by simple social climbing in the rock world than entry into rock’s secret society of taste-making. Sometimes I think about how my social network could be extended if only I could sincerely nod approvingly when a “cool” band I previously didn’t like comes on the stereo at a party populated by people I’d enjoy getting to know better.
This feeling was more prevalent when I was young and single and seeking broader social networks and a girfriend. Being incredibly opinionated and taking pleasure in confrontation has its downfalls, Townspeeps. I suffer less for my ways these days because I exist in the comfort zone of a loving family and rapidly diminishing personal delusions, but when I was a young man I used to think about how much better my social life could have been if only I could like The Replacements. Continue reading »
Apr 232010
“We’ll Have It Made,” The Spinners
Greetings, fellow scavengers of incredibly cheap music! I come before you with yet another scratchy old single, found abandoned in a junk store in the nation’s capitol. This time, it’s a wonderful non-hit performed by The Spinners — a band that helped make Philly Soul famous. But! This track, entitled “We’ll Have It Made,” was recorded for Motown, a few years before the Spinners and Motown gave up on each other.
There are a bunch of great Spinners songs in the soul canon — but their biggest smash was probably “It’s a Shame.” Why was it so great? Why did it shoot to #14 Pop in the blink of an eye? Because Stevie Wonder co-wrote it, that’s why! So: you’re Berry Gordy, and this is the first time the Detroit Spinners have ever amounted to anything. What do you do next? Easy! Have Stevie Wonder write another song for them!
Which is exactly what Wonder and his long-time lyrical collaborator Syreeta Wright did, and the results of their efforts you can hear above. I really dig this song, and it coulda, shoulda, WOULDA been a hit, except… except… it wasn’t. Reportedly, Stevie was genuinely disappointed (this was only the second time Gordy had let Stevie out of his cage to lead the writing/production duties on a Motown track) — and more than a little confused by what hadn’t happened. The song peaked — somewhat incredibly, sez me, at #89 on the pop charts.
Anyhow, I think it’s a winner. And it prompts the following Thrifty Music question: What, in your humble estimation, is the song or album that most sticks in your craw as an indisputable example of the poor taste shown by America’s music listening public? I don’t want the song or album that you like that the rest of the world isn’t smart enough to agree with you about; I want the song or album that coulda, shoulda and WOULDA been a hit, a popular sensation, had it not been for… for… well, who knows? It just shoulda, that’s all!
I look forward to your responses.
HVB
Apr 232010
Some time ago we discussed rock images, good and bad, that are burned in our brains. I mentioned an image from the Disco chapter of my high school-era edition of Rolling Stone’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, or whatever it’s called. At the time another Townsman, maybe BigSteve, looked for the picture I described in his copy of the book, a different edition. He didn’t see it. It was probably too disturbing to publish in subsequent editions. Tonight I came across my ancient copy of this book and scanned in the image. I apologize in advance for any unrest this image might cause you over the next 30 years. Ready? Continue reading »
Apr 222010
I just hit PLAY on a favorite album that opens with a song that is reprised at the end of the same album. I immediately thought of two other albums that were originally sequenced (no bonus track loophole attempts at standing above the pack, please) to include reprise versions of a key song. Because there may only be so many rock ‘n roll albums* employing this device, I won’t launch this Last Man Standing with an opening salvo. Of course, it’s rare there are as few entries in these events as I initially think there will be, so show your stuff!
*NO CLASSICAL ALBUMS, OR WHICHEVER GENRE ORIGINATED THE USE OF THE REPRISE, PLEASE.
Apr 212010
Watch the video of The Easybeats. It’s a performance of the only song in the Easys’ catalog that gave Dutch bassist Dingeman van der Sluys, also known as “Dick Diamonde,” his chance to shine — a simple little song entitled “Come and See Her.” Today’s challenge to your spirit of truthfulness and candor: what do you find more riveting — the sight of about 50 totally hot 1960s go-go dancers shaking their asses… or Dick Diamonde robotically, repeatedly intoning the song’s urgent refrain?
Remember… BE HONEST!
HVB
p.s.: mockcarr, I’ve got my eye on you!
Apr 212010
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I thought better of making a “Shroud of Turin” reference…
Can you help RTH Labs decipher the meaning of this interview?
