You know the drill: Dugout Chatter is Rock Town Hall’s rapid-fire thread that requires nothing more than your gut answers! Don’t think too long. Don’t think too hard. Perhaps you shouldn’t think at all. No one’s an expert on the topics that follow. Just answer the questions.
Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
Phil Lynott could have been considered a “bridge” from mainstream hard rock to punk rock (eg, jam sessions and partying with members of Rockpile, the Sex Pistols, et al). Who was his mainstream rock American equivalent, an established arena-rock artist who offered a bridge to the US punk scene?
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker, Billy Joel‘s Glass Houses, Linda Rondstadt‘s Mad Love, something else?
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
I’m surprised at how many obscure and forgotten rock artists tour Japan when they rarely if ever play in their home country. Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over?
Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
Cheap Trick.
Phil Lynott could have been considered a “bridge” from mainstream hard rock to punk rock (eg, jam sessions and partying with members of Rockpile, the Sex Pistols, et al). Who was his mainstream rock American equivalent, an established arena-rock artist who offered a bridge to the US punk scene?
there is no such person/group.
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker, Billy Joel‘s Glass Houses, Linda Rondstadt‘s Mad Love, something else?
Doc at the Radar Station by Captain Beefheart
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
no. Filmore.
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
Patti Smith
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
none
I’m surprised at how many obscure and forgotten rock artists tour Japan when they rarely if ever play in their home country. Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over?
Jerry Lewis
Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
–Cheap Trick. Dylan’s 1978 tour is still a pretty divisive issue among Dylan fans, but I will stand up for it in general–I have several outstanding bootlegs from the tour–but definitely not based on the official live album, which is terrible. I think it is the only Dylan product (excluding compilations) that I don’t own and never have owned. It sucks. Whereas Cheap Trick Live at Budokan is great-ish in small doses.
Phil Lynott could have been considered a “bridge” from mainstream hard rock to punk rock (eg, jam sessions and partying with members of Rockpile, the Sex Pistols, et al). Who was his mainstream rock American equivalent, an established arena-rock artist who offered a bridge to the US punk scene?
–I feel like I ought to have an answer here…But I’m not coming up with anything. Reflecting, perhaps, my level of interest in the U.S. punk scene.
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker, Billy Joel‘s Glass Houses, Linda Rondstadt‘s Mad Love, something else?
–Well, Rondstadt’s Mad Love is awful. Bad move and bad look. Glass Houses is as good as Joel gets. So maybe. Love Stinks by J. Geils? That always felt new wavey to me. Freeze-frame more so, but it isn’t good, though. But I think a case can be made for Love Stinks still being pretty good Geils.
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
–Yes, or retroactively presumed to have been recorded there. Thus, “Frampton Comes Alive at Budokan” or “The Last Waltz at Budokan” or “Live at Leeds…at Budokan” and so forth.
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
–Overstating just a wee bit to make a point, but the Ramones. Years of guilt over the fact that I have no real interest in listening to them. Fine with the occasional song or two. But no real interest.
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
–Fellow Tauruses (Taureans?) Bob Seger (May 6), Donovan, and Bono (May 10).
I’m surprised at how many obscure and forgotten rock artists tour Japan when they rarely if ever play in their home country. Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over?
–Perhaps.
1. Cheap Trick by a mile.
2. Outside of a few big cities and some scattered poseurs, there was no real US punk scene in the ’70s. If any major artist could be considered crossover, it was Neil Young but that wasn’t until 1979.
3. Iggy Pop – Lust for Life.
4. No. There are other fine venues.
5. Boomtown Rats.
6. Robert Fripp – May 16 (Happy birthday, Bob).
7. Hootie & The Blowfish.
Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
I assume you’re joking or have never heard Dylan Live at Budokan.
Who was his mainstream rock American equivalent, an established arena-rock artist who offered a bridge to the US punk scene?
Don’t know, maybe Ray Manzerik?
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker?
I agree with Misterioso about Freeze Frame
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
Probably not since the only other one I can think of is that flaccid Eric Clapton live album.
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
X. I like all of the parts that make up X but I only like two of their songs and one is 4th of July so it probably doesn’t really count. Patti Smith is also a good call.
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
The only ones that I do know are Chuck Berry’s and the less grumpy Marsalis brother because we share a birthday. Coincidentally, my wife shares a birth day with the grumpier Marsalis brother.
Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over? All my favorites because they were apparently destined to never catch on with the masses anywhere: the Replacements, the Plimsouls, the Raspberries, Big Star….
I hadn’t thought of those J Geils Band albums as their nod to “New Wave,” but that’s a good call.
And Happy Birthday to you, belated or a few days in advance!
1. Dylan. The Cheap Trick album added nothing to their oeuvre, but Dylan as a Neil Diamond type entertainer was a new twist.
2. The Cars.
3. I kind of liked Mad Love. I’m not going to make great claims for it, but I’m a fan of Mark Goldenberg, the guy who fronted the Cretones and who contributed three songs to the album.
4. I think the live album is a dead concept, now that every gig appears as youtube clips the next day.
5. The Pop Group.
6.Bob Dylan shares a birthday with a good friend of mine (May 24th). He turns 70 this year btw. I think that’s the only one I know.
7. The Boredoms.
Boomtown Rats. Good call. “Rat Trap” is such a great song, yet they are such a dull band.
Gracias.
But I also have to agree with you about the Ramones. They ended up being a one-or-two-trick pony and when they attempted to break out of their limited style with songs like “Something to Believe In”, they fell flat on their faces.
Sorry, but I have to take issue with The Cars. They broke out in mid-1978 as a “new wave”-ish band right from the start. They weren’t a well-known act who changed styles.
Totally makes sense that Seger is a Taurus.
As an aside, doing a “live at Budokan” search on youtube turns up quite a trove…I never fully realized how awful Dream Theater are. I don’t think I’d ever heard them. Wow. Well, now I know.
1. Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
C’mon. Cheap Trick.
2. Phil Lynott could have been considered a “bridge” from mainstream hard rock to punk rock (eg, jam sessions and partying with members of Rockpile, the Sex Pistols, et al). Who was his mainstream rock American equivalent, an established arena-rock artist who offered a bridge to the US punk scene?
Is the Good Sir Lou of Reed mainstream enough?
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker, Billy Joel‘s Glass Houses, Linda Rondstadt‘s Mad Love, something else?
It’s not a perfect album, but Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk.
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
Sure. I have a great Neil Young/Crazy Horse boot from ’76 recorded there.
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
Sorry, RTH. I am uninterested in anything by The Undertones that isn’t “Teenage Kicks.”
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
Pass. I’m terrible at remembering birthdays. My brain is filled with minor changes in bands’ lineups.
I’m surprised at how many obscure and forgotten rock artists tour Japan when they rarely if ever play in their home country. Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over?
Nope. They like all music ever made.
1. Cheap Trick of course!
2. Hmmm…Tom Petty? Ray Manzerik is a pretty good answer even though I can’t stand him.
3. Dunno…
4. No
5. The Cars. I never “got” them. Still don’t. Oh look, they have a new album out. Maybe I’ll give them a try again.
6. May 21st – Rodney Anonymous’ birthday…wait that is my birthday too! (he’s a year younger than me). Now some of you will have this new bit of useless trivia stored away…
7. Dunno…
I’m with you on the Dylan Live at Budokan choice, BigSteve, and all I remember of that Rondstadt album is the Goldenberg cover, “How Do I Make You,” or whatever it was called.
There’s a Rock Town Hall mission: track down and interview Mark Goldenberg!
And my oldest son’s birthday. And, according to some crazy preacher, the end of the world, right?
Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
I love all things Dylan and usually find some intrinsic value in almost everything the man has done. I even like the much-maligned Self Portrait! I have tried with all my might to like Dylan’s Bodokan set, but it misses the mark for me. I have to go with Cheap Trick. I actually enjoy listening to it, whereas Dylan’s Bodokan set makes me uncomfortable (not in a good way).
Phil Lynott?
None come to mind. Talking Heads? I’m at a loss.
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker, Billy Joel‘s Glass Houses, Linda Rondstadt‘s Mad Love, something else?
Cross Talk by Pretty Things. Crap! They’re not American. I just dig that record.
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
My band played a fun gig in The Grove at legendary Ole Miss (look it up…) for some grad students. Most of the students were of Asian persuasion. We soundchecked a cover of “Surrender.” My guitarist and I gave each other a knowing look as we got about halfway through the tune at the faces looking at us. We actually a song-in-progress stating that no matter where we are, we’re always so far from Budokan. It’s a rocker.
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
I appreciate alot of the punk bands, but I just don’t go to them too often. I really adore alot of the New Wave folks, but with the exception of maybe The Clash, I just don’t do alot of so-called “punk.”
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
Michael Nesmith’s birthday is December 30. Same as Davy Jones.
I’m surprised at how many obscure and forgotten rock artists tour Japan when they rarely if ever play in their home country. Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over?
Mellencamp?
TB
Yes, How Do I Make You. And Girls’ Talk, Party Girl, and Talking in the Dark. Also the big ballad Hurts So Bad.
Anyway, she was just fine in her prime. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AtnfDo4PE8&feature=related
I’ll be back in a bit.
Right.
I know. My point is that they were actually a mainstream rock band masquerading as a new wave band, even if they were new.
He’s got a website. He spent years as a member of Jackson Browne’s band. I love those Cretones albums. I was thinking of doing a series on skinny tie bands, but I know I haven’t even finished my pub rock series yet.
I’m actually offended that anyone would choose my son’s birthday to end the world, not to mention your and Rodney’s. The nerve!
Well, my answer would be the Wilson Choice: do both! I’m looking into his site now. I had no idea he had a mid-’70s career prior to the Cretones and then went onto play with JB.
Some quality time alone with the Ronstadt video?
His website’s bio makes no mention of The Cretones. Weird. Or maybe it’s weird I’m more interested in reading about them than his work with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, et al.
It’s what happens when Rush becomes a primary influence.
Is there a Bob Seger: Live At Budokan album out there? I’d be curious to know how Seger is received in Japan. Does his workingman’s approach to rock resonate with the salaryman, or does a cultural gap exist that needs to be bridged?
Also, Seger should have made an all-out, skinny tie/checkerboard cover pattern new wave album. I’m thinking “Her Strut” done in the style of a Devo song.
I need to get some time with Photoshop late tonight to design that album cover. If anyone has the time to beat me to this task, go for it!
God knows I love the Seeg, but does “Her Strut” even qualify as double entendre? Or is it just entendre?
She was a Mummer.
Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
Cheap Trick. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard Bob’s.
Phil Lynott could have been considered a “bridge” from mainstream hard rock to punk rock (eg, jam sessions and partying with members of Rockpile, the Sex Pistols, et al). Who was his mainstream rock American equivalent, an established arena-rock artist who offered a bridge to the US punk scene?
I dunno. Was Bruce established enough when he collaborated with Patti Smith?
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker, Billy Joel‘s Glass Houses, Linda Ronstadt‘s Mad Love, something else?
Oh well, you stuck Mad Love in my head, and I like that album a lot, so without thinking about it, I guess that’s it.
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
No. They should be recorded in bars.
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
The Alarm. I know, they looked like tools, but I liked 68 Guns the first time I heard it, bought the album and I’m pretty sure I promptly wiped my ass with it.
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
I’m bad with birthdays. None of them. I can’t even remember Charlie Watts’ right now.
I’m surprised at how many obscure and forgotten rock artists tour Japan when they rarely if ever play in their home country. Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over?
Maybe. I don’t know, I’ve never been there.
Ray Manzarek is a good one. I like the stuff he did with X, but then I really like X a lot. I can go a long time without listening to them, but when I get started I listen to them constantly for a bit. What’s the other X song you like? Hungry Wolf?
She sure was fun to see live. I may be gone a bit myself, those Atlanta clips look great!
I heard Thin Red Line for the 1st time this year and was surprised how uninteresting it was. I hadn’t thought of it but it could be an answer to #5.
1) Cheap Trick, never heard the Dylan.
2) Springsteen. But maybe I’m influenced by the liner notes to The Promise where he talks about stripping Darkness down to the toughest songs under the influence of the NY punk scene.
3) Tom Petty?
4) No, you’d miss out on Marley Live in London, Bowie at the Tower, Phila, and Lou Reed in NYC among many others.
5) I could never get into the Eurythmics. Like Dave Stewart’s ideas and Annie Lennox’s voice plus a few tunes but even their GH is a tough listen for me.
6) I never remember birthdays.
7) Alphaville had “Big in Japan”. Do you think anyone ever had a tune “Bombed in Japan” or would that be culturally insensitive?
Bruce is the mainstream US bridge I had in mind, too!
Much more obvious than that: Los Angeles. I have their first two and the one with Dave Alvin and their songs/sense of melody really just leave me cold.
Your inability to dig X, cdm, may be the most shocking musical detail I know about you.
1 ) Cheap Trick – all the way, this record is perfection (heavily edited perfection)
2) Springsteen – working with Patti Smith, vocal supporter of The Clash, Guitar on Blondie’s Atomic, Wrote Hungy Heart for The Ramones.
3) Glass Houses is mostly New Wave in comparison to 52nd street…that and the suits with sneakers and skinny ties on the tour. I guess I’ll give it to him. Tom Petty as new wave always confused me.
4) Live Albums should be a USA Job producing enterprise. MSG, Fillmore, Red Rocks, etc.
5) The Cure, they actually make me angry.
6) Sammy Hagar 10-13 – I think he named a record after this, plus I get an email about his “Birthday Bash” every year. I guess I registered for this when I bought a T-Shirt at Cabo Wabo many years ago. Keith Richard’s birthday is the day before mine (his is Dec 18)
7) If it were only that easy, I’d move there today. I would like to see the members of Night Ranger driving themselves to the airport, flying coach and then getting off the plane in Japan as superstars.
I’ve got a huge sweet tooth for melody and despite all of their strengths, they are sorely lacking in the melody department.
Springsteen also played piano on Robert Gordon’s version of Fire.
I see. In that case I look forward to your thoughts on today’s Mystery Date.
Wrote Hungry Heart for the Ramones? Did not know that. Not sure I get it, but no matter.
Cheap Trick or Bob Dylan Live at Budokan?
Cheap Trick
Phil Lynott could have been considered a “bridge” from mainstream hard rock to punk rock (eg, jam sessions and partying with members of Rockpile, the Sex Pistols, et al). Who was his mainstream rock American equivalent, an established arena-rock artist who offered a bridge to the US punk scene?
Springsteen comes the closest. I can’t think of any others.
What’s the best “New Wave” album by an established, mainstream American rocker, Billy Joel‘s Glass Houses, Linda Rondstadt‘s Mad Love, something else?
Daryl Hall’s Sacred Songs maybe fits.
Should all live albums be recorded in Budokan?
Only if the record is to be the best known recording in the artists catalog.
Who’s your most disappointing punk/New Wave-era artst, the one you most thought you would like but to this day cannot dig?
Teardrop Explodes
We tend to retain trivial knowledge of rock ‘n roll. What rock artist’s birthday do you have no business knowing?
None
I’m surprised at how many obscure and forgotten rock artists tour Japan when they rarely if ever play in their home country. Is there any artist the Japanese won’t go apeshit over?
The Grateful Dead.. perhaps I am wrong