RIP
May 312007
May 312007
In July of 2006, I had a near-religious experience. I had the chance to visit an exhibit of one of my favorite photographers of all time; Barrie Wentzell. Barrie was the principal photographer for one of the UK’s most established music magazines between 1965 and 1975 — The Melody Maker. He’s shot everyone from Basie to Barrett, from The Kinks to King, to Lennon and Ono, Ross and Little Richard. To me, these are photos and portraits that take on a personal edge, mood and character of their own.
When I walked past all of the photos in the gallery that I’d only previously seen in books and on the web all of these years, and flipped through his entire catalog of available prints in the hushed silence; I was in awe past anything that I’ve ever felt. These pictures and the stories that I felt must have been behind them were moving and thrilling to get up close to. Having them all in one room at once was completely overwhelming – like being alone with ten of your favorite musicians and having them all to yourself. A friend who was curating the exhibit was kind enough to get Barrie to write me a note on one of his posters for the exhibit (I look over at it now on my wall).
Pete Townshend and Towser (C) Barrie Wentzell
I’m pretty excited to be able to do an interview with someone who’s work is magical and inspiring to me. I’m not sure which photo is your favorite, or if you even have one, but I thought I would put it out to the Hall to see if anyone had any good questions that they’d like to ask Barrie as well when I get the chance to finally speak with him in the coming weeks. I look forward to your responses!
May 312007
Thought I’d pass along a few happenings in the extended Halls of Rock.
Our friends The Anderson Council have a song featured in the upcoming film I’m Reed Fish.
MrClean reports that old friend and musical collaborator, Mike Ace, has posted 28 web albums for download, including 9 on which MrClean plays.
The Great 48 chimes in late on the stirring “Walkin’ the Dog” debate from a few weeks back.
Oats reviews RTH touchstone Elvis Costello‘s latest show in Philadelphia. It’s a story we’ve heard before – in many cases with our own ears!
May 292007
Townsman Shawnkilroy brought forth the following topic he’d like to see hashed out in the Halls of Rock:
How about a discussion of the effects of L.A. on English people. Like The Moody Blues, LED ZEP, Billy Idol, etc. I’m sure there are more good examples, but you notice how awful it makes them. Like Golum’s precious, it gives ’em something, but it kinda takes something away too!
I’m game! To add to that list, there’s Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, although perhaps all those “nothing from nothing”-type quotes in rock might apply there. Graham Nash* is worth studying as well. And not exactly rock, but hasn’t Eric Idle settled into an LA groove over the years? There’s something about aging British rockers with sagging skin, awkward tans, and bleach blond hair that stick in my mind. Add a blond mustache for added West Coast vibes.
*A couple of notes about this video: 1) Townsman Chickenfrank, dig the “H” note Nash sings with 34 seconds left. 2) Townsman Epluribus, with 28 seconds left, there’s a key moment that I hope you will appreciate and recognize for what it is.
May 292007
Thanks to Townsman MrClean for passing along this idea!
I have a friend who has long been a devotee of Pete Frame’s Rock Family Trees. I’m sure you have a similar friend – or maybe you are that friend yourself! Great is the stuff of Frame’s collection of hand-drawn rock family trees. The genealogy of so many bands any aspiring rock nerd should know is detailed. So many opportunities for storing up knowledge that will not get you laid! And wouldn’t those of you who know what I’m talking about agree that the hand-drawn aspect is a key to the appeal for Frame’s work?
MrClean passed along a link to a site that picks up on this pursuit. Check it out! I need to contact my old friend who was obsessed with developing a Family Tree of Philly scene bands. He’s had a draft in the works for the 20 years I’ve known him, perfectly aping Frame’s own handwriting! He needs to see this site. You need to see this site. Then, I suspect, we’ll want to join hands and report on our experiences. Adjust your Pince Nez and nerd out, Townspeople!
Click here for interview with Pete Frame himself!
May 292007
Yeah, and I’d rather bang Joan Jett too.
May 292007
From The Dead Milkmen’s “Serrated Edge”
Up on the hilltop where the vultures perch
That’s where I’m gonna build my church
Ain’t gonna be no priest ain’t gonna be no boss
Just Charles Nelson Reilly nailed to a cross
And for a full-fledged appreciation of the man’s finest collaborative work, click here.
