Bring Back the Talk-Box - Rock's Forgotten Guitar Hero's Friend

Music Wed - Among the weird things I love is the use of the "talk-box" in classic rock songs. Now, if you are under 40 years of age, this posting will be like a musical archaeological dig because, with a few notable exceptions like Slash, Dave Grohl and Jerry Cantrell, virtually one has really used the talk-box in a popular song since the mid '80s. If you are over 40, then don't pretend you have never heard of this oddball, cool device which allows a singer to sing his lyrics through the notes he is playing on a guitar. You can legitimately debate the merits of this early attempt at synthesized musical combinations, but you can't deny you know (and probably secretly dig!) at least one talk-box song.  For the younger readers, this device works as follows - the singer/guitarist routes his voice through a clear rubber tube next to the microphone through the guitar and then plays the guitar for a voice-merged-with-guitar sounds emerging as the final result. To pull this off, you need to be both a decent singer, as well as a skilled musician who can jam sufficiently well to make a synthesized voice sound cool coming out of a guitar. I rue the day musicians stopped playing with this device because it adds such a fun and unique combination of skills to any song that makes the song unforgettable.  Here are my favorite talk-box songs (all of which should be no surprise to you over 40 readers). First is the great Joe Walsh's classic jam on "Rocky Mountain Way", which is a song that not only has a lengthy talk-box solo, but also includes comical lyrics and just good old fashioned axe work on the Gibson guitar that Joe has always favored (http://youtu.be/F1uWA7VPGiE). Obvious choice, but Joe is an endearing figure among rock guitarists and he does make the best Rock-Guitar-Faces when he plays. Next on any list like this has to be Peter Frampton's epic live version of "Do You Feel Like We Do" (http://youtu.be/y7rFYbMhcG8) - no one did more for the talk-box than Mr. Frampton because of the 20+ million copies of Frampton Comes Alive which have been purchased, not to mention the constant plays on 70's FM radio of the full jam version of this song - as an aside, I will never forgive AM radio for its insistence during the 70's on the three and one-half minute song limitation which resulted in lame, chopped-up versions of so many great songs, this one included. No RIP to AM radio - your passing is not missed.  Since most talk-box songs last at least 8-9 minutes in length, I will end with only one more classic - Motley Crüe's "Kickstart My Heart" (http://youtu.be/1PJOHbzQwGw).  This is the Crüe live in all their bombastic glory, and Mick Mars gives a very strong showing on his guitar work, including his use of the talk box. Enjoy!

The Joys of Jazz and Instrumental Music

Music Wed. In honor of the holiday, I am going to indulge in a second posting this week. Back in the 60s and 70s, every band featured one or two instrumental numbers on their albums to share (and oft times show off) their musical chops. Since modern pop artists have no such chops, the instrumental songs on albums died about 30 years ago. But I am here to declare that instrumental music is awesome, and I have three cuts to prove my case. First, is the great Jeff Beck, featuring my current favorite bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, on the indescribably eery and ethereal "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" (http://youtu.be/qMryWoRRqUc) and (http://youtu.be/VC02wGj5gPw) - yes, I gave you two versions because one is a wild jam at Crossroads 2007 where Tal goes nuts when Jeff turns her loose, and the second is a more refined version showcasing Jeff's mystical way of pulling notes from a guitar. Next, we will shift to a cover of one of my Top 5 Stevie Wonder songs, "Moon Blue", as covered by the David Reinhardt Trio and featuring Cyrille Aimee on vocals (http://youtu.be/1KAr3K3NtT0) - Ms. Aimee's vocals are passable, but wait until the end when she scats. Then she shows her artistry - all I can say is wow! Finally, we end with a version of a 60s sugary pop classic, "Sunny", that is given a lift by the Rosenberg Trio featuring David Reinhardt (http://youtu.be/iK4GF2GD1XI) - Messrs. Rosenberg and Reinhardt trade solos, never losing the song or each other. Sheer Brilliance. I always like to leave you with a little unexpected treat, so I want to share a recent discovery of Sting's haunting song "Fragile" featuring Sting and Stevie Wonder (http://youtu.be/Oi5FC2Mf-Bo) - keeping with our theme, this song features a virtuoso harmonica solo by Stevie that reminds us that John Popper is not the only one who can make this odd little instrument meaningful and beautiful. Enjoy! One last tip - if you love funky female bassists, check out rising star Alissia Benveniste on her composition "Let it Out" (http://youtu.be/ggPooXtzUD0) - pretty funky stuff for a music student!

Elton John and Howard Jones - Great Musicians With Some "Lost" Gems Which Should Be Lost "Classics"

Music Wed - I love singer-songwriters, that is well-known for readers of this blog; but I particularly have a special place in my heart for those who also are virtuoso musicians. I am going to toggle between the 70s and 80s with some deep cuts from two of my all time faves - Elton John (of course) and Howard Jones (a tip of the bandana to my 80s-loving chums). First is a song showing Elton and Bernie Taupin at their moody, lyrically obscure, Gus Dudgeon hauntingly produced best on "I've Seen That Movie, Too" (http://youtu.be/eptRpgMyyNE). No video here, just pristine audio of Elton and his original band playing live at the peak of their powers - Elton on piano, Ray Cooper on percussion and Davey Johnstone on guitar fill the hall like the full orchestra used in the original recording on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (which is an absolute MUST HAVE for every music collection, it is so beautiful, weird and wonderful). Shifting gears, let's enjoy the piano master of 80s New Wave, Howard Jones, with "No One Is To Blame" (http://youtu.be/ENB2eX-U3a8). Cut him some slack on the hairdo and just enjoy his playing, his voice and a really sweet song that seemed to mean a lot to me when Rena and I stopped dating and the reasons weren't exactly clear or easy to articulate. Back to Elton, and let's waste no time with a two-fer of Elton's long forgotten beauties "All The Young Girls Love Alice" (http://youtu.be/C44qzpUD1kY) and "Have Mercy On A Criminal" (http://youtu.be/ZsGz1HL4BGY). Again no video, but pristine recordings of Elton just blowing the doors down with unforgettable songs about social ills and troubled souls. Who's writing songs like this today?  Oh yeah, I know - NOBODY! Let's wrap up with a two-fer from HoJo with "Like To Get To Know You Well" (http://youtu.be/DiZ-rLXCbLY) - a loose, live cut from recent times showing Howard still can sing and play like he did 30 years ago, and "Pearl In The Shell" (http://youtu.be/7KR-dRcEn6U) - this rollicking version brings to mind the spirit and energy of early Elton. Kick back, listen to these timeless gems and, of course, Enjoy!

It's Back - Music Wed Celebrates Embarrassing, But Fun, "Tool Tunes" - listen, cringe and enjoy!

Music Wed - To reintroduce Music Wed, I thought I would start with a fun idea I heard on a podcast, which is to list off a few of my favorite "Tool Tunes". We all have them - songs we take secret pleasure in singing along with, but are reluctant to admit we actually like them. These songs can be favorites for all types of weird reasons, but to be a true Tool Tune, a song must be a bit embarrassing, a bit cheesy or goofy, and always something nostalgic (at least for the person picking the tune). Here are a few of mine for some laughs. First one requires a trip in the wayback machine to the early 70's and the beginning of the Equal Rights movement and the anthem of that movement, "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy (http://youtu.be/Gpu_PV3BTfI). Soak in every lyric because each cliche of empowerment is precious. Next is one of the weirdest songs ever, namely "Escape (Piña Colada Song)" (http://youtu.be/_WkR2Tv4dq4). Tired of his "lady", so he seeks out a hookup and happily ends up back with his "lovely lady"? Huh? Let's wrap up this episode with an old Police tune, "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" (http://youtu.be/xFHm3HCN9_k). I can assure you that if "all I wanted to say" to Rena was that drivel, I would still be single! Let's finish with a bonus tune, the brainless, but slightly naughty, ditty from the early crest of New Wave music, The Knack and "My Sharona" (http://youtu.be/g1T71PGd-J0). Love 'em all! Enjoy!

Great "Creepy" Hits From Times Gone By.

Music Wed - Keeping it light, and still keeping it out of the 80s (just for one more week). I was reflecting with a friend how many old songs have really creepy lyrics. Try the Eagles classic "Take It Easy", which starts with the famous lines "I'm just running down the road trying to loosen my load, got 7 women on my mind - 4 the ones I owe me; 2 the one I stole me; 1 says she's a friend of mine". Huh? Loosen his load? and he starts with 4 women he bargained or paid for and two he outright kidnapped? Are you kidding me? Well, this is a tribute to these kind of songs which ping the old creepo-meter pretty high. Let's start with two companion songs that are so overboard that I am surprised the singers did not get arrested in the studios. We will call these the "Roman Polanski tribute songs" - "Young Girl" and "Chevy Van". "Young Girl" by Gary Puckett is just a pure confessional where at least he warns the soon-to-be-statutory-rape-victim to at least run from him because he is so out of control. Trust me, though, the rest of the lyrics, where he goes into detail about his illicit feelings, will make your skin crawl and run from him even now - btw, this song reached number 1 on the charts - http://youtu.be/qJFVPxBpezk. Once you wipe off the slime of that gem, quickly turn to the more relaxed serial kidnap-then-rape-then-leave them in another town mellow vibe of "Chevy Van" as sung by Sammy Johns - http://youtu.be/IBNRfZlGatw. Such a mellow vibe can't disguise the complete inappropriateness of this 70's classic that made it to number 3 on the charts. Finally, since I could go on and on but should end before I start to look like a creepo for knowing so many of these songs, I must end with a little ode to suicide that I can't help singing along with because of its bouncy, light tune which makes the song so infectious. I'm speaking, of course, of my long time fave "Alone Again (Naturally)" by Gilbert O"Sullivan. So much sorrow in such a light hit that also made it to number 3 on the Top 40 charts - http://youtu.be/D_P-v1BVQn8. All of these remind me of how in the 80's my mom routinely sang along with Marvin Gaye's hit "Sexual Healing" never knowing what she was actually saying, at least that was until my sister and I pointed out what the song was really saying. To her credit, while she stopped singing the lyrics, she continued to enjoy the groovy R&B mastery of Marvin. Here's to those super creepy songs that somehow made it to huge hits with no one stopping to say, "Hey, what the heck did that guy just say?" Enjoy!

Sam Smith - A New Artist With Skill As A Writer And A Performer. This guy is the real deal!

Music Wed - Two surprises - First, for the first time in a long while, here is a Music Wed on a Wed! Second, I am taking a break from our jaunt through the 80's to highlight a new artist who will have his first album released later this month. If you have not heard Sam Smith, you will have a real treat this week. He appeared on SNL 3 weeks ago, and I loved his two-song performance so much, I pre-ordered his first album just based on the two songs he performed that night. Now, as other songs are being leaked, I cannot WAIT for the full album to hit. Enjoy these tasty treats from Mr. Smith - "Stay With Me" http://youtu.be/2n8k_bdOe94 and "Lay Me Down" http://youtu.be/dgJBKU9ALa0.  I promise that these songs will stick in your head. This guy writes and performs some really good new music. Bonus cut -  pretty fun Bruno Mars cover by Sam - http://youtu.be/xZIrzWcoCoU. Enjoy!

80's Hair Bands - Nuff Said!

Music Wed - Part 4 of our musical trip through the 80's, and I am psyched up, because I have cracked the code! I have solved the riddle. I feel like Robert Langdon in the Dan Brown novels when he realizes the painting he has been staring at holds the key to resolving his problems. My dilemma in this case was how to address Hair Metal bands from the 80's without having any sarcasm, even derision, I feel for this genre of 80's music leak through and dilute songs and bands I wanted to share.  My solution? I will be giving out my first (and only) Hair Metal Band Awards in various categories that I hope you find as amusing as I do as I have been thinking about this post once I had my "Da Vinci Code" aha moment. The first award is in the category of "Sure-that-girl-is-good-looking-but-that-lead-singer-is-way-hotter." And the winner is David Coverdale of Whitesnake. Yes, Tawny Kataen was hot and sexy rolling around on those luxury cars, but check out David's flowing, golden locks; his flawless skin; his crazy outfits. Any way you look at it, he (like many hair metal lead singers) was just plain hotter than the former strippers and groupies that were featured in their videos. Here's a little proof -  http://youtu.be/me_n5uhjQvU - Whitesnake/Tawny Kataen tribute video. Next award is in the category of "Well-they-may-not-have-any-discernible-talent-as-songwriters/performers-but-they-sure-are-having-so-much-fun-that-you-can't-stop-from-joining-in." The winner, of course, is Poison. Could they write an intelligible lyric? Was there any evidence they could do more than play up to five notes on any instrument? But, when their songs came on, could you resist the urge to bang your head (at least a little), tap your feet and sing along? Here's the evidence to support their award - http://youtu.be/xCChxBSRo1Y - "Talk Dirty to Me". Our next award is, "You-can-bitch-all-you-want-about-the-burdens-of-life-on-the-road-but-your-videos-sure-make-it-look-like-you-are-having-more-legal and illegal-fun-than-anyone-should-expect-from-this-life." We have co-winners with Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" http://youtu.be/SRvCvsRp5ho and Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" http://youtu.be/3WAZ60xA9wo.  I have a Lifetime Achievement Award for the band who proved you can spend more on drugs even if you are given a few million dollars to make a video, and this honor goes to none other than Guns N Roses for "November Rain" http://youtu.be/8SbUC-UaAxE. I would like to give honorable mention for those brave performers who never let the idiotic fashion or hair style trends stop them from rockin' - bands like Loverboy http://youtu.be/oUuSvJhZXfQ, Damn Yankees http://youtu.be/k0Wf1u5At4k, White Lion  http://youtu.be/pk2U41uvOlI, and Skid Row  http://youtu.be/ivFYVAntpw0. As fun as this has been (at least for me), all things must come to an end, so my final award goes to the "D-Bag Rocker of the 80's", which coveted recognition goes to none other than Kip Winger of the band he creatively named Winger. Watch this and tell me I'm wrong -   http://youtu.be/GlN3oEjMpUQ.  Honorable mention for a "group-that-defies-any-category" is given to Twisted Sister. What the hell were they thinking - http://youtu.be/V9AbeALNVkk.  Enjoy!