Relax and float down stream- Revolver at 60

 August 5th, 1966, The Beatles released their magnum opus Revolver.  If Rubber Soul turned heads, this album broke barriers. By 1966, it's been historically said that the band were reaching their limits touring. Now having full artistic control and endless studio time, the band was able to experiment. The finished product? Like I said, it's their magnum opus. Lyrically, it's beautiful. Long gone are the junveline lyrics of falling in and out of love. Replaced are lyrics that are poetry driven with mature topics that include ego, aging, and the complicated side of relationships. 'Eleanor Rigby" sees the title character and father Mackinense as everyday ordinary people who go unseen. "She Said, She Said" was born out of an acid trip John Lennon and George Harrison had with counter culture icon Peter Fonda, son of legendary actor Henry Fonda. "I know what it's like to be dead" came from Fonda. John and the band took care of the rest. 

Paul's "Got To Get You Into My Life" is quite possibly the greatest misinterpreted love song.  Lyrically, you hear a man that is grateful for the love that he has found for himself, all the while it is Paul's love letter to Marijuana. The band started smoking pot after a hangout with Bob Dylan. Musically ahead of its time thanks to the orchestral horns. And if you really listen, you can hear a guitar progression very similar to the bands "Paperback writer" which was released as a single. 

My favorite track on the album is "And your Bird can Sing". Musically, the dueling guitar work interwoven by Paul McCartney and George Harrison is just beautiful. If you're a guitar player, learning the song is rewarding but lacks that timeless harmony. The song is a critique of materialism and how wealth, greed, and lust can all contribute to loneliness. Case in point, the lyric "When your prize possessions start to weigh you down, look in my direction, I'll be round, I'll be round." A true Lennon masterclass of lyrical wordplay. 

If you collect vinyl and are familiar with Beatles pressings, there are two camps. One is Parlyphone which is the U.K. label/pressing. American pressings were distributed by Capitol records which also had the roster of The Beach Boys and many bands coming out of California/Laurel Canyon for some. "Doctor Robert" appears on Parlyphone if you're able to snag a copy. Or stream it? 

"Doctor Robert" is largely inspired by an actual doctor named Robert Freymann, who owned a medical practice on 78th Street in New York. It's a tongue-in-cheek reflection of the counter culture drug movement to a man who ironically sold legal highs to the public. 

The thing about Revolver is that it's so timeless that when you hear it you hear things you haven't before. It's a landmark album through and through. A perfect pressing that is sealed with an iconic cover thanks to illustrator Klaus Voorman for making such a warm and welcoming cover that invites us each time for endless listens. 

Forever finding itself- Pet Sounds at 60

On May 16th, 1966 , rock/pop music became an artform. A true artform that not only can be listened to countless times, but also be studied to great lengths of even academic level. That's this album. The album; The Beach Boys Pet Sounds. Rock and Roll as we know it gave way in the mid 1950s. Ask who invented the art form? Many would point to three  key influences. Either Elvis and his legendary Sun Record sessions, Rocket 88 with the collaboration of Jackie Brenston/Ike Turner, or Bill Hailey’s Rock around the Clock, and they’d all be right. Come the next decade, by mid 60’s (63-65) you had The Beatles and in America producers like Phil Spector and his famous “wall of sound” production, and it was yet another cultural boom. The Beach Boys were a part of that scene at the right time. Their first record Surfin Safari laid their cards on the table as a force to be reckoned with. Brian Wilson’s influence from the vocal group The Four Freshmen, and musically inspired from Chuck Berry and early rock n roll, and the band had a sound that was completely their own. Listeners were whisked away to the California sur or to the drag races deep within the Wisconsin summer nights, it was pure bliss. Because of the Four Freshmen influence, the band was able to craft their own harmonies. Those harmonies on those early records and beyond are just beautiful. I would argue even on par if better than The Beatles. “409’, “Little Deuce Coupe” and early foreshadowing of “Don’t Worry Baby” showed the band craft on all angels. By the time 1966 emerged, Brian Wilson was officially retired from the road because of a panic attack while on tour in 1964. This worked to his advantage. He became infatuated with The Beatles Rubber Soul released in 1965. Throw in his love for the Phil Spector Wall of Sound, and he was on his way to making something amazing, he just didn’t know it yet. The end result was Pet Sounds and it’s the greatest album ever made.  Brian Wilson was able to marry both the songcraft of The Beatles and the sound. The album pushed boundaries never done before in pop music. “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” is a cry for help but blanketed with orchestral bliss. It’s the most personal song on the album as Brain was truly struggling as it’s been well documented of his rocky upbringing with his father Murrary Wilson and much more. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” opens the album and once that snare is heard, it kicks off a magical tour and lyrically it makes seeing the future from an optimistic lens. “God Only Knows’ opens side 2. This song has had such an impact on my life. It’s one of my favorite songs. Of any genre and of any band. It’s a beautiful composition. The orchestral opening, to the walk up of Carl Kaye’s bass opens this masterpiece. Brian Wilson’s genius shines in the first verse. “I may not always love you.” Brilliant because it shows that love isn’t always on the straight path. Couples argue it’s bound to happen or else it isn’t a healthy relationship. Vocal duty is on Carl Wilson, and it's warm and inviting and oh so comforting. When it gets to the bridge, it changes keys only for a millisecond, and then it’s back to the original key. And then it’s over and you want to listen again and again.

“Caroline No” ends this masterpiece. It’s a melancholy lens of seeing someone you love change over time. And the last thing you hear is the sound of zoo animals, dogs barking, and a train blaring by. Then the needle lifts and then silence follows. And you can’t believe what you heard and you need your fix and listen again. 60 years on, this album continues to inspire, change, and break lives to help shape people. It’s forever finding itself again. 

Forever Truckin- Bob Weir dies at 78

 January 10th holds a sore spot for many musicians and fans of the art form. 10 years ago, David Bowie left us. A decade later, Bob Weir has passed. Bob Weir needs no introduction. At the age of 16, he co-founded the Grateful Dead alongside fellow members Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, and Ron "Pigpen" McKernan in 1965 in San Fransicsco. The bands now legendary name came by random selection in the dictionary. In 1967, the band released their self-titled debut record and featured faster-paced shorter songs which is in stark contrast to what the band was about to become. That same year, a critical addition was added to the band. Mickey Hart was recurited which would help create the famous "Rythym Devils" percussuion sound for the band. The album did include a jam titled "Viola Lee Blues' which would foreshadow their jam band legacy. Furthermore, the albums that followed Anthem Of The Sun (1968) and Aoxomoxoa (1969) pushed their psycodleic influences to the forefront. Their live album Live/Dead (1969) would solified it annd included an epic "Dark Star" jam that lasted 20 minutes. Plus, the album has a killer jam of "St. Stephen." Come 1970, the band would return to their roots and release two critically acclaimed studio records that same year. Workingman's Dead  and American Beauty are both cherished albums 55 years later and includes the bands most enduring songs like "Truckin", "Casey Jones", "Sugar Magnolia" and "Dire Wolf". Come 1975, the band contunued the rest of the decade with gnere-fuising records like Blues For Allah, Terrapin Station (1977) and Shakedown Street (1978). All those albums feaature Weir as a creative rthymic force. He treated  rhythm  guitar as a "second lead voice" and doing so created a complex harmonic latricework that would define the bands sound. It was creative leap foreward since his coffee-house folk playing days. 

For more than 6 decades, Weir has toured playing the music of the dead. After the passing of Jerry Garcia in 1995, the band continued to delgiht deadheads. Furthermore, the past decade saw Weir on the road as "Dead And Co." which included band members Kreutzmann and Hart along with John Mayer filling in for Garcia. Lots of deadheads were skeptical, given Mayer's musical repuation and ego. Nonetheless, they succeeded. 

For anyone boxing the band in as the 'hippie jam band' I urge you to rethink your thoughts and give Europe 72 a listen. Weir and the band shine on there. From the mythical "Jack Straw" to the blues romp "Mr. Charlie" and the integrate "China Cat Sunflower/ I know Your Rider" theres something for everyone. And of course, listerns can dive into the legendary Dick Picks collection for mind- blowing live jams. 

Bob Weir lived the ultimate life. Changing the world of music and its capabilities, while also serving as the ultimate  guru on life-lessons, meditation and living in the moment. He truly was the last hippie. We can all take a page from the book of Weir. Thank You Mr. Weir for your contributions. You and Jerry must be having a blast now reuinted again. Fly high brother.

The bird has stayed- The Beatles Rubber Soul at 60

,"Rubber Soul, for me, is the beginning of my adult life"- Paul McCartney. 

That's a very valid statement from the legend himself. 60 years ago, The Beatles released Rubber Soul; The record that showcased the band maturing not only physically, but also in their songwriting. With help from the great Mary Jane introduced to them by Bob Dylan. of course. 1965 was the year rock n roll was growing up. So were the Fab Four. Though the band would perform their final show as a band the following year, the band was finally free to record and write in a continuous period. Because of the band being free of any commitments, it planted the seed that sprouted their creativity even further. The result was and is still a masterpiece. For example, in the context of their songwriting, take for example Lennon's composition 'Girl" compared to an earlier hit like "Eight Days A Week". "Was She told when she was young that pain would lead to pleasure." Lennon wrote the lyric as a critique of the Catholic religion that suffering is a path to salvation. That's an insane lyrical jump from a man who was just 25 at the time. That is mindboggling.  

The album kicks off with "Drive My Car' an upbeat, Motown feel thanks to George Harrison wanting to simulate a heavy bass-guitar part in ode to Otis Redding. Filled with sexual overtones, it's a romping song to ease the listener in. Then we are  treated to Norwegian Wood (This Bird has flown). This is when the listener realizes that the band was truly fermenting their songwriting oats. It was also the first modern pop song to feature a sitar. This song is in ¾ time which is known as a waltz and has its Lennon lyrical genius as usual. 

“Think For Yourself” sung by George Harrison for me is a song that doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. The guitar driven crunch from a Fender Strat and the Rickenbacker bass are precise and bright while Starr’s drumming is really cooking.

“Nowhere Man” is John Lennon’s first philosophical, solely written song that included no romantic perception whatsoever. It’s beautifully written, the three part harmonies, and the blissful trebly guitar  tones accompanied by the harmonic finish on the guitar solo really makes it one of the standout tracks. 

“I’m Looking Through You”, is a McCartney song that was written about his troubled relationship with then girlfriend Jane Asher who was a famous British actress. “Love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight”. When you go through the motions of love through your mid to late 20’s, that hits home pretty hard. 

“In My Life” is Lennon’s best on the record. Legend has it it was written from an autobiographical standpoint from Lennon, and the beauty is that the poetry written can be connected with anyone. That’s genius. 

Happy 60th Rubber Soul. It was the first record I truly remember listening to my sophomore year of college. I was only allowed to bring a certain amount of records in a crate so I had to pick wisely. I bought the record a while back but truly had to pick a Beatles record in case someone wanted to inspect it. Glad I picked this one. Easy to say, this album holds a special place for me. Cheers. 

"We Can Stay the Night and Stay Together"- musical genius Brian Wilson dies at 82

 Haven't we all wanted the California lifestyle? The sunshine, the girls, the surf, sunsets, drag racing... For anyone anywhere else in America, that sounds like the true American dream. The Beach Boys were that answer, that hook up, that sweet escape. More importantly, Brian Wilson was the musical architect behind that. Yesterday, on May 11th, 2025, the world is grieving a lost of a genius. Brian Wilson was the creative genius behind America's greatest band. He was a summer poet masked as T.S. Elliot and Ernest Hemingway. Furthermore, he achieved this status with a horrific childhood. Brian Wilson was born on June 20th, 1942 in Inglewood, California and raised in nearby Hawthorne, California. He formed The Beach Boys in 1961 with younger brothers Dennis (drums) and Carl Wilson (guitar). Later on, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine joined respectfully. Brain absorbed the catalog of The Four Freshmen and was drawn by their vocal harmonies.  In the early days, the band was managed by their abusive father Murray Wilson. Brian would struggle under the constant pressure of his fathers expectations and would eventually retire from touring in 1964 from a panic attack. While that was a setback for the band, having Brian home would change the course of music history forever. Influenced by producer Phil Spector and his 'wall of sound' studio approach, he became obsessed with The Ronette's "Be My Baby" and other notable works and of course from some friendly but lauded competition across the pond. Signs of his creative change can be heard in songs as "Please Let Me Wonder" from Beach Boys Today! and In My Room, which lyrical context explored more mature themes. In 1966, Pet Sounds was released and is now lauded as one of the greatest records of all time which is tied with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The result of  the Beatles work  was because of the influence of Pet Sounds. With full control, Brian crafted a true work of art thanks to the help of the famous session band 'The Wrrecking Crew" and a full orchestra. "Wouldn't it be Nice" explored themes of aging, "I Just Wasn't Made for these times" explores themes of depression, and of course "God Only Knows" one of the greatests songs of all time. It its also one of my favorite songs ever. I listen to tons of music , but if there is one song that I could listen to for the rest of my life, it's this one. It's just so beauitful. I can't even put into words how.  

The Beach Boys have been part of my life forever. My summers are ingraved with their sound. I struggle with mental illness and knowing Brian did defintily makes me feel more connect. Endless Summer Brian Wilson. Thank you for everything.  

Hands Still On The Wheel: Red Headed Stranger at 50

 By 1975, Willie Nelson was in his mid-40s. Born in 1933, he spent two decades busking his way through Nashville, trying to make a name for himself. In that time, he wrote songs that became classics thanks to other country artists like Patsy Cline (Crazy) and Faron Young (Hello Walls). By the early 1970s, country music was entering a new era. That era was to be dubbed the Outlaw Country movement. Fellow contemporaries like Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, along with Willie Nelson, pushed back on the tamed, polished recordings of the Nashville sound. Nelson succeeded with Shotgun Willie and Phases and Stages, released on Atlantic Records. However, Atlantic soon dropped him, and he was back at square 1. He was able to score a deal with Columbia Records on the condition that Nelson had complete artistic control. 

Red Headed Stranger turned country music on its head. It's been documented that when recording was completed, Columbia Records (CBS) was hesitant to release it because to them, it sounded like incomplete demos. Furthermore, the production of the record is very sparse. The album is one of Willie Nelson's. Best. The classic concept record reads like an epic poem of the old American West. It tells the story of the Red Headed Stranger who rode into Blue Rock, Montana. Our main character finds out that the "yellow-haired lady" from the local tavern tried to steal his bay (horse), which belonged to his late wife. Out of frustration and anger, he shoots her and rides off into the night. What follows is an odyssey woven together by Nelson and Trigger, his sister Bobbie on piano, and the great Mickey Raphael on harmonica. Red Headed Stranger cemented Willie Nelson's outlaw image.

This album is a testament that less is more, and that stories can capture us and move us. It is that good. 

Underdressed At the Symphony: Faye Webster sells out Radio City Music Hall

Faye Webster is one of the best Indie artists today. She proved this last Wednesday at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, where she performed to a sold-out crowd. Webster was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 25th, 1997.  She grew up in a musical family. Her grandfather was a bluegrass player, her mother being a guitarist and fiddle player, and her younger brother was already playing in bands by high school.  Her band is tight and keeps in line with her Atlanta roots with the key component of Matt Stoesell, a phenomenal guitarist and pedal steel player. Charles Garner (drums) has incredible chops, and his fills are akin to those of famous session drummer Roger Hawkins. 

For someone so young, her crowd control was awe-inspiring and her following is more so. Her lyrics resonate with tons of fans and there wasn't a single person who wasn't singing. Furthermore, the crowd raley took a seat. 

Her music is the perfect blend of R&B, alternative, and alternative country accompanied with lyrics that are characterized as personal and poetic. Themes include repressed emotions and the little things in life to name a few. All of those elements were on display in her diverse setlist, which included songs from her latest record Underdressed at the Symphony, along with songs from 2019's Atlanta Millionaires Club, and 2021's I Know I'm Funny Hahah. I will attach a Spotify playlist that includes her current tour setlist. 

She finished off the night with "Kingston" which is her most popular song to date. With gorgeous pedal steel and a space like vibe, the song manages to blend folk, R&B, and hip-hop all in one to create a truly unique song.  Faye Webster is truly keeping the torch lit for the indie genre and is just a joy to see live. Catch her if you can next time she's in town. 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7xFg41HIgMGgd3sE5XXK2o?si=14d718c35a3b4275

Christmas Time is Here: Vince Guaraldi's masterpiece is forever timeless.

 Ah, the holiday season. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now it is time to either buy or take your tree out of hiding and load up on eggnog. Yes, it's that time of year again. I dig Christmas music. I love the classics. However, because the holidays come once a year, there's only so much music you can withstand. I say that because my heart goes out to all the people who have to endure Maria Carey's thawing. A Charlie Brown's Christmas LP stands in a class of its own because of how timeless it is and that it will never go out of style. 

Guaraldi's name is synonymous with the Peanuts franchise, and ACBC was the first collaboration between the two, starting in 1965, the same year the classic special aired on television. Peanuts, as they have been around for a decade, had already become a success due to themes of politics, philosophy, and ethics, which, for a comic strip, is ahead of its time. The genre of Jazz itself was in a tough position as folk dominated the early 60s and Beatlemania and the British invasion occurred just a year prior. 

A Charlie Brown's Christmas, if it could be described as a feeling, that feeling would be warmth. From the opening notes of "O Tannenbaum," you feel cozy. You want to make a cup of hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. The musicianship on this record has always been a key component that gets overlooked because of the legacy of the special (which is understandable). It might be a holiday record, but listening to it, you wouldn't be able to tell because Guaraldi and his trio are just cooking. Brushing has always been a troupe in Jazz, and drummer Jerry Granelli showcases its strengths in the instrumental take on "Christmas Time is Here" as it lulls you into a dreamlike state accompanied by Vince's elegant piano. "Linus and Lucy," which is a standout on the album, is unofficially the Peanuts anthem and is so instantly recognizable. "Christmas Time is Here" is again reprised with vocals provided by St. Paul's Epispical Church choir and opens the special with the iconic skating sequence.  

This holiday, cozy up with a holiday classic. It's essential in my tradition, why don't you make it yours?

Forever echoing through the canyon: Remebering Kris Kristoifferson

 Country music is a beloved genre of music but not eveyrone (surprinsgly) loves the genre. However, there are very few artists who come around once in a lifetime that trendsends the genre and whose lyrics are raw, emotional and timeless. That man was Kris Kristofferson. Kirsotfferson was country's answer to Bob Dylan in terms of poetry and expert songcraft. Furhtumore, Kristofferson was a pioneer in the Outlaw Country movement of the 1970s with lauded company including Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936 in Brownsville Texas and grew up as an air force kid frequently relocating with is family. Eventually setteling in San Mateo, California, Kris grauduated Pomona College with a degree in creative writing and went on to attend Oxford Univeristy as a Rhoads Scholar. Kris was scheduled to start work at West Point academy teaching English but before accepting, he decided to take a 2 week leave in Nashville. Good thing he did. Once settled in Nashville, he paid his dues working and writing songs. After a brief time away from Nashville, Kristofferson returned to word of mouth praise thanks to friends like Johnny Cash. With that endoursement in mind, Krisoffereson started wroking on his self titled debut Kristofferson. While lauded by critics it tanked comerically. The album was the birth of his incrdible songwriting icluding tunes like "To Beat The Devil", "Best Of All Possilbe Worlds", "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and of course the immortal "Me And Bobby Mcgee" which became Janis Joplin's only #1 hit . After Kristofferson,  he followed up with 1971's The Silver Tongued Devil and I and spawned hits with "Loving Her Was Easier (Than anyting I'll ever do), the title track, and the fan favorite "The Pilgrim-Chapter 33." Later in the decade, Krisoffereson starred in Martin Scorseses Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore  (1974) and of course his breakout role alongisde Barbara Streistand in 1976's A Star Is Born in which he won a Golden Globe. In the 80s, Kris teamed with fellow freinds Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash to form THe Highwaymen.  

Kristofferson made country poetic. He was able to push against the norm of what country lyrics could be. He marched to the beat of his own drum. He was the definiton of a cosimic cowboy. Rest easy Kris. Legends don't die, they fade away. In Kristoffereson's case, fading away is ironic. His legacy will live forever. 

Talking to the Trees- The Jayhawks and Hollywood Town Hall

Alternative country is a subgenre of country music that draws influence from country (primarily outlaw) with mixes of poetic lyrics and more of a rock and roll backbone. The Jayhawks are one of the many pioneers in the genre, along with bands such as Uncle Tupelo, Wilco,  and Whiskeytown. The Jayhawks were formed in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The original core lineup consisted of Mark Olson (guitar and vocals), Norm Rogers (drums), and guitarist-turned-bassist Marc Perlman, later joined by Gary Louris (guitar and vocals). The band released their self-titled debut in 1986, followed by 1989's Blue Earth. The band gained national fame with the release of Hollywood Town Hall on September 15th, 1992.  That's the record we're dissecting today. I would also like to note that this was my first time fully listening to the record. 

The album begins with "Waiting For The Sun". Right from the get-go, this record is going to be special. The band was influenced by Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, and the track is oozing with a Crazy Horse swagger. Clouds" is a prolific and critical jab at one's wealth and well-being and makes you stop and ponder. 'Two Angels' is the standout track on the album as it blends classic country pedal steel that merges with Neil Young-inspired lyrics. Moreover, Olson's vocals echo the late great Gram Parsons, a pioneer in alternative country, and that's beautiful. 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nGfdDtythVg0bQVBX8k4F_U1BB7iOa5MM&si=u8JNqNqZ8-uFt--U

Above is a link to the full record for you to listen. This album is unquestionable The Jayhawks at their creative peak. An "Exile On Main Street," if you will. 

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: Wilco rocks The Beacon Theater

On Friday, June 21st, 2024 I was treated to a rock odyssey. That odyssey was in the translation of Wilco. Wilco has had an incredible lasting legacy, clocking in now for almost 30 years. Wilco was the brainchild of Jeff Tweedy, formerly a member of the alternative country legend that was Uncle Tupelo, whose legacy is the blueprint of the subgenera. Founded in 1995, the band released their debut album A.M. The album was a word-of-mouth success as critic reviews were mixed. Their sophomore album Being There, now a lauded masterpiece, made them a fan favorite for millions, including me. Wilco didn't slow down from there. The band has grown both lyrically and musically since then. With releases like the ultra-personal Summerteeth, and the Cinderella story epic that is Yankee Hotel Foxtrot it was clear that the band wanted to prove that they could graduate from the alt-country genre. Safe to say they transitioned smoothly. 

I was fortunate enough to get tickets for the show thanks to my old man. However, it's still going to take time to show the genius of Wilco for him. Fortunately, I was able to bring along my amazing girlfriend as she was familiar with their catalog. The show was held at the historic Beacon Theater in New York City whose house residents are quite notable. Notable alumni include The Allman Brothers Band and indie giants My Morning Jacket. Nice company. 

Wilco bought down the house that night. As a concertgoer, I can sometimes get skeptical of a setlist. I meditate toward one that covers both hits and deep cuts. Safe to say I got both that night. The band opened with Misunderstood" the track that kicks off their masterpiece Being There. Right out of the gate, I knew this band was so special in a live environment. Jeff Tweedy had the crowd singing to every word. A maestro leading his orchestra of fans. Afterward, I recognized the first 3 notes of "Forget The Flowers" a Johnny Cash-inspired song both lyrically and musically, and I was over the moon. The band covered all of their catalog including fan favorites "I'm Trying To Break Your Heart", 'Jesus Etc.", "Cruel Country" and the epic "Impossible Germany". 

At the end of the encore, a fellow fan turned to me and said "Did your dad introduce you to Wilco?" 

I responded "Nope. Discovered them all on my own." That's the ticket on why this concert was so special to me.  To be able to see a band live from your own crate digging and research is a satisfying treat. I suggest you do the same. 

Forever in the Blue Sky: Dicky Betts, co-founder of The Allman Brothers band dies at 80

On Thursday, April 18th, 2024 we lost a giant. That giant was Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band. Betts passed away at the age of 80 after battling a long fight with COPD. Betts was the yang to Duane Allman's yin.  The Altman Brothers Band was a group that couldn't be matched. ABB was and forever will be Southern Rock royalty,  but they also were able to seamlessly blend other genres including R&B and even Jazz. 

I won't be the first to tell you how influential Live At The Fillmore East has been on music. It's often lauded as the greatest live album of all time and I'm inclined to agree.  Duane Altman's Les Paul screams while Dicky Betts blazes behind him with incredible blues phrasing mixed with the mixalydan and major scales blended in. That interplay shines on their rendition of Stormy Monday, Statesboro Blues, and Done Somebody Wrong. Betts' "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" also included, is an epic instrumental that blends jazz, R&B, and blues and concludes at a blistering 16 minutes. 

Following the tragic death of Duane, The Brothers pushed on and released their 1972 masterpiece Eat A Peach.    Betts contributed "Blue Sky" a beautiful rollicking outlaw lullaby.  It was also the first time Betts sang lead vocal. Blue Sky became a concert favorite. Truly a beautiful song.

Betts would contribute more tunes for the band which is showcased in 1973's Brothers and Sisters. For Allman stans, this would be the last album founding member and bassist  Berry Oakley would play on. 

As for. Betts, he wrote "Ramblin Man" which became the band's only top 10 hit, and the trance-like instrumental epic "Jessica". While writing Jessica, Betts stated he was influenced by the late great Django Reinhardt as he wanted to capture the feeling of playing with two fingers. Betts left the band in 1975 but would come back with the Allman's in 1989 and played with the band throughout the 90s on numerous live albums and the studio albums Seven Turns and the underrated Back Where it All Begins. 

Betts may have passed, but his music and his profound influences will live on in record grooves forever. 

Forever kicking out the jams: MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer dies at 75

 On Friday, February 2nd, 2024 punk lost one of its founding fathers. MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer died at the age of 75 after a grueling battle with pancreatic cancer. Kramer and the MC5 was a key figure in the port punk movement along with other fellow trailblazers The Stooges who were in turn influenced by East Coast legends The Velvet Underground. Kramer was born in 1948 and was a founding member of the MC5 which formed in Lincoln Park, Michigan in 1964. The original lineup consisted of Kramer, Fred Smith (guitar), Rob Tyner (vocals), Dennis Thompsons on drums, and Michal Davis on bass. Tragically, the band had little to no commercial success during its entail run but the band has had an enduring legacy since then and has influenced contemporary giants Rage Against The Machine and British punk legends The Clash. "Kick Out Of the Jams' the band's signature tune has become an enduring anthem for picking yourself back up when times may seem bleak. Furthermore, the opening wailing cry from Tyner is forever cemented in the brains of music lovers everywhere. "Kick Out the Jams Mother-Fuckers" What a statement for the time period. Kramer's guitar work oozes through every groove of the song. It's loud, in your face, and bare-boned. The man could take a solo as well as he was able to craft tasteful solos while keeping the signature punk sound. A great example of this technique can be showcased in underrated gems like "Motor City is Burning' and "Looking At You." 

RATM's Tom Morello took to social media to pay respects to his hero citing Kramer as "The greatest man I've ever known." Fellow contemporary legend Jack White also expressed his condolences and cited "Looking at You" to be the first guitar solo he ever taught himself. 

Though Kramer has left us, his legacy has been cemented in the books and his influence has sprawled for decades. He would be happy to know how vocal rock bands are these days. Kick out The jams brother Kramer. Rest easy. 

Take a sad song and make it better: The Beatles (white album) dissection and analysis

 By 1968, The Beatles had already accomplished feats we could only dream of achieving. The band conquered both sides of the pond, exceeding and pushing boundaries of what a rock band could create within the past year released Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour which pushed the sub-genre psychedelic rock to its limits. 1968 would be a turbulent year for the band. However, despite all they endured that year they prevailed and created The Beatles or as society has now deemed it, The White Album. Beatle fanatics will know that around this time, Lennon was well infatuated with Yoko Ono whom John Lennon met back in 1966. Eventually, home life would clash with studio time and inedibly in time, she would soon be sitting in on the band's recording sessions. It was a bold move considering the band retired from touring back in 1966 to solely focus on being present in the studio. The Yoko hate train is well known and I'm with that company. However, I'm solely focusing on the songs and the band themselves. 

The bulk of the album was conceived in Rishikesh, India as the band was trying to achieve inner calm with mediation provided by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Combined with the practiced mediation, and ironically the presence of Yoko, the band was able to create individually and in the process created a smorgasbord of material that expands multiple genres. The album opens with "Back in The U.S.S.R". Mccartney wrote the song as an homage to The Beach Boys and is clearly showcased by the backing vocals and Chuck Berry-infused guitar progression. McCartney also provided the drum track.  'Dear Prudence" follows and for my money, it's one of John Lennon's best lyrical works and that is saying a lot. The iconic acoustic guitar work is owed in large part to fellow friend and musician Donovan. It has been written that Donovan introduced Lennon. to a common guitar technique called 'Travis picking' which is all played with your fingers. What's more, the guitar is in drop d tuning which makes the guitar sound fuller. Another compliment of this timeless song is that the band expanded beyond their respective instruments. George Harrison plays a beautifully crafted baseline and McCartney provides an elegantly simple drum pattern. 

Sticking with the acoustic approach, Mccartney penned "Blackbird'. It's a beautiful song with not only a gorgeous guitar melody and chord shapes but with an important blueprint as Mccartney wrote the tune to comment on the social injustice occurring during 1968 which was a turning point for America. 

During the late 60s, George Harrison was finally starting to blossom as a songwriter. Before the white album, he conceived masterpieces such as 'Taxman", "I Want to Tell You" and "Love You To". The White Album is no acceptance as he penned the beautiful "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." During this time, Harrison became close with Eric Clapton. Both men highly respected each other and were thick as thieves(before the creation of Layla). That friendship carried over to the sessions and the result is Clapton playing the guitar solo on the track and it's definitely the highlight of the song. What's more, Harrison's lyrics are hauntingly lonely as the narrator "looks at the floor and notices it needs sweeping" and confronting the world around him being perverted and why society can't come to peace. 

 Side 1 of the record closes with "Happiness is A Warm Gun" Lennon was inspired by the title of an article published in The American Rifleman. Lennon was instantly intrigued and stated he must write a song about it. Musically, the song is a masterclass in time signatures as it changes from 6/8 time to 4/4 (common time). The song climaxes with Lennon's falsetto and it is proof that the band could be inspired by anything. 

Much as I'm praising this LP, it is to be noted that 'Revolution 9" will not be discussed as that song has its fair share of coverage and hate. I personally don't care for "Ob-La-Di-Ob-la-da" or "Birthday" as well but I know there are fans who hold those songs dearly so to each their own. 

Anyways, with that cleared up, let us go back to praising this landmark recording, shall we? 

"Yer Blues" was penned by Lennon as a playful jab and comment on the British blues scene. Ironically, Lennon would perform that song with Eric Clapton at The Rolling Stones Rock N Roll circus in December 1968 a month after the record was released. Furthermore, the cover is better than the recording. Just google the performance if you're not convinced. 

The following track is "Mother Nature's Son" which is another McCartney acoustic. It's my favorite McCartney acoustic number for sure. Lyrically, it's a love letter to nature. Although the narrator doesn't have much, he can't help but love the environment around him. 

One final song I'm gonna dive into is "Helter Skelter" without mentioning anything about Mr. Manson out of respect for Sharon Tate. "Helter Skelter" is The Beatles at their heaviest. The song itself was a response to The Who's a masterpiece "I Can See for Miles". Vocally, it's the rawest McCartney has ever been on recording only rivaling Oh! Darling." but Skelter will always prevail. Distorted, dirty guitars explode in all of their glory from Lennon and Harrison and Ringo screaming "I" 've got blisters on my fingers' is bloody brilliant. 

I've grown to really love The White Album as of late. So much so, that I would boldly put in my top 3. It's a masterpiece once you give it a few listens and a miracle since the band was going through a really rough time due to tensions and the behind-the-scenes schemes cooking up at Apple records (Beatle's own record company) 

Give it a listen. Or if you're familiar with it, go back and listen again and you might find something new. 

Outlaw, a state of mind: Willie Nelson rocks PNC bank arts center

The 1970s was the birth of the outlaw movement in country music. Outlaw country was the response to the clean and polished recordings coming out of Nashville. I was fortunate enough to see one of the founding fathers of the genre and a living legend in his own right. That man was Willie Nelson. For those who follow this blog regularly, you have seen reviews of past acts that I would have never dreamed of seeing in my lifetime. Willie Nelson is right up there. Seeing him in the flesh made it more rewarding since Willie Nelson was headlining. The Outlaw music festival took place last Sunday at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Anticipation was rising in the air as I have been patiently waiting for the Red-Headed Stranger himself to walk out on stage. I finally saw him in the flesh. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation and Willie himself was humble. He then opened with the staple "Whisky River" and at that moment, the roach I finished earlier kicked in. I now knew what bliss was like.

     It's to be said that Nelson just turned 90 this year. That said, he sounded exactly the same. The real profound moment though was watching him play. Nelson's N-20  classical Martin guitar aka 'Trigger" is as much the legend as he. The guitar has seen it all and been through it all and yet it still sounds crisp. Seeing Nelson's fingers move up and down the fretboard was an awe-inspiring moment. His playing and sound are immediately identifiable yet impossible to recreate. For the setlist, Nelson pleased his entire fanbase. There was a delightful mix of hits (Always on My Mind, On The Road Again, Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys, Good Hearted Woman) along with deep cuts like the symbolic "Still Not Dead" and "Bloody Mary Morning." 

  Nelson paid homage to country pioneer Hank Williams with a Texan honky-tonk cover of "Move it On Over." To cap off the night, he bought the entire festival lineup onstage for "Will The Circle Be Unbroken which has become Country's music code of conduct made famous by The Carter Family.  Singing a part of history with a man who is breaking and making it. That's a sight. I overheard someone say "This reminds me of being in the back of my old man's truck while fishing." That's what it's all about. From generation to generation,  Willie Nelson will live on for eternity.

Classic album dissection: Everybody Knows This is Nowhere- Neil Young and Crazy Horse

 One artist I haven't covered yet on this blog is Neil Young. I'm kicking myself for not bringing up his genius sooner. For those of you well versed in Neil Young's career, he started with music as early as middle school as he formed a band called The Jades and then a band called The Squires in 1965. That following year, he joined Buffalo Springfield with future CSN/CSNY band member Stephen Stills. After Buffalo Springfield called it quits in 1968, Young formed with members of Crazy Horse that would eventually be billed as Neil Young and Crazy Horse. The band's second album Everybody Knows This is Nowhere has been hailed by critics and fans as Young's best work. It's time for a classic album dissection. 

Released in the spring of 1969 under Reprise records, this album finally put Neil Young at the forefront creatively. All songs were composed by Young and the album blends both of his crafts seamlessly. Those crafts are able to write dreamy acoustic melodies along with melodic and truly original electric guitar work. The album opens with "Cinnamon Girl" which is a beautifully distorted swampy rocker in drop d tuning. That tuning itself would become a go-to tuning for future bands like Rage Against The Machine and Pearl Jam and here is Uncle Neil doing so about 3 decades prior. The title track showcases once again the brilliance of Young's unique approach to electric guitar. It must be stated that one listens to this record that Crazy Horse plays just as a vital role in what makes this album sound so original. The original lineup for Crazy Horse was Danny Whitten (guitar), Billy Talbot (bass), and Ralph Molina on drums. These guys really know how to cook and that is masterfully shown in "Down By The River" an epic swampy, bluesy, grungy jam that closes out the first side of the record. Neil trading the iconic riff with Whitten, followed by a melodic baseline from Talbot and a pocket groove from Molina make this one of the best songs on the record. When Crazy Horse links, they can carry on for as long as they like and it's brilliant. As mentioned, Neil's acoustic work is also showcased with the ironically dreamful "Round and Round (It Won't be long). 'Cowgirl In The Sand" closes the album and has become one of Young's most enduring tunes. The song is a testament to his catalog and for me even dives into Cosmic Country. A perfect album if there ever was one. 

A well respected band: Why The Kinks are one of the most underrated bands

1964 was a pivotal year in musical history. On February 9th, 1964, The Beatles performed on the Ed Sullivan Show and overnight the 2nd big bang took place. With The Beatles came The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Dave Clark Five, and The Animals. Then there's that one band that gets mentioned, recognized on how good they were, and then time marches on. In other words, The Kinks are one of the most underrated bands from that era. The Kinks were formed in 1963 with brothers Ray Davies (rhythm), Dave Davies (lead), drummer Mick Avory and bassist Pete Quaife were the original lineup. Their debut record was released in October of 1964. For starters, Dave Davies is credited for creating the first ever "fuzz" guitar tone which he accomplished by using a razor to slash his amp. That resulted in the now iconic "You Really Got Me" and "All Day And All of The Night" which are rock n roll staples and fundamentals when learning electric guitar. From there the band scored major hits including "Tired of Waiting for You", "Gotta Get The First Plane Home", "Till The End of the Day" and most famous " A Well Respected Man" about a wealthy gentleman blessed with good fortune.  Come 1966, Ray David penned "Sunny Afternoon" which became a hit with the rising sub-genre psychedelic rock. With that in mind, the band released The Kinks Are The Green Village Preservation Society in 1968 the same day as The Beatles White Album. Safe to say, The Fab Four scored yet again. The Kinks Are The Green Village Preservation has some real gems and deserves to be examined closer with gems like "Do You Remember Walter", and "Johnny Thunder". "Picture Book" received the most praise with lyrics longing for the days of the past. The song was highly influential on pop punk legends Green Day and you can clearly hear the influence on their song "Warning". In 1970, The Kinks released Lola vs. Powerman and the Moneyground Pt 1. This album contains "Lola" which shot the band back in popularity in the United States and became one of the bands most recognized songs. The song broke new ground and was ahead of its time as the lyrics are about a man who meets a woman and soon become intimate only to realize later on Lola was a Transvestite. The Kinks beat Lou Reed to the punch by 2 years. During the first half of the 1970s, the band released an abundance of concept records which sold fairly. However, in 1977, the band reinvented their image and sound and embraced an arena rock style. In 1977, the band released Sleepwalker which in my opinion is the most underrated album in their catalog to date. Big catchy riffs and swagger ooze off this record and it proved that The Kinks still had some left in the tank considering that 1977 was a huge year punk. This era would continue with hits like "Come Dancing" and "Low Budget". In 1981, Give The People What They Want gave us classics like "Destroyer" and "Around The Dial." The bands 1984 record Word Of Mouth was truly the last great Kinks record. "Do It Again" contains great guitar work along with the title track with a huge Rolling Stones influence. However, "Living on a Thin Line" is the standout track which was written by Dave Davies about an England he once knew but is now slowly vanishing. The song gained notoriety thanks to The Sopranos who used the song in their season 3 finale. The Kinks were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990. The Kinks are truly a great band and deserve to be celebrated for so much more than they already are. Great songwriting, great musicianship, and thought provoking tunes. What more is there to ask? 

The queen is dead: Tina Turner dies at the age of 83

 Another blow was shot to the music world once again. The queen of rock n roll has left her throne and will now reign in the skies. Tina Turner, the groundbreaking and legendary soul singer has died at the age of 83. Instantly, millions took to Twitter and social media to express their sympathies including Ronnie Wood and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones to Diana Ross.  Born on November 26th, 1939 in Brownsville, Tennessee, Anna Mae Bullock (Tina Turner) was born into a sharecropper family. She began to sing during her teenage years and she surrounded herself within the realm of R&B/soul and blues. In 1956, she met her now infamous husband Ike Turner at a gig for Ike's current band the Kings of Rhythms. From there, they formed The Ike and Tina Turner Revenue. The duo turned heads with their 1960 classic "A Fool In Love" and the Revenue became famous for their legendary live performances. In the late 60's, infamous record producer Phil Spector was eager to produce Tina. The result ended being the groundbreaking "River Deep Mountain High" which bought Tina and Ike critical acclaim and became a prime example of the famous "wall of sound" production style of Phil Spector. Ike and Tina Turner's biggest hit was a cover of the CCR classic "Proud Mary" off their album 1971 album Working Together. Tina is at her vocal peak here as the song starts off with a soulful/gospel vibe and then explodes into a rollicking soul masterpiece. What's more empowering is that between all that successTina battled her own demons as she suffered intolerable domestic abuse from Ike and they finally divorced in 1976. Then in 1984, Turner experienced the ultimate comeback. That year she released the lauded Private Dancer and the album was a commercial and financial success. "    What's Love Got To Do With It" and 'Better Be Good To Me" became staples of the decade. Post Private Dancer, Turner had another massive hit with "The Best" off her 1989 album Foreign Affair. Recently, HBO released an original documentary titled Tina which was released in 2021 to great praise and I highly recommend checking it out. She was a trailblazer, an icon, and sex symbol. First and foremost, she was a singer and by god was her voice ever so powerful along with her perseverance. Fly high Mrs. Turner. 

New York's a go-go and everything tastes right-Aladdin Sane at 50

50 years ago today, David Bowie released Aladdin Sane. 1973 was a monumental year for rock n roll with the release of Pink Floy's The Dark Side of The Moon, Led Zeppelin's Houses Of The Holy, and Iggy Pop and The Stooges Raw Power. Aladdin Sane should be included more in discussions. Prior to the release, Bowie just completed his worldwide tour for his masterpiece The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars and it has been said that Bowie created the character of Aladdin Sane to showcase what Ziggy would be like when he went to visit in America. What we got was Aladdin Sane and it's definitely an album to take a deeper dive into. Arguably the most famous track off the album is "The Jean Jeanie." The iconic guitar part came from Mick Ronson who began playing a Bo-Diddely inspired riff on his new Les Paul. Lyrically, Bowie is at his most bizarre lyrically and is channeling Iggy Pop swagger. Looking past this classic hit, this album has under appreciated gems that need to be bought to light. The opening track "Watch That Man" sounds like the brewing of an old Spiders From Mars rehearsal demo. That's exactly the feel and it makes the song what it is. Musically, it's raw rock n roll in your face with a rollocking rhythm fusing  Rolling Stones/New York Dolls guitar technique. Bowie was an admirer of both bands and loved the members of each band dearly. The hidden gems begin with "Drive-In Saturday" which is heavily influenced by 1950s doo wop bands like The Coasters and The Five Satins. The listener is instantly traveled back to that innocent and technologically defining decade. You're at the drive in with your date and you can still smell the Brylcreem on your hands from slicking your hair back. "Panic In Detroit" is based on Stooges frontman Iggy Pop and the revolutionaries he knew while growing up in Michigan and witness the 1967 Detroit Riots. It's a bluesy fueled salsa infused Bo-Diddley with an apocalyptic backdrop. "Cracked Actor" takes on the point of view of just that. A cracked actor down on his luck and his questionable escapades while looking for work with a hard rocking guitar infused approach. The closing track "Lady Grinning Soul" is a very subtle musical hint of what was going to become of Bowie in his late 70s run of Berlin trilogy albums. It has been described as a James Bond style with romantic lyrics to boot. American soul singer Claudia Lennear for the inspiration. Lennear was on the backup singers in the Ike and Tina Turner Revenue. Bono has cited "Lady Grinning Soul" as one his favorite Bowie songs. Aladdin Sane has always been the forgotten gem that forever live in the shadows of 1972 which was quite arguably David Bowie's year only rivaling The Rolling Stones with Exile On Main St. I was able to pick up a copy from the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame gift shop and I'm glad I did an impulse  purchase. It's well worth the listen. 

The Man in Black emancipated: Why Unchained is the greatest American Recording

Johnny Cash quite arguably had the greatest revival in the history of country music. At the time, it seemed like Johnny Cash's career was over. He didn't have a top 10 country album since 1976 and his 80's catalog was insufferable with the notorious "Chicken In Black" which was released in 1984. To rub salt in the wound, in 1986 Columbia records which had been his home since 1960, dropped him in 1986. His current record company Mercury records was not much better and ignored his creative ideas. Then in February of 1993, an encounter changed his life.  Cash was performing to a few hundred patrons at an outmoded club in  Southern California. Word of mouth spread throughout the club and Cash was asked if he wanted to meet Rick Rubin. He was unaware of Rubin but he agreed to meet with him anyways. By 1993, Rick Rubin was a force to be reckoned with in the music business and produced a variety of genre-defining albums including Red Hot Chili Pepper's Blood, Sugar, Sex Magik, and the 80's hard rocking Electric by The Cult.  The meeting backstage only lasted for 15 minutes, but at that moment Rick Rubin knew they had something special. The following year, American Recordings was released to critical acclaim and was lauded by critics. In 1996, the man in black was back with American II: Unchained. This release, to me, is the best out of the series of recordings. When Cash released At Folsom Prison in 1968, he was able to cross genre boundaries and appeal to both country purists and rock n roll. In 1996, he was able to do it again. What makes this album pleasing to the ears is not only the production value but also the backing band Cash rounded up. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are his backing band. Tom Petty had great respect for Cash and he and his fellow Heartbreakers bring their A-game musically. What's more, you have country guitar legend Marty Stuart, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and even Mick Fleetwood and Lindsey Buckingham all lending their musical talents. The man in black was never afraid to change lanes and was not afraid to cover songs from multiple genres. On Unchained, he covers the 1962 Hank Snow classic "Ive Been Everywhere" a stellar cover of Beck's 'Rowboat" and the best cover on the album; an outlaw country-infused take on  Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage". Cash's own "Meet Me In Heaven" is an emotional tribute to his brother Jack Cash. In 1944, his brother Jack was severely injured in a work accident while trying to scrape up extra money to help his family. It was a harrowing event that stuck with John for the rest of his life. Greater detail can be explained in the stellar biography Johnny Cash: The Life by Robert Hilburn. 

I laud this American Recording record as my favorite because of Cash's way of approaching the album. Though he did contribute some original material, this album shows his true love for music and makes the covers his own. What's more, is that I respect Cash's state of mind. At this point in his career, he had nothing to prove because of the legacy he had already planted within the history of country music. And hey, he was back to what he loved doing most and that was making music. Rick Rubin's crystal production and the star-studded backup musicians are the perfect elements to round out this essential masterpiece and this record proves that Cash could and still can appeal to both country and rock fans alike.