WOODY GUTHRIE
DUST BOWL BALLADS
2000 – BUDDHA
Produced By ROBERT P WEATHERALD
1. The Great Dust Storm (Dust Storm Disaster)
2. Talking Dust Bowl Blues
3. Pretty Boy Floyd
4. Dusty Old Dust (So Long It’s Been Good To Know Yuh)
5. Dust Bowl Blues
6. Blowin’ Down The Road (I Ain’t Going To Be Treated This Way)
7. Tom Joad, Pt. 1
8. Tom Joad, Pt. 2
9. Do Re Mi
10. Dust Bowl Refugee
11. I Ain’t Got No Home
12. Vigilante Man
13. Dust Cain’t Kill Me
14. Dust Pneumonia Blues
15. Talking Dust Bowl Blues (Alternate Version)
Woody Guthrie’s Dust Bowl Ballads has now been in our midst for over 80 years. It was originally released as 2 separate albums in 1940 (volumes 1 and 2) on six 78 RPM discs. The original label, Viktor, let it go out of print, so Guthrie allowed Folkways Records to copy it and reissue it in 1950. It was then reissued in 1964 as a single album. In 2000, sixty years after its original release (and 33 years after Guthrie’s death), Buddha Records put out this single disc compilation of the two albums, with a different track order and the inclusion of two tracks (“Pretty Boy Floyd” and “Dust Bowl Blues”) that were left off of the original album. History, man, history.
You can hear what was so special about Guthrie here, and why his influence has continued to reach far beyond legends like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Bragg. The almost 7 minute song “Tom Joad”. The future pop excellence of “Do Re Mi”. Foreshadowing the Grateful Dead with “Blowing Down This Road”. All in what is considered to be the first concept album…and it’s about dust. The soundtrack to the lives of poor midwestern farmers crippled by the Depression and having their farms reduced to not more than piles of dirt. This is why Woody Guthrie is still famous to this day…these songs are true Americana, country blues, and folk music to the very core. A must have for its historical significance alone…and the music, 80 plus years later, is still perfection.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
CHARLES MINGUS
MINGUS AH UM
1959 – COLUMBIA
Produced By TEO MACERO
1. Better Git It In Your Soul
2. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
3. Boogie Stop Shuffle
4. Self-Portrait In Three Colors
5. Open Letter To Duke
6. Bird Calls
7. Fables Of Faubus
8. Pussy Cat Dues
9. Jelly Roll
10. Pedal Point Blues
11. GG Train
12. Girl Of My Dreams
Charles Mingus is responsible for some of the greatest jazz records of all time…Mingus Ah Um, from 1959, is one of his very best. It was not lost in the shuffle of great albums that came out that year, standing alongside Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue, Coltrane’s Giant Steps, Brubeck’s Time Out and The Shape Of Jazz To Come by Ornette Coleman. He was at his peak, and in the midst of a feverishly proficient time when he released 30 records during a ten year period, many of which still stand as classics today. Mingus Ah Um is bluesy, adventurous, and grooves to the end of the world and back. His bass lines are perfection, and his band is as tight as a drum. Without exception.
That groove on “Pussy Cat Dues” alone is worth the price of admission…Mingus outshines everyone with his bass playing. “Fables Of Faubus”, later recorded with vocals, is one of Mingus’ more political songs (a powerful protest against Arkansas Governor Faubus, who sent troops to stop integration of a high school in 1957). “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” was written for the recently passed saxophonist Lester Young. The CD version is not only 11 minutes longer than the original LP, it also contains three bonus tracks that are fine as well. So much of what Mingus recorded is excellent and important. This is one of many albums by him that are essential. Truly one of the greatest albums of the late 50’s.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
FischmanRockMonster, JazzMeister, Bluesboy,ClassicalMasterProfile Land of Enchantment
CHARLES MINGUS
MINGUS AH UM
1959 – COLUMBIA
Produced By TEO MACERO
1. Better Git It In Your Soul
2. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
3. Boogie Stop Shuffle
4. Self-Portrait In Three Colors
5. Open Letter To Duke
6. Bird Calls
7. Fables Of Faubus
8. Pussy Cat Dues
9. Jelly Roll
10. Pedal Point Blues
11. GG Train
12. Girl Of My Dreams
Charles Mingus is responsible for some of the greatest jazz records of all time…Mingus Ah Um, from 1959, is one of his very best. It was not lost in the shuffle of great albums that came out that year, standing alongside Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue, Coltrane’s Giant Steps, Brubeck’s Time Out and The Shape Of Jazz To Come by Ornette Coleman. He was at his peak, and in the midst of a feverishly proficient time when he released 30 records during a ten year period, many of which still stand as classics today. Mingus Ah Um is bluesy, adventurous, and grooves to the end of the world and back. His bass lines are perfection, and his band is as tight as a drum. Without exception.
That groove on “Pussy Cat Dues” alone is worth the price of admission…Mingus outshines everyone with his bass playing. “Fables Of Faubus”, later recorded with vocals, is one of Mingus’ more political songs (a powerful protest against Arkansas Governor Faubus, who sent troops to stop integration of a high school in 1957). “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” was written for the recently passed saxophonist Lester Young. The CD version is not only 11 minutes longer than the original LP, it also contains three bonus tracks that are fine as well. So much of what Mingus recorded is excellent and important. This is one of many albums by him that are essential. Truly one of the greatest albums of the late 50’s.
Ah Um was my gateway to Mingus. Not every Mingus album grabbed me at first, but this one did, and subsequently opened the door for me to appreciate pretty much the rest of his formidable catalog. So there are now a handful of Mingus albums I may appreciate as much, this one will always have an extra special place in my collection.
ANTHRAX
AMONG THE LIVING
1987 – MEGAFORCE / ISLAND
Produced By ANTHRAX, EDDIE KRAMER & JON ZAZULA
1. Among The Living
2. Caught In A Mosh
3. I Am The Law
4. Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)
5. A Skeleton In The Closet
6. Indians
7. One World
8. A.D.I. / Horror Of It All
9. Imitation Of Life
Among The Living is the third album by Anthrax, and their second with singer Joey Belladonna. It’s regarded by many as their best work, and was the band’s commercial breakthrough. This thrash metal record contains songs about Judge Dredd (“I Am The Law”), John Belushi (“Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)), and a pair of Stephen King books (“A Skeleton In The Closet” and the title track). It also contains one of the band’s greatest songs, the exceptional “Caught In A Mosh”. Their heaviness is awesome, while their constant attempts at humor can become a bit tiresome. Musically, the album was compared favorably and fairly to Metallica, but they were beginning to become something of metal comedians…not their best move.
It’s hard to deny that the opening four tracks of this album are stellar. Especially “Caught In A Mosh” and “I Am The Law”…Belladonna proves to be the right front man for the job, and the band shows that they can definitely write. Things do level off in the second half, but ultimately, if you’re a fan of this band, this is a must have. It’s an important part of their late eighties output (sitting squarely between Spreading The Disease and State Of Euphoria), and it is worth having if only for the musicianship these guy bring. If you’re a fan of the metal from this period that didn’t have to rely on power ballads, then this band, and this album, are for you.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
2005 – TONE-COOL
Produced By ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART
1. Big Mama’s Door (Might Return)
2. Motivational Speaker
3. Stomp Dance
4. In My Time Of Dying
5. Lawd I’m Just A Country Boy In This Great Big Freaky City
6. My World Is Round
7. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
8. Shoot Me A Grin
9. The Worm
10. Necessary Roughness (A Power Move)
11. The Meanest Jukebox In Town
12. How Long Before I Change My Clothes
13. Shootout On I-55
Back in a former lifetime, Alvin Youngblood Hart and I were friends. Not the closest of friends…but he was at my wedding. We hung out a lot in Colorado in the mid 2000’s. He centered his life in Memphis, and we then lost touch. I do know from spending time with him that his big musical influences were Seventies British hard rock bands…Thin Lizzy, Free, Led Zeppelin. All of which is very apparent on this, his fifth album, 2005’s Motivational Speaker. He’s a big man, and the blues is first and foremost for him, but even though he’s capable of jumping from genre to genre, it’s his blues guitar playing that makes him a special talent. Something that’s abundantly clear here.
The highlight here is “Big Mama’s Door (Might Return)”, a pure blues rock dream come true. It opens with blues guitar nirvana, and becomes one of the greatest driving tunes you’ll ever hear. And the closer he stays to the blues here, the better. But he doesn’t always. A pair of straight country tracks are expertly played…but his singing doesn’t quite fit. His pair of takes on Led Zeppelin territory (“In My Time Of Dying” and “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”) are admirable…but damn, I want more of Alvin playing and singing the blues. In the end, there are memorable tracks here…and just more than enough forgettable material. Sadly, it’s been going on 20 years since this album, and no real follow up. Come on, buddy…show us what you’ve been up to!
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
AMADOU & MARIAM
DIMANCHE A BAMAKO
2005 – NONESUCH
Produced By MANU CHAO
1. M’Bife
2. M’Bife Balafon
3. Coulibaly
4. La Realite
5. Senegal Fast Food
6. Artistiya
7. La Fete Au Village
8. Camions Sauvages
9. Beaux Dimanches
10. La Paix
11. Djanfa
12. Taxi Bamako
13. Politic Amagni
14. Gnidjougouya
15. M’Bife Blues
Amadou & Mariam are a blind duo from Mali. They moved to Paris in 1996, and have released eight studio albums so far. Dimanche A Bamako (Sunday In Bamako) is their fourth, and brought the pair to their first real taste of international fame. It was produced by French singer Manu Chao, who also provides vocals and guitar. This album charted in France (reaching #2), Belgium, Sweden and other European countries. Their brand of African blues is upbeat and beautiful, relying heavily not only on drums and percussion, but also on horns and guitar. And both Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia are fine singers, so there’s a lot of really good elements to bring together here.
The best tracks here are enough to make you want to seek out more from them. “La Realite” and “Beaux Dimanches” are exceptional, but it’s “Senegal Fast Food” that will win over more of an audience in the English speaking world. Of course, because Amadou & Mariam sing in French (the official language of Mali), American and English success has been hard to come by. But this album is worth taking a shot with a foreign language. It’s considered one of the finest world music albums of the 2000’s, and it was a stepping stone for even bigger success for the duo. This one is worth at least a listen…it really is an excellent work by two of the finest artists in music today.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
FischmanRockMonster, JazzMeister, Bluesboy,ClassicalMasterProfile Land of Enchantment
ANTHRAX
AMONG THE LIVING
1987 – MEGAFORCE / ISLAND
Produced By ANTHRAX, EDDIE KRAMER & JON ZAZULA
1. Among The Living
2. Caught In A Mosh
3. I Am The Law
4. Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)
5. A Skeleton In The Closet
6. Indians
7. One World
8. A.D.I. / Horror Of It All
9. Imitation Of Life
Among The Living is the third album by Anthrax, and their second with singer Joey Belladonna. It’s regarded by many as their best work, and was the band’s commercial breakthrough. This thrash metal record contains songs about Judge Dredd (“I Am The Law”), John Belushi (“Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)), and a pair of Stephen King books (“A Skeleton In The Closet” and the title track). It also contains one of the band’s greatest songs, the exceptional “Caught In A Mosh”. Their heaviness is awesome, while their constant attempts at humor can become a bit tiresome. Musically, the album was compared favorably and fairly to Metallica, but they were beginning to become something of metal comedians…not their best move.
It’s hard to deny that the opening four tracks of this album are stellar. Especially “Caught In A Mosh” and “I Am The Law”…Belladonna proves to be the right front man for the job, and the band shows that they can definitely write. Things do level off in the second half, but ultimately, if you’re a fan of this band, this is a must have. It’s an important part of their late eighties output (sitting squarely between Spreading The Disease and State Of Euphoria), and it is worth having if only for the musicianship these guy bring. If you’re a fan of the metal from this period that didn’t have to rely on power ballads, then this band, and this album, are for you.
ANTHRAX
AMONG THE LIVING
1987 – MEGAFORCE / ISLAND
Produced By ANTHRAX, EDDIE KRAMER & JON ZAZULA
1. Among The Living
2. Caught In A Mosh
3. I Am The Law
4. Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)
5. A Skeleton In The Closet
6. Indians
7. One World
8. A.D.I. / Horror Of It All
9. Imitation Of Life
Among The Living is the third album by Anthrax, and their second with singer Joey Belladonna. It’s regarded by many as their best work, and was the band’s commercial breakthrough. This thrash metal record contains songs about Judge Dredd (“I Am The Law”), John Belushi (“Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.)), and a pair of Stephen King books (“A Skeleton In The Closet” and the title track). It also contains one of the band’s greatest songs, the exceptional “Caught In A Mosh”. Their heaviness is awesome, while their constant attempts at humor can become a bit tiresome. Musically, the album was compared favorably and fairly to Metallica, but they were beginning to become something of metal comedians…not their best move.
It’s hard to deny that the opening four tracks of this album are stellar. Especially “Caught In A Mosh” and “I Am The Law”…Belladonna proves to be the right front man for the job, and the band shows that they can definitely write. Things do level off in the second half, but ultimately, if you’re a fan of this band, this is a must have. It’s an important part of their late eighties output (sitting squarely between Spreading The Disease and State Of Euphoria), and it is worth having if only for the musicianship these guy bring. If you’re a fan of the metal from this period that didn’t have to rely on power ballads, then this band, and this album, are for you.
Mirrored my thoughts on this album almost identically.
Yeah. When they are serious, they are a MUCH better band. _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
INGRID MICHAELSON
GIRLS AND BOYS
2006 – SELF RELEASED
Produced By MARK TURRIGIANO, INGRID MICHAELSON & CHRIS KUFFNER
1. Die Alone
2. Masochist
3. Breakable
4. The Hat
5. The Way I Am
6. Overboard
7. Glass
8. Starting Now
9. Corner Of Your Heart
10. December Baby
11. Highway
Ah, the joys of Myspace. Ingrid Michaelson released her first two albums, including this one, on that old platform where everyone was friends with a guy named Tom. The music producer from the show “Grey’s Anatomy” heard her music and got her in touch with record companies. Ingrid played it smart, signed a good deal, and was soon being heard on Old Navy commercials everywhere…and she was on her way. The track that really made the difference was “The Way I Am”, which became a substantial hit. The album itself charted well, as Ingrid began being heard on TV shows, commercials and radio. A pretty sweet success story it is.
Michaelson is labeled a pop singer, but there’s more to her than just catchy melodies. There’s quite a lot of guitar on Girls And Boys, giving it an edge and separating her work from much of the pop of the mid 2000’s. She comes across on record as very likable and smart, and even though the album does get muddy in spots, it shows her potential quite well. And the fact that this really is a self produced album with no major label influences gives a good snapshot of what she’s all about. And she’s made a career of it. almost twenty years and eight albums later, Ingrid Michaelson is still going strong. Good for you, girl!
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
LITTLE FEAT
WAITING FOR COLUMBUS
1978 – WARNER BROS.
Produced By LOWELL GEORGE
1. Join The Band
2. Fat Man In The Bathtub
3. All That You Dream
4. Oh Atlanta
5. Old Folks’ Boogie
6. Dixie Chicken
7. Tripe Face Boogie
8. Rocket In My Pocket
9. Time Loves A Hero
10. Day Or Night
11. Mercenary Territory
12. Spanish Moon
1. Willin’
2. Don’t Bogart That Joint
3. A Apolitical Blues
4. Sailin’ Shoes
5. Feats Don’t Fail Me Now
6. One Love Stand
7. Rock And Roll Doctor
8. Skin It Back
9. On Your Way Down
10. Walkin’ All Night
11. Cold, Cold, Cold
12. Day At The Dog Races
13. Skin It Back
14. Red Streamliner
15. Teenage Nervous Breakdown
Little Feat was one of the great underrated bands of the seventies. Yeah, their comeback in the late eighties was cool, but there was nothing quite like this band being led by Lowell George, in the days when they were actually a Southern rock band. And even though he disagreed with their move towards more of a fusion sound in 1975, George’s presence still made their music important. This live album, originally released as a 2 record set in 1978, captures the band over a ten day period in 1977, and is a classic. But even better…this version is the 2002 Deluxe release, which includes ALL of the material they recorded for the album. The Tower Of Power horn section is here, and some of the jamming leans more toward their new jazzy direction…but this is where you can hear what a great band they were.
The best songs are all here. “Fat Man In The Bathtub”. Dixie Chicken”. “Willin’”. “All That You Dream”. “Oh Atlanta” and “Sailin’ Shoes”. Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor sits in on slide for “A Apolitical Blues”. With all of this material finally together, this is a truly great live album. You can have the later music without George…this is the Little Feat I grew up with and still love to this day. A year after this came out, George announced that Little Feat was over. And then he died of a heart attack 11 days later, just 34 years old. Pick this one up…get the 2002 version for full effect. Dig how Little Feat could groove, and how fine they were when it was still Lowell George’s band. A treasure.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
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