Jun 252008
 

In another effort to allow you to ease your mind from Round 3 of our fiercely contested Stewart vs Stones Battle Royale, we seek your candid answers to the following questions. Don’t think twice, it’s all right.

If someone would give you the ticket for free, what band would you most like to see play live solely for ironic reasons?

What musician who came out of the punk era most suffers from Fogerty Syndrome?

In 225 words or less, please explain the long-running, massive appeal of Neil Diamond?

Quick: When you think cut-out bins what’s the first album that comes to mind?

What’s your favorite pre-rock era cover by a rock band?

I look forward to your responses.

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  14 Responses to “Dugout Chatter”

  1. hannah montanna

    johnny ramone

    love songs

    blue sunshine’s the glove

    a taste of honey

  2. Punk guy with Fogerty Syndrome? That’s an easy one. Hands down -Paul Weller. Major creep.
    Definitely has that chip on his shoulder for reasons known only to himself. The man also has a track record eerily like Fogerty’s: 1) Weller once had a damn good rhythm section that he ditched, probably because of that chip on his shoulder. 2) After he ditched the one thing that made his songs succeed, he went on to make a bunch of records that sucked, probably because of that chip on his shoulder, and 3) he’s never had a sense of humor, probably because of that chip on his shoulder.

    I know I can’t speak for all of you, but I for one find it very difficult to listen to the Jam these days. Again, no humor whatsoever. The same cannot be said of Creedence. The records continue to provide goosebumps. I pulled out a scratchy 45 of “Lodi” recently and gave it a spin. Absolutely dynamightious. Fogerty, I think, succeeds where Weller fails because once in a blue moon, Fogerty is able to show weakness sincerely, and demonstrate the power of redemption. Again, he is slick enough to pull that off, even if he doesn’t give a fuck about those things. And all that’s fine with me. I don’t think about any of that when I listen to “Lodi”, “Who’ll Stop the Rain”, “Commotion” (yeah, I know that doesn’t belong there, but I always have to do something to make the Moderator chuckle), etc. Weller’s Jam catalog will remain a juvenile pleasure – respected and enjoyed by those who never quite got past first base, i.e, those creeps that never got properly laid, can’t find partners because they’re unwilling to make compromises, can’t seem to find their niche in life, etc. Forgerty’s Creedence output remains and will remain a pleasure to all because EVERYONE in some way or another can relate to it and find some sort of message in all that good stuff that makes life a little more understandable.

    I apologize for going on and on about all this nonsense, but Paul Weller really gives me the creeps. Again, that last interview I read was downright embarrassing. What is he 78 years old now, and he’s still badmouthing Rick __________? ( for the life of me, I can’t remember the guy’s name and don’t fee like pressing keys to do the research). Finding a good drummer is always next to impossible, and the simple son of a bitch STILL hasn’t learned that lesson. Rick whatever his last name was wasn’t great, but he was certainly better than most. And that’s enough, especially when one is looking for a drummer.

    Hope all of you are doing well and your lives continue to be productive.

    E. Pluribus

  3. Mr. Moderator

    Beautiful answer, E. Pluribus. I should note that it was this man who noted the Weller-Fogerty connection when we spoke on the phone a week or two ago. Thanks for explaining this in detail, and thanks for throwing me the “Commotion” bone!

  4. Mr. Moderator

    Kilroy, Johnny Ramone is a great suggestion for a punk-era musician afflicted with Fogery Syndrome. I hadn’t considered him.

  5. Johnny Ramone is indeed a great choice. The Ramones -now THERE’S a band that I can’t stand but love reading about. The same can be said of all those awful beat writers. Put all their drivel out on the curb, but give me all the biographical stuff. Time will show that their lives were much more important than their actual writing.

    God bless you,
    E. Pluribus

  6. BigSteve

    If someone would give you the ticket for free, what band would you most like to see play live solely for ironic reasons?

    Bret Michaels/Poison. Any hair metal band would be equally amusing. The audience would be the show.

    What musician who came out of the punk era most suffers from Fogerty Syndrome?

    Mark E. Smith

    In 225 words or less, please explain the long-running, massive appeal of Neil Diamond?

    I don’t get it either. In the 60s Diamond wrote and recorded some great stuff, then he somehow turned into Johnny Mathis. His Robbie Robertson-produced album and his appearance in the Last Waltz are equally inexplicable.

    Quick: When you think cut-out bins what’s the first album that comes to mind?

    Brinsley Schwartz’s Silver Pistol. Or was it Nervous on the Road? Finding those in the bin in 1976 changed the course of my musical history.

    What’s your favorite pre-rock era cover by a rock band?

    Dave Edmunds doing Richard Rodgers’ Where or When Phil Spector-style on his Get It album.

  7. Mr. Moderator

    Glad to know you’re perplexed about Diamond as well, BigSteve. At least Johnny Mathis could sing. If we think Rod’s Rasp is one dimensional, what’s Diamond’s Delivery?

  8. 2000 Man

    If someone would give you the ticket for free, what band would you most like to see play live solely for ironic reasons?

    Elton John. I kind of hope no one ever offers, though.

    What musician who came out of the punk era most suffers from Fogerty Syndrome?

    First guy I thought of was Tom Verlaine. He always seems unhappy to me.

    In 225 words or less, please explain the long-running, massive appeal of Neil Diamond?

    All his albums are 100% Styx free and Dolphin safe!

    Quick: When you think cut-out bins what’s the first album that comes to mind?

    Deep Purple – Stormbringer. I won it at an elementary school fair, and I liked it, as I recall.

    What’s your favorite pre-rock era cover by a rock band?

    Love in Vain by The Stones.

  9. 2000 Man

    Hi E. Plurb!

    I’ll agree Weller is one bitter pill, but “Going Underground” is one of those songs that just makes me feel great every time I hear it. I think I know what you mean about a lot of the rest of their stuff, though.

  10. If someone would give you the ticket for free, what band would you most like to see play live solely for ironic reasons?

    Gwar

    What musician who came out of the punk era most suffers from Fogerty Syndrome?

    Graham Parker

    In 225 words or less, please explain the long-running, massive appeal of Neil Diamond?

    A combination of kitsch, melodrama, irony and big sing along choruses

    Quick: When you think cut-out bins what’s the first album that comes to mind?

    Peter Tosh – Equal Rights It’s the first cut out that I recall getting.

    What’s your favorite pre-rock era cover by a rock band?

    Train Kept a Rolling by the Rock and Roll Trio, the Yardbirds and Aerosmith.

  11. 1. If someone would give you the ticket for free, what band would you most like to see play live solely for ironic reasons?

    Bon Jovi

    2. What musician who came out of the punk era most suffers from Fogerty Syndrome?

    I don’t know a whole lot of punk besides Wire and a bit of Gang of Four, so this a bit of a guess (and obvious target):

    John Lydon

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2CnwYPhcQk&feature=related

    3. In 225 words or less, please explain the long-running, massive appeal of Neil Diamond?

    At least for this generation, Will Farrell.

    4. Quick: When you think cut-out bins what’s the first album that comes to mind?

    The First Letter, Wir(e)

    5. What’s your favorite pre-rock era cover by a rock band?

    Daisy Bell, by Blur

  12. 1. The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute band)

    2. John Lydon

    3. His ’60s stuff appeals to rock nerds; everything else appeals to middle America. For some reason, I do not hate his Last Waltz song.

    4. Yes, Big Generator

    5. “Dancing with Tears in my Eyes,” X

  13. alexmagic

    If someone would give you the ticket for free, what band would you most like to see play live solely for ironic reasons?
    I wanted to say the Jim Belushi/Dan Aykroyd Blues Brothers, but I’d never make it through that. KISS would be my real answer, if nobody had to know I went.

    In 225 words or less, please explain the long-running, massive appeal of Neil Diamond?
    Drunk people think singing Neil Diamond songs is hilarious. Also, “Porcupine Pie” is a true classic.

    Quick: When you think cut-out bins what’s the first album that comes to mind?
    Oranges & Lemons, because I pulled the CD out of a discount bin with a bunch of copies in there, so while it’s still my least favorite XTC album, I’m easier on it for having paid less from the start.

    What’s your favorite pre-rock era cover by a rock band?
    The Isleys doing “Lucky Old Sun”. If it counts, and it’s kind of a stretch for the rock band criteria, James Brown and a jazz orchestra doing “September Song” from Soul On Top.

    What musician who came out of the punk era most suffers from Fogerty Syndrome?
    No answer for this one, but I really liked the Fogerty comments above. It’s true, for a guy who never wrote love songs, Fogerty did have a way of working sentiment into what he wrote when he wanted to. All of the anger in the Fogerty Syndrome aspect of his performances could give way to a bit of nostalgia…“Hey Tonight” is another one that benefited from that kind of wistfulness. He’s a complex guy, that Fogerty.

  14. Mr. Moderator

    I’ll play along…

    If someone would give you the ticket for free, what band would you most like to see play live solely for ironic reasons?

    Maybe Rush – or maybe better yet Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush!

    What musician who came out of the punk era most suffers from Fogerty Syndrome?

    Weller was the correct answer, although Johnny Ramone is also acceptable.

    In 225 words or less, please explain the long-running, massive appeal of Neil Diamond?

    Do we need to celebrate an assimilated son or daughter from each racial/ethnic group? Is Neil Diamond the first All-American Jewish Boy in rock?

    Quick: When you think cut-out bins what’s the first album that comes to mind?

    The Head East album that looks like a road sign.

    What’s your favorite pre-rock era cover by a rock band?

    Not sure, but “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes” by X is great. I would never think to like such a song if not for their version.

Apr 082007
 

Ah, one of those days…one of those days when you’re being asked a series of questions. Take a crack at one, or answer them all. Then pass it on!

This weekend I listened to Imperial Bedroom for the first time in about a year. I was reminded of the day it was released and a friend and I bought the album, broke into the house of one of his friend’s parents (who weren’t home, of course), got high, and listened to the album from start to finish, flabbergasted at how good it sounded. I can’t say I feel quite the same way about it today, although I still dig the lyrics more than any other Costello record and love as the songs build through side 2. But here’s the question (it’s a 2-parter): 1) What’s your most memorable experience listening to a newly released album for the first time, and 2) Do you think you will ever have an experience listening to a newly released album for the first time that’s even half as memorable?

Explain to me why the following performance, although “great” on a few levels, makes me nauseous.

For those of you with kids who watch Nick: the music of Drake Bell or The Naked Brothers Band?

How did I miss the transition of Jewel from dance-pop diva to country artist? Has she abandoned the poetry career?

Name a great instrumental part in a song you otherwise can’t stand.

Name a great song with instrumental or production touches you otherwise can’t stand.
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  14 Responses to “Dugout Chatter”

  1. general slocum

    I thought Jewel started out as a folkie-with-guitar. She was from Alaska somewhere, which I thought helped explain the sensory deprivation of her songs.

    Once ZZ Top got to that animatronics/muppet stage, they became more fascinating in one way, but so unreal as to not even be musical anymore. While keeping it barebones simple to a degree laudable in this age (just them, no ghost rhythm guitar, no gospel choir,) the have at the same time gone to lengths (pun intended) to appear less than human. No faces, matching Tennessee Tuxedo costumes, country line dancing while rocking out. And the flamed out drums that look like encephalopods from space! I loved those drums while I never wanted them or really liked anyone who played them. I didn’t get nauseous (it’s no Bartok 3d quartet!) but I got stunned into insensate staring, until I remembered I could turn it off. Hrrundi will be relieved to have the world pick on *his* heroes for an hour, to justify that “running the asylum” feeling of righteousness, without having to dig deep and explain. : )

  2. meanstom

    1) What’s your most memorable experience listening to a newly released album for the first time, and 2) Do you think you will ever have an experience listening to a newly released album for the first time that’s even half as memorable?

    Not my proudest moment now, but the first time I heard U2’s ‘War’ I thought rock had reached new heights. After a while the album ran low for me, but I still remember it storming out of the gates like there was no tomorrow.

    To answer the second part of your question, I don’t know that I’ll ever regain that innocence and faith again.

    Explain to me why the following performance, although “great” on a few levels, makes me nauseous.

    Is it their perfunctionary stage moves or the uninspired calls to ‘Have mercy’?

    For those of you with kids who watch Nick: the music of Drake Bell or The Naked Brothers Band?

    Pass.

    How did I miss the transition of Jewel from dance-pop diva to country artist? Has she abandoned the poetry career?

    Let’s hope she sticks with the poetry.

    Name a great instrumental part in a song you otherwise can’t stand.

    The lead guitar parts in Steely Dan songs are usually great no matter how much I dislike the song.

    Name a great song with instrumental or production touches you otherwise can’t stand.

    ‘Speak Like a Child’

    Excluding stuff that’s outright terrible – I really want you to be honest and choose from among competent, even good artists – do any particular songs or artists make you nauseous? For example, the music of Classic Pink Floyd often makes me nauseous. “Have a Cigar” is a song that comes to mind. The entire song sounds like an upset stomach, in an admittedly artistic way.

    Steely Dan makes me want to vomit, even knowing they’re pretty interesting.

    What’s the most suprisingly great show you were dragged along to see?

    Santana in the early 80’s.

    What’s the most disappointing show you dragged a friend along to see?

    The Fleshtones in the mid-80’s.

    Spot the moment of joy as expressed by Robert Fripp on this League of Gentleman live performance.

    There was only one?

  3. BigSteve

    1) What’s your most memorable experience listening to a newly released album for the first time

    When I was a Deadhead, there was the point where they were going to circumvent labels and retailers and sell direct. I remember getting my copy of Wake of the Flood in the mail, and it was everything I wanted it to be and more.

    Do you think you will ever have an experience listening to a newly released album for the first time that’s even half as memorable?

    Based on last week’s experience with the new LCD Soundsystem album, no.

    Explain to me why the following performance, although “great” on a few levels, makes me nauseous.

    The double bass drums? The fact that they can play this well, even though they look like they might be literally asleep behind those dark glasses? The possibility that those sequined suits are scuffing up the backs of those nice guitars? Is that some kind of shrine they wallk over to in the middle of the song? Why am I asking questions when you requested an explanation?

    For those of you with kids who watch Nick: the music of Drake Bell or The Naked Brothers Band?

    I have no idea what you’re talking about, but the Naked Brothers seems like the obvious choice (as long as my own brother is not involved).

    How did I miss the transition of Jewel from dance-pop diva to country artist? Has she abandoned the poetry career?

    Look, you caught her transition to dance-pop diva, so you’re ahead of 99.999% of the listening audience out there. And Jewel will always have her poetry, as will remainder bins at Books A Million.

    Name a great instrumental part in a song you otherwise can’t stand.

    That sax riff on Baker Street.

    Excluding stuff that’s outright terrible – I really want you to be honest and choose from among competent, even good artists – do any particular songs or artists make you nauseous?

    The only thing I can think of is Poptones by Public Image Ltd.

    What’s the most surprisingly great show you were dragged along to see?

    Nancy Sinatra

    What’s the most disappointing show you dragged a friend along to see?

    Last week’s Yo La Tengo show. In the first place David Kilgour of The Clean canceled his opening slot for the whole tour without explanation, which pissed me off. And YLT just didn’t seem very together. Every rock song turned into an extended atonal noise freakout on either guitar of organ, and the quiet songs were too quiet hear above the din of the self-involved hipsters in the audience. A real letdown.

    Spot the moment of joy as expressed by Robert Fripp on this League of Gentleman live performance.

    Was that a tear dripping down Fripp’s face at about 2:22?

  4. Mr. Moderator

    Townspeople, you’re doing a mighty fine job of answering my question regarding the ZZ Top video. Even the questions provide answers. Keep ’em coming!

    BigSteve, I didn’t know the Dead wanted to bypass the normal distribution scene for their records, but it doesn’t surprise me. Imagine what they could be doing had they been in their prime in today’s digital world? If they were still hanging around, they could get one of those Wall-Mart deals or a Starbucks release.

    Sorry to hear about your Yo La Tengo experience and The Clean cancellation. THe second (and last) time I saw YLT was like that. Ugh.

    Anyone into some new album by Panda Party, or Panda Bear, or whatever? It’s some guy from Animal Collective. I’ve been sampling some tracks today. So far, it’s one more nail in the coffin of what’s ended up the most influential aspect of the music of The Beach Boys (ie, all the trimmings of Pet Sounds and beyond – little of anything else).

  5. Mr. Moderator

    Oh, and the sax riff in “Baker Street” is a GREAT answer to that question.

  6. 1) What’s your most memorable experience listening to a newly released album for the first time, and 2) Do you think you will ever have an experience listening to a newly released album for the first time that’s even half as memorable?

    1. I was pretty amazed at hearing the Lilys “Better Can’t Make Your Life Better” CD. Love every song on that and still in my top 10.
    2. I’m sure there will plenty of great new music that could rise to that level.

    Explain to me why the following performance, although “great” on a few levels, makes me nauseous.

    I have to admit to liking that song and the ZZ Schtick a bit. I think the drummer’s kit makes you/me nauseous. It is ridiculus but I can see why he has it. He’s got to compete with the two clowns out front for attention.

    For those of you with kids who watch Nick: the music of Drake Bell or The Naked Brothers Band?

    I confess to having not heard the Naked Brothers Band yet. We actually own the Drake Bell CD’s and I have to admit that the first one has a few good pop songs on it. He has a pleasant enough voice and if one is to believe what one reads/sees – he can play and write a decent song. The second release is disappointing. The producer on the second seems to be some young guitar dude in LA and it appears he ruined the CD to my ears…he even wrangled his photo onto the CD artwork. Cheeky!

    Unrelated – there is an animated cartoon called “Ben 10” and the theme song to that is a pop gem penned by Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish fame.
    http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/ben10/index.html

    How did I miss the transition of Jewel from dance-pop diva to country artist? Has she abandoned the poetry career?

    Wasn’t she originally a “country artist”?

    Name a great instrumental part in a song you otherwise can’t stand.

    I’m with Townsman meanstom amd tend to like some of the guitar solos (Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, defense weapons expert anyone?) and production tricks on Steely Dan tunes. I don’t like their music much and have never owned an album of theirs.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_%22Skunk%22_Baxter#Defense_consulting_career

    Name a great song with instrumental or production touches you otherwise can’t stand.

    Pass

    Excluding stuff that’s outright terrible – I really want you to be honest and choose from among competent, even good artists – do any particular songs or artists make you nauseous? For example, the music of Classic Pink Floyd often makes me nauseous. “Have a Cigar” is a song that comes to mind. The entire song sounds like an upset stomach, in an admittedly artistic way.

    I’ve mentioned my distaste for Jefferson Starship/Airplane. I suppose some folks consider them “good”.

    What’s the most suprisingly great show you were dragged along to see?

    Pass

    What’s the most disappointing show you dragged a friend along to see?

    I was the friend dragged along (and Dave Blood too). We were encouraged to go see Richard Thompson at the old Chestnut Cabaret by Mike Morrison – then the music director at WXPN. We had mostly open minds. But the show was overwrought and full of 10 minute guitar solos in every song. Plus the Jethro Tull drummer Barrymore Barlow was on skins and we punk rockers held that against him too!

    Spot the moment of joy as expressed by Robert Fripp on this League of Gentleman live performance.

    Just as he begins playing he looks up and I think slightly smiles. He’s thinking to himself “Amazing that they paid to see me play this shite.”

  7. P.S. – I actually like some of the newer Richard Thompson stuff I’ve heard and might actually agree to go see him live now.

  8. mwall

    While I’m not a big fan of the slide steps in that video, I have to say that I find the absolute emotionlessness intriguing. Turns out that rock faces really have been for show all along, and you can play a real rave-up without ever actually moving.

  9. Mr. Moderator

    Go Townsman Mrclean! We own the first Drake CD and, I agree, it’s totally pleasant and decent. I like it a lot more than a lot of that Audities-style power pop stuff that gets made by 35-year-old guys still waiting for their first real woman to break up with. I’ve yet to hear the second one, but I know I’ll be getting it for our boys. They love Drake.

    The little bit of Naked Brothers Band music I’ve heard isn’t bad, but the show is so bad that I’m way down on those kids. Watching a show with 9-year-old boys with “relationship issues” is unbearable. Boys should be boys.

  10. Mr. Moderator

    Townsman Mark, you’re right on top of the absolute emotionlessness factor, and as a few others have mentioned, it’s remarkable that they can play so well while seeming to be so far removed.

  11. I defintely prefer “The Naked Brothers Band”. I couldn’t get “Krazy Kar” out of my head for weeks. I agree with you Mr Mod, The older brother is waay to into chicks to be 9 years old.

    ZZ Top – The double bass drums and the rack-tom with the projection thingie is also wrong

  12. general slocum

    Re: Fripp – what is it you see as “joy”? I love this song, and ripped that whole record onto my drive a ways back. A great album during the instrumentally challenged punk-rock era. But Fripp, despite talent, craft and a modicum of intlligence, is the biggest horse’s patoot to come down the pike in many a moon. I think if he *ever* felt joy, his music would connect emotionally, and he wouldn’t be left with “Elephant Talk” for poetry. Is there some moment when the spine-stiffening broom stick shifts in his rectum? O, simulacra of joy!!

  13. mwall

    ZZ Top – The double bass drums and the rack-tom with the projection thingie is also wrong

    I bet that’s just what a 20-year old with a six pack in him is going to say when playing air guitar to this one. Did people pick on you in school?

  14. Mr. Moderator

    I sense there are answers yet not shared! I’m especially looking forward to hearing stories of concert draggings, both pro and con, dragger and draggee.

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