Shall we kick off the month of September with a little Dugout Chatter? Trusting your gut, please answer the following questions. Absolutely no expertise is required.
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo‘s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
I look forward to your responses.
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single
I haven’t heard it but does that word have any shock value left?
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
His voice. It’s not technically anything special but he’s used it to great effect over the years.
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
X They strike me as much less than the sum of their parts.
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
Anvil
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
Guitar. It’s the easiest instrument to squeak by on, and it offers the added benefit of allowing the singer to engage in some holstering during the verses.
1. Cee Lo
Huh, I hadn’t heard that because, well, I’m old and don’t care. It was amusing for the minute and a half that I devoted to it. But not so amusing (or shocking) that I could give it another two and half minutes of my time.
2. Mick J
His songwriting. Despite his and Keef’s efforts to suggest otherwise, they are great songwriters. Or were.
3. Kick in the ass
I hate to be obvious, but in keeping with the Beatles discussion, and speaking as a fan, by and large, of a lot of his early solo/Wings records, Paul needed no end of ass kicking, which he obviously did not receive, or else he wouldn’t have produced so very many half-baked records. I might add that John needed it, too, and if he’d received it, he might not have made a mess like Sometime in NYC, and Mind Games and Walls and Bridges might have come out as good records instead of very iffy ones.
4. Jennifer Aniston of rock
God, I’m not even sure what that means. I’ll say Sheryl Crow, though. Is that right?
5. Lead singers
Any lead singer should be able to do the Jagger/Daltrey things–percussion and harmonica. Those guys are capable guitarists, too, but, let’s face it, they look silly when they are wearing a guitar.
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
Isn’t it called “*&@# you”? I haven’t heard it.
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
His well placed “Yeah”s.
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
The La’s. Did they ever have a second album?
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
So we’re looking for attractive, famous for their hair, but are ultimately forgettable in their craft? Bon Jovi?
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
Maracas. If it has to be melodic, I guess harmonica, though that is a feckin cliche. If it’s in the right key they have more chance of hitting the right note than they would on a guitar or something.
1. I am actually most surprised about how catchy that “Fuck You” song is.
2. I most appreciate Mick’s utter lack of sentimentality.
3. This could be any number of bands. Right now I’m going to say The Afghan Whigs.
4. Mick Taylor
5. Cigarette
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
How the fuck should I know? Who is Ceelo?
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
His awesomeness. I don’t believe you can become a parody of yourself, so I don’t have that problem. Besides, he’s more rock n roll than almost anyone.
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
The Replacements.
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
Madonna.
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
Sousaphone.
1. Jane says nothing’s shocking. Cee-Lo’s voice really grates for me. There’s something cheeseball and inauthentic about it. I’m all for fat bald pop stars, but … not him
2. I appreciate his willingness to stay in the game long after he’d lost it.
3. Kevin Shields.
4. I can’t beat Bon Jovi, great answer.
5. More cowbell!
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
none of it.
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
his million$$$
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
The Stone Roses
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
Coldplay-staggeringly mediocre, yet won’t seem to go away.
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
open chord rythm guitar
re: Cee-Lo’s “cheeseball and inauthentic” voice, from a Townsman who’s usually most able to overcome backstory: BINGO! I didn’t mind that song, but like someone else said, the hook was exhausted after a minute and a half. That’s how I felt about that guy’s other hit song from 2 or 3 years ago, “Crazy,” which also sounded like a tribute to Fine Young Cannibals.
I’ll answer these questions later. For now, good stuff!
I’m thinking of answers, but in re: The La’s. Go check their wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_La's) and count the number of band members they had in something like five years and you will begin to see the problem. If that entry is accurate, they may win most band members ever in a band which released only one album.
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
Ho-BOY! Mod and BigSteve totally nailed that one for me. I grew to actually despise that “Crazy” song from a year or two back. I do not like Cee-Lo, at all. And song’s that are supposed ti shock and awe ’cause they use swear words basically suck — unless you’re 14.
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
His scarf at the world cup. All that silly finger pointing he does on stage. His seeming refusal to undertake plastic surgery. The thing that BUGS me the most about the dude is that he continues to “sing” songs that he can’t sing anymore. That concert bellow of his is awful. Write to your voice, Mick!
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
Prince, for the last 25 years.
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
Prince, for the last 25 years.
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
Nose flute? I’d pay serious money to see Roger Daltrey playing a nose flute.
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single?
I haven’t heard it, but my initial response is “Who cares?” I find it funny that we live in a society where people are shocked and offended when Dr. Laura uses “the n-word” (I hate that too…not the word itself, but use of the phrase “the n-word”…), but people can ave nuts hanging from the cars and trucks and you can hear singles called “Fuck You.” Nothing is sacred, but our standards are messed up.
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
That he has always been essentially “Mick.” Despite making millions, I don’t think alot has changed about him since about 1969.
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
The Marshall Tucker Band
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
Debbie Harry
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
Two tambourines at once. Or Jew’s harp.
TB
1: I’m with Oats
2: His energy and stage craft
3: I have 2- The Black Crows and The Spin Doctors
4: The Postal Service- Very Cute and I have tried to like it but just can’t get past the occasional song
5: Vibra-slap, harmonica, various shakers (done, done and done)
Cee-Lo: That the media can still get worked up about 4 letter cuss words. Catchy tune, won’t get played on radio or TV, that’s OK by me.
Jagger: Up until recently, his refusal to behave like a legacy act. The Exile re-issue looks like the end of that stance.
Kick in the Ass: Music Industry types – someone needs to figure out ways for artists to record, tour and progress within a framework that the music gets out to its potential fans. Old ways don’t work in the digital world and the new ways haven’t produced anything with popular and artistic weight in the last 10 yrs or so.
Anniston: Amy Winehouse – somewhat talented at a small segment of her craft but unhinged by speculation into her personal life.
Lead Singer’s instrument: simple percussion like maracas, tambourines, cowbell.
Cee-Lo
Pop sound is weird with the “lyrics.” Plus I can’t fathom why so many people have forwarded the damn video to me on Facebook.
Mick Jagger?
I am most thankful for the Some Girls LP and Wild Horses.
Kick in the ass?
The Cars — I am sorry but I totally lost interest after Panorama.
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
KT Tunstall. Easy on the eyes, personable, but not “heavy.”
What instrument? Agreed with many so far – COWBELL!
k., interesting point about Jagger’s “refusal to behave like a legacy act.” I think there is some truth in that, and this stance is a double-edged sword.
The downside is the absolutely disgraceful failure of the Stones (and Mick foremost, I assume) to be custodians of their, well, legacy. Not that they are unique in this, but setting aside the occasional rounds of remastering (the virtues of which can be debated endlessly), the absence of any Stones equivalent of the Bootleg Series or Anthology (both of which can be bitched about, too, but which serve an important purpose), the absurd neglect of their filmed history (uh, Ladies and Gentlemen…The Rolling Stones, for starters) including their mostly dumb-ass but entertaining videos and promos (Video Rewind, long out of print, was pretty meager), endless rip-off compilations, and so on and so forth.
Of course, if the new Exile is any indication of an interest in their legacy, maybe it is best that they stay uninterested.
1) What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
The fact that there’s nothing at all shocking about it in this day and age.
By the way, his phrasing on the chorus: “I’m like…fuck you” sounds to me more like he’s saying “I’d like to” which would be much more interesting.
Also, he sounds like Swamp Dogg.
2) Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
He always gives an effort.
3) What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
Oh my goodness…I can name a million bands who needed co-writers, producers, someone to tell them to shorten or embellish their songs, etc… But Jeff Beck is the obvious answer to me. There’s a guy who could have been really amazing in the right context, if he ever figured out what it was.
4) Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
It’s gotta be Britney spears, no? She’s on the cover of tabloids almost as much as Aniston. In the 70s the answer would have been Fleetwood Mac.
5) What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
Is it too obvious to say harmonica?
Actually, the better answer is something you don’t need your mouth for. How about a gong?
What was wrong with the Exile remaster? I thought it was excellent. The super deluxe versions were bad, but really, the Exile and Ya Ya’s releases were what fans have asked for for decades. So far as the movie legacy, Ladies and Gentlemen is back in theaters on Sept. 16 for one day only, then in October you can buy it on DVD. Gimme Shelter has been an excellent Criterion release for years.
Maybe because I have pretty much all the bootlegs, I haven’t felt that need for a bootleg anthology. Really, is the casual fan well served by Dylan’s bootleg series? I like Bob, but I’m not buying that stuff, and I think the Stones, usually correctly, are mostly ignoring that niche. There’s some great stuff, but it’s certainly not as awesome as what they actually released, and I bet Dylan’s stuff is the same way.
1. I like that Cee Lo single. It’s a catchy pop/soul number. Best single I’ve heard all summer. I’d like to hear Al Green take a crack at it. The fact that so many of those commenting have dwelt almost entirely on his use of the title expletive proves that it does, indeed, still hold power for some (and, no, it’s not the REASON I like it, but that phrase DOES get that particular feeling across more immediately than most). I’ve got no problem with the way he sings, either. So, fuck you if you don’t like it, especially all those commenting negatively w/out benefit of even hearing the fucking thing!
2. Mick’s kept very fit for a man of his age, particularly for one in his profession (& band, for that matter), so that’s commendable.
3. Who the hell *couldn’t* have used a kick in the ass to fulfill their “potential”? And I’m not just talking about musicians.
4. Gaye Advert
5. Lute, washboard, electric jug or autoharp. ONLY THOSE 4!
2000 Man, there was nothing wrong with the Exile remaster qua remaster–I meant the “bonus material” which, in my opinion, they made a complete mess out of.
I had no idea about the reissue of Ladies and Gentlemen! That is excellent news. I hope it pans out. Mark me down as hopeful, but suspicious.
No issues with Gimme Shelter. And I should give them points for finally getting Rock and Roll Circus out.
But among the missing, off the top of my head, are the following:
–Charlie Is My Darling
–Live at the Marquee Club 1971 (TV special)
–professionally shot (televised?) concerts from Paris 1975, Knebworth 1976, Fort Worth 1978 (none of these, perhaps, what one might call from their greatest era as a live band, but the 1978 show is good)
–a comprehensive or even half decent collection of tv show appearances and promo clips
–a proper Stones version 1.0 live album to replace Got Live if You Want It
–a collection of BBC sessions
I have a lot of this stuff on bootlegs, too, which are of widely varying quality (as is generally the case). I find it hard to believe that fans would not be interested in this material if properly done either as bonus tracks or as stand alone collections. Are you telling me these wouldn’t sell enough to justify their release?
I don’t know from casual fans when it comes to the Stones or Dylan. I assume that the casual fan is content with Hot Rocks or Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits.
The Dylan bootleg series material–especially the studio material but to also some of the live material–is an absolutely essential part of his work. Period.
I don’t see how anyone with more than a “greatest hits” interest in Dylan would think otherwise, especially when it comes to the years when with incredible frequency he left the best songs or best versions of songs off records that sometimes very badly needed them.
In short, if you look at Dylan’s released work for the 1980s you get one picture; and if you look at the unreleased work you get another.
I was always a fan of Oh Mercy, for example, but the outtakes and alternate takes show that a very good record should have been a very great record. The “alternate universe” version of Infidels, likewise, is a very important work, whereas the released version needs special pleading.
Going back to the 60s and 70s, where a lot of the records are great as is, there are many additional songs or alternate performances that are just as good as the great songs and performances that got released.
I doubt there are similar revelations for the Stones. The Beatles anthology material, which I am glad to have, is not eye-opening for the most part.
bobbybittman wrote: “I like that Cee Lo single. It’s a catchy pop/soul number. Best single I’ve heard all summer. I’d like to hear Al Green take a crack at it.”
I think in any scenario where Al Green performed that song crack would, indeed, be involved.
OK, I’ll play along.
Good question. I’d say the latter. Had he sang “fuck you” 83 times over the course of a, say, Embrace song the effect would not raise an eyebrow. I liked the tune, but everything I’ve heard by that guy runs out of gas a minute or two sooner than he thinks the motor can run.
Easy: his voice on record. Love the way he sings on record, usually think he blows live.
Wow, this is a tough one with all the artists in need of an ass kicking to consider. I’ll say The Band, whose output on record is pretty weak after their second album, one of my all-time faves.
Good question! I’m thinking of the poor, poor pitiful me/America’s Sweetheart with moderate talent and a refusal to truly display possibly her finest talents. Sheryl Crow was a good suggestion, especially because she has the Lance Armstrong dumping to support her cause, but I’ll say Sweet Baby James-era James Taylor instead.
Harmonica.
To clarify upon my mention of the Stones legacy, I always appreciated that they operated as an active rock outfit through the last 20 years or so. They released records, did publicity and toured behind the record. Maybe something would hit, maybe it wouldn’t (it didn’t, those Steel Brdiges to a Big Bang mostly sucked).
I kind of worry when a band goes into a shell of past glories like The Who playing Quadrophenia with 1/2 the band or even the Pixies reprising all of Doolittle for fans who gave up at some point.
The Stones never seemed to go there until the Exile re-release. I already own it and am not a completest who had to buy it for the new tracks.
Misterioso, I never said I thought it would ever really happen….but I can imagine his voice fitting it nicely.
That Exile documentary was worthless. Ladies & Gentlemen, from what I recall of seeing it during a late 70’s (possibly 1980) theatrical re-release, has far too much camera time spent on close ups of Jagger (at the expense of everyone else on stage). Still, it was a great tour, so I’m hoping the music will make up for that (or more footage will be added). That Marquee Club TV special, Cocksucker Blues (fat chance), and Charlie is My Darling would be the other three I wish would be released on DVD (I’ve got a really nice boot of C.S.B., so I won’t lose any sleep over that one). Also, I REALLY wish they would put the “25 X 5” documentary from ’89 out on DVD, as I always thought it was one of the only career overviews of ANY band that really did the job. I’ll probably have to just digitize my old VHS copy.
For those who want to watch “Charlie Is My Darling,” you can find it here:
http://www.guba.com/watch/3000013943/charlie-is-my-darling
1. Cee-lo: Pleasant song but that lovely epithet just doesn’t suit the sound. Fuck deserves a nice hard f start and a good, rockin’ consonant /k/ at the end. All that groovin’ in the background just watered it down a perfectly good swear word.
2. I most appreciate that Mick and I share a birthday.
3. In need of a kick in the ass: I think Kevin Shields is a great answer. I would add that Brian Wilson and Massive Attack could use the same tough love.
4. The Jennifer Aniston: John Mayer, whom she used to date.
5. And every good singer should be able to shake a tambourine.
i loved 25X5!
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
I’m shocked that I was tapping my feet to it. Too bad I can’t play it in my car with my kids in the back seat (yet).
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
He’s still alive…
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
Love and Rockets should have been HUGE.
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
I agree that John Mayer fits this bill.
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
The Hurdy Gurdy!
What’s more shocking about Cee-Lo’s new “Fuck You” single, the fact that he works “fuck you” into the song multiple times or the fact that such an old-fashioned, gentle pop song contains so many instances of the phrase “fuck you?”
I love, love, love this song and once you get past the “fuck yous” you’re still left with a funny, profane kiss-off. I hear Swamp Dogg (as mentioned earlier) and Terence Trent D’Arby too. And the “fuck yous” aren’t shocking, they’re kinda cute, and they got everybody talking about the song. Ain’t that some shit.
And how can anyone who loves and still seeks out new music not have heard this thing by now? I know y’all got internet connections.
Although he became a parody of himself long ago, what do you appreciate most about Mick Jagger?
That he was the lead singer of the world’s greatest rock band, at least from 1963 to 1981. Which means it’s been 30 years since they made a good record. Please no mas.
What artist/band, in your opinion, could have most used a kick in the ass to fulfill their potential?
Ryan Adams. A kick in the ass and an editor.
Who’s the Jennifer Aniston of rock ‘n roll?
John Mayer.
What instrument should all lead singers who don’t normally play an instrument be capable of playing in a pinch?
None.
teek asks:
EXCELLENT question! Maybe it’s all those NSFW warnings and we work too much:)
Fans of Cee-Lo’s voice may dig this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW0B1sipLBI
Teek says: “once you get past the “fuck yous” you’re still left with a funny, profane kiss-off.”
I say: I prefer when Harry Nilson did it 35 years ago with You’re Breaking My Heart(“You’re breaking my heart, you’re tearing it apart, so fuck you”), with Peter Frampton and George “Harrysong” on guitars, no less.
cdm says: I prefer when Harry Nilson did it 35 years ago with You’re Breaking My Heart(“You’re breaking my heart, you’re tearing it apart, so fuck you”), with Peter Frampton and George “Harrysong” on guitars, no less.
I say: It’s possible to enjoy a song from 38 years ago AND one recorded in 2010.
Mr. Mod, that “Crazy” clip indicates that all band singers could also have plenty of space and time to master the theremin. GREAT clip!
A tip of the hat to teek for the TTD’Arby association.
So much has been said in this thread, I hope you don’t mind if I just say that one of my high points in playing shitty bars was a gig at the “C Note” in NYC. I was playing with a country-rock kind of singer songwriter and we were covering “Dead Flowers” when this tall, lanky stringbean of a guy jumped out of the audience and did a spot-on impression of Jagger – mouthing the words, doing the dance and everything. When the song ended, he went right back to the bar and continued drinking his beer. That guy was awesome.
I’ll say these things in favor of Mick Jagger: Someone has to be him. No one ever was him before. And after seeing “Gimme Shelter,” you totally don’t wanna be him. So thank him for taking the job.
Also, you gotta hand it to him for, as has been discussed before, being the one guy through the ’70s who actually took the phone calls and went to the meetings and did the work while everyone else was a) strung out, b) banging 13-year-olds or c) Charlie Watts. Every band has one guy like that, and no one ever appreciates it, and maybe I have an affinity because I was that guy in several of my bands.
Re: the Nilsson song. I’ve been searching for someone who’s with it (i.e old) enough to remember the song when it first came out. I’m just wondering how shocking it was, and how shocking Lennon’s use of the f-word was on PLASTIC ONO BAND. I have to assume that some people were truly thrown for a loop….but I’ve never been able to find any old articles about profanity in rock or anything like that. Cee-Lo isn’t doing anything we haven’t heard 100 times in different clothing in recent days. What Nilsson did was truly groundbreaking.
Suddenly I’m reminded of this fine piece that pudman13 contributed a while back!
https://www.rocktownhall.com/blogs/index.php/profanity-in-rock
Good point Rick about Jagger’s business dedication and how that should count for a lot too.
Just as an aside, the revised concensus seems to be that Charlie Watts was in fact both
a) strung out
and
c) Charlie Watts
during a lot of their later years.
Rick said: “Every band has one guy like that, and no one ever appreciates it, and maybe I have an affinity because I was that guy in several of my bands. “
I say: Do you want to join the Donuts? We don’t really have an opening right now but we can create one if you’re willing to do the administrative stuff.
pudman says “Re: the Nilsson song… …I have to assume that some people were truly thrown for a loop… …What Nilsson did was truly groundbreaking. “
I say: I thought it was pretty outrageous (in a good way) the first time I heard it in 1982 or so. But this song was a deep album cut on a stone cold turd of an album. And I’ve never run into another person who has this album aside from me. So maybe it’s groundbreaking in the sense that only about 1,000 people bought it at the time, but everyone of those people went out and recorded a song with the words “fuck you” in it.
I must be deaf. I LOVE Son of Schmilsson. It’s another fun (ny) album. Definitely could have been done by someone like Ben Folds years later.
TB
“Do you want to join the Donuts? We don’t really have an opening right now but we can create one if you’re willing to do the administrative stuff.”
Eh – I’m only a good adminstrator considering I’m a bass player. If you’re making an opening, go for a professional.
I also have Son of Schmilsson. First side is great: “Take 54” and “Joy” are right up there with “You’re Breaking My Heart.”
“I knew in a minute if I wanted to get in it that I’d have to get on it.”
Come on, that’s awesome!
Also, isn’t “Turn on your radio” on that album? That’s no turd, now.
I want to throw out HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes to citizen Bobby Bittman who shares this illustrious date with Beyonce, Danny Gatton, Martin Chambers from the Pretenders, playmate Candy Loving, and WASP lead singer Blackie Lawless. May you stay forever young.