It’s time to kick off 2011 with a rapid-fire round of hard-hitting questions, known in the Halls of Rock as Dugout Chatter! Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, only true ones. Let’s get it on!
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
I forgot that Bun E. Carlos was not drumming with Cheap Trick until seeing the band play sans Bun E.—and with his Rick Nielson’s son, Dax—on Austin City Limits. The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
I look forward to your comments.
1. That’s actually Nielson’s son Dax drumming for Cheap Trick now.
2. Colin Moulding.
3. Any and all of the Beach Boys’ TV biopics.
4. Clarinet
5. I just read that Bowie’s EMI contract ends in a year or so, so the money’s on him. Frankly, he does a much better job of it.
Oats wrote:
Yes, that fact was built into the question, which asked if Dax should be made to dress in theme with his Pop’s character? What do you think?
I caught the final 10 minutes of some Beach Boys’ biopic I had no idea existed until the other night. I need to see it all now. The Mike Love guy was awesome!
1. First song of 2011 might have been something from Sweetheart of the Rodeo, which is in the car cd player.
2. On the hotly-contested Bun E. Carlos and Carlos (or Nielson) fils, I have no thoughts.
3. George is in a class by himself, but a collection of Dave Davies tracks from Kinks lps would be very strong.*
* except for “Rock and Roll Cities. That’s awful.
In the same vein, a quite solid Entwhistle collection of Who tracks can be assembled.
4. I have no idea if I’d think it is good now, but at the time I remember thinking that the tv-movie Birth of the Beatles (1979) was pretty good.
5. Hip instrument? I am almost sure it will be the viola da gamba.
6. I think Bowie is about due for another catalogue reissue. I mean, it’s been ages. Give the people what they want, Mr. Jones!
DUH!!! I see what you’re saying now – and that makes more sense, especially if the Cheap Trick fanboys are right in their speculation that Bun E. is throwing a hissy fit more than experiencing back problems. I’ll correct the question, but the heart of the question remains the same: Should Dax be required to dress in costume?
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
“Band on the Run”
The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s character or some related sidekick?
Nah. Let him be his own guy, I guess.
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
John Entwistle.
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
The Elvis movie with Kurt Russell. Not Elvis and Me where late-period Elvis looks more like Johnny Cash.
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
The Jew Harp! Snoopy will be revered.
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
Bowie is due. As I’ve always said, “Bowie makes it hard for collectors. You can only be a fan of his.” Where has he been lately? I think Bowie quietly retired.
TB
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
-Something from Melody Gardot’s 2nd album.
I forgot that Bun E. Carlos was not drumming with Cheap Trick until seeing the band play sans Bun E.—and with his Rick Nielson’s son, Dax—on Austin City Limits. The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
-Yes
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
-Tobin Sprout is a strong 2nd
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
-The Jackson 5ive TV movie
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
-Hammer Dulcimer
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
Bowie.
I believe my first song in 2011 was Jennifer Hudson singing on one of those New Years Eve “Rockin” shows.
Two points about this
1) I was watching per my daughter had some interest in watching the show..
2) At that moment, the sad realization that this was indeed the first song of the new year I heard also hit me.
Out like a lion or lamb but clearly in like a turd.
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
Interestingly enough, it was a friend singing ELO’s Do Ya on Sirius Coffee House. Artist is Neil Nathan. Very cool.
I forgot that Bun E. Carlos was not drumming with Cheap Trick until seeing the band play sans Bun E.—and with his Rick Nielson’s son, Dax—on Austin City Limits. The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
YES! I also believe Jason Weinberg should have donned a vest when he filled in for his old man on Bruce’s last tour.
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
No one can or ever will rival George in this category.
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
I agree it’s that Kurt Russell Elvis pic. Best scene: Elvis sitting alone around 1969 questioning his return to live performances saying out loud to himself — “can the boy still sing, can he still cut it?”
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
The cowbell will make a major comeback this decade.
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
Bowie.
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
– He’s Gone by the Dead
Rick Nielson’s son should be made to dress like a character or some related sidekick
– Yes, two squares and two cool guys. That’s the set up. When one of the squares leaves, they need to replace him with another.
Would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
– Besides Chickenfrank? I agree with Tobin Sprout.
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
– That series about Elvis’ pre-fame years. I think it was on Fox about 15 years ago.
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
– Theremin
Neil Nathan is Great (and I’m not just saying that because he covered a song that I wrote). His song Never Enough is the high point of a really good album.
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
I believe it was some new Beefheart outtakes i just scored (http://bigozine2.com/roio/?p=317).
Shouldn’t Dax Nielsen be made to dress like Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
I don’t think the two weird guys/two pretty boys holds anymore. Robin Zander and Tom Peterson are looking pretty ragged now. What are they gonna do, ask Dax to gain 100 lbs and wear round glasses? Let him be the cute one now.
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
Colin Moulding was the first person I thought of. Richard Manuel dried up as a writer pretty quickly, but you could make a very nice album if you took his Band songs and added all of his Basement Tapes songs and all of The Band songs he co-wrote.
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
There was some Elvis TV series about the very early days that was actually surprisingly good. I can’t recall the name. maybe this was in the 90s?
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
There’s an app for that.
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
I think Elvis has already reissued a couple of albums since Sunday.
Moulding was the first competitor that came to mind for me – maybe Ronnie Lane’s work with Faces would stack up impressively too – but Richard Manuel’s a real good challenger.
I remember that Elvis early days biopic. Elvis was played by the Elvis-like kid from the original Hairspray.
Michael St. Gerard is the Elvis guy I had in mind. I forgot that his Young Elvis show was an actual weekly tv series. IMDB says he left acting in the mid-’90s to become a pastor in Harlem.
‘What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?’
My friends were playing a bunch of Brazillian music, something like Jorge Ben?
‘I forgot that Bun E. Carlos was not drumming with Cheap Trick until seeing the band play sans Bun E.—and with his Rick Nielson’s son, Dax—on Austin City Limits. The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?’
Kid should definitely keep character!
‘If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?’
No.
‘Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?’
1978’s DEAD MAN’S CURVE.
‘Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?’
Guitar.
‘Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?’
Bowie’s long overdue.
1st song of 2011: “Dawna” by Morphine making coffee 1/1 (I was really sick NY Eve)
CheapTrick: Make him wear Kiss makeup. Cheap Trick would probably find that amusing.
Secondary songwriter Greatest Hits: Maybe Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub, he seems to write less songs than his bandmates but his are usually the standouts.
TV Movie: Agree with the Kurt Russell as Elvis, directed by no less than John Carpenter.
New hip instrument: Tympani
Reissue: God, what can Bowie or Costello have left in the vault? Maybe it is time for Keith Richards to release the hundreds of hours of reggae jams he has saved up.
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
–My friend and I played our version of “Auld Lang Syne” just after midnight.
…The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
–Absolutely yes!
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
–As stated earlier Colin Moulding would be a serious contender.
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
–That multi-part Dylan thing that was on a few years ago. Made me reconsider and I went out and bought the live 66 bootleg disc where he goes electric and freaks the Limeys out.
…what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
— Pedal Steel (hoping because I love them…)
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
— Bowie
Sorry, totally off topic: Rock and Roll Shabbaton – Featuring Robert Daltry from THE WHO. Get your tickets today!
http://www.bangitout.com/events/viewev.php?a=2321
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
Your Pretty Face is Going to Waukeegan – Blacktop. I had my mp3 player in the car and my wife made me turn it off.
I forgot that Bun E. Carlos was not drumming with Cheap Trick until seeing the band play sans Bun E.—and with his Rick Nielson’s son, Dax—on Austin City Limits. The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
I wondered who that was. They really went all out on that show with intros and stuff. I turned it off and watched an X concert instead. At the bare minimum Dax could have worn a Godzilla mask.
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
Probably not. Is that saying much?
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
I liked that Temptations one. Was that made for TV? I can’t imagine anyone going to see it at the movies.
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
Harp. It’s so big and heavy, you’ve got to be totally dedicated to lug one around.
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
Costello. His 2000’s output is probably about due for the deluxe remastering treatment, with extra songs.
shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
No unless they are doing Sgt. Pepper, then they all have to dress up
Would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
I made a best of Keith Richards vocals that is pretty strong
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
4 way tie: Def Leppard, Beach Boys, Temptations, Jacksons.
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
iPad keyboard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9XNfWNooz4
(this is my church BTW)
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
Bowie – They will release the Berlin Trilogy as a 3 disc set. I just know it’s the next remaster/reissue
What’s the first song you recall playing/hearing in 2011?
I finally fixed my broken turntable and the first record I played was one of my wife’s, which was on top of the stack there – Guadalcanal Diary’s “2×4” album. But I don’t know the song titles. Honestly, it was me rudely grabbing an album I didn’t care about in case things went awry. But it did work, so it was a platter party from then on! Yes.
The kid was fine, but shouldn’t he be made to dress like his dad’s Bun E.’s character or some related sidekick?
I don’t think they need the schtick anymore, unlike Kiss who need the showbiz to cover up how bad they actually suck.
If you were to compile Greatest Hits collections of secondary songwriters in bands who are typically granted 2 songs per album, would anyone rival George Harrison‘s 2-songs-per-album output with The Beatles?
Colin Moulding was also the first to come to mind for me, but that card having been played I’m going to say Christine McVie. I think of Buckingham and Nicks as having the limelight in F.M. although she is arguably the top dog songwriter of the lot – Over My Head, Don’t Stop, You Make Loving Fun, Hold Me, Everywhere, Songbird.
Not including All You Need Is Cash, what’s the best made-for-television rock biopic?
I really don’t know.
Now that the ukelele officially clinched Hip Instrument of the First Decade of the 21st Century, what will be this new decade’s hip instrument?
It’s totally going to be the Sousaphone.
Who will reissue his back catalog first in the new decade, Elvis Costello or David Bowie?
Yeah, Bowie.
Nothing yet, and we’re four days in. It’s going to be a huge moment when a song breaks through.
Since he’s Nielsen’s kid, his gimmick should be that he has to dress in all checks, or at least a checkered hat, and he has to switch out his drum kit for different, elaborate drum kits every few songs. Also, he should throw one or both drumsticks into the crowd on songs where he hasn’t switched out his kit, and have a rack of replacement sticks behind him in the space usually reserved for gongs.
Somebody get me in touch with Nielsen. I’m convinced he’d go in for this idea 100%.
Well? The gauntlet’s been thrown down. Somebody step up and make a post for the George Harrison vs. Colin Moulding battle, pulling aside all their songs officially released as part of the Beatles/XTC. A showdown between Rock’s Greatest Third Banana and the man Mod once declared to have “somehow occupied the Harrison role in 2-songwriter band” seems inevitable in retrospect. This has RTH thread written all over it.
While I am a hardline fan of The Jacksons: An American Dream, I still feel like every Townsperson should be required to view that ABC Beach Boys mini-series from 2000 (called The Beach Boys: An American Family. Creative titles there, ABC…) Kevin Dunn was a great Evil Murry Wilson, and the scene where Mike Love rescues an insane Brian Wilson from a den of sinister hippies and then fixes “Good Vibrations” for him is a stone cold classic.
Sting has been laying the groundwork for the mandolin, but it’s going to be the banjo. Banjo will be huge in the 2010-2019 run. Steve Martin already has a 2010 Grammy for his banjo work, so the Banjo Revolution has begun. Put stock in straw boaters and spats now. And those discussions we had about arm/sleeve garters and their potential use in rock last year may have been eerily prescient.
You’re thinking too small. Costello will announce that David Bowie is the new Curator of the Elvis Costello catalogue and Bowie will announce that Elvis Costello is the new Curator of the David Bowie catalogue. This will happen on the same day at the same time, but at separate press conferences. They’ll talk to each other via satellite. Then they will each reissue a remastered album by the other on the same day every few weeks for the rest of the year.
So it is written, so let it be done: I’ll try to put together the Harrison vs Moulding showdown in the coming days!
I read recently that Bowie has been doing some producing & songwriting for Lady GaGa’s new album. No shit!