May 132008
 

In belated celebration of Mother’s Day, today’s Dugout Chatter will center around themes of rock ‘n roll and family relations. Don’t worry, we’ll be gentle. As always, your gut responses are sought. Got to keep it in the family!

Which mother-related rock ‘n roll song best describes your relationship with your mother?

Across at least 2 generations, what is your favorite rock ‘n roll family? (Note: This category may extend to not-exactly-rock ‘n rollers like the Cash clan, the Thompsons, the Williamses, and so forth.)

Family or MFSB?

What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?

Which father-related song best describes your relationship with your father?

Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron combined sibling home run leader among rock ‘n rollers?

“Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?

What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?

Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?

I look forward to your responses.

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  36 Responses to “Dugout Chatter”

  1. Across at least 2 generations, what is your favorite rock ‘n roll family?
    Tom Waits, Kathleen Brennan, Casey Waits.

    Family or MFSB?
    Family Stone? If so, then Family

    What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?
    Currently #1 on the ride to daycare for my three year old: I Saw The Light by Todd Rundgren.
    Past favs: Yellow Submarine,
    Mr Rabbit – Paul Westerberg
    Here Comes Terry – NRBQ
    Roly Poly – Bob Wills

    Which father-related song best describes your relationship with your father?
    You Dad Did – John Hiatt. Not necessarily for the details but more for the general “everything comes full circle” theme.

    Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron combined sibling home run leader among rock ‘n rollers?
    Bob and Jacob Dylan, if I understand the question.

    “Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?
    LMLAR

    What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?
    Great Grandpa by Bo Diddly but just because it’s the only one I can think of right now.

    What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?
    Tough one I gotta think that one over, although I’m tempted to say the Everly Brothers.

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?
    The Replacements. They always seemed slightly lacking in self confidence even when they were talking trash, and they never get the level of respect that they deserve compared to bands like the Pixies (who I’m okay with but feel like they get a disproportionate amount of critical praise).

  2. BigSteve

    1. Mama Tried, Merle Haggard

    2. I’m a big fan of Carlene Carter (can anyone vouch for her new album?) and Roseanne Cash.

    3. MFSB

    4. Right before my dad died, I discovered that he liked Charlie Rich. Of course he liked the mellow Behind Closed Doors era, but still it was a first, and it offered a couple of bonding opportunities.

    5. Papa Don’t Take No Mess, James Brown

    6. Pete and Simon Townshend

    7. “Mother and Child Reunion” definitely. Great record.

    8. Me & My Uncle, Grateful Dead (even though the narrator leaves the uncle “dead by the side of the road” at the end of the song).

    9. Ringo & Zak Starkey.

    10. Dave Davies.

  3. What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?

    “Rocket Ship Beach” by Dan Zanes

    Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron combined sibling home run leader among rock ‘n rollers?

    Ringo and Zak Starkey

    “Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?

    LMLAR

    What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    The Who’s “Uncle Ernie”

    What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?

    The Friedbergers (Fiery Furnaces)

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?

    Bob Stinson (The Mats lost a lot when he left…)

  4. general slocum

    Which mother-related rock ‘n roll song …?

    I Was a Teenage Fuck Up – Really Red

    Across at least 2 generations

    Duh, I honestly can’t think of any more than 2 generations, so a “favorite” is going to have to default to the Carters or some such. Meh.

    Family or MFSB?

    Is this some code you sent out to only the anti-Deep Purple folks? Is MFSB a bank or insurance company?

    … family dig/have dug together?

    John was digging Dread Beat An’ Blood (LKJ) the other day in the car, and I had to subtly switch it before the harsher violent lyrics came on. It’s damn catchy otherwise!

    Which father-related song…?

    My Old Man by Ian Dury is nothing like my father, but always sets up a vibe where I can consider his memory in generous, if not sentimental, terms.

    Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron…?

    The Nevilles, maybe, when the Meters were going on, or the Allmans.

    “Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?

    B

    What’s … as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    Grandma’s Hands – Bill Withers. Big Mess rejected the album title “Songs We Learned On Pappy’s – Hey! THAT’s not Pappy’s knee!”

    What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?

    I’m glad we can finally just talk about the transgenerational. Times have changed! That said, I don’t know any myself. Flo and Eddie?

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?

    I can’t think offhand of any. The ones brought up so far seem to have gotten about their just desserts, IMO. But why weren’t the Fabulous Poodles more popular?

  5. Mr. Moderator

    General, MFSB is short for Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, and Brothers, the house band behind The Sound of Philadelphia. For shame! You lose 10 rock nerd points. Otherwise, nice effort. I know this Deep Purple stuff has been hard on you.

    Keep ’em comin’, Townspeople.

  6. hrrundivbakshi

    MFSB I know; the only “Family” I’m familiar with was these guys, who I assume you weren’t talking about:

    http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=11:0zfpxqu5ldde

    Interesting how this overview neglects to mention that “The Family” was basically a beard for Prince who wrote all their songs — and performed most (in some cases all) of the instruments on record.

    So anyway: who you mean by the Family?

  7. Mr. Moderator

    The Family I’m talking about is the British band that supergroup bassist Rick Gretch (sp?) was in following (or along with?) Blind Faith. I’ve always been slightly fascinated by that band.

  8. BigSteve

    I thought he meant the Manson Family, so I chose MFSB.

  9. 1. “Your Momma Don’t Dance”
    2. Ringo/Zach Starkey
    3. MFSB
    4. W/ my parents – Herb Alpert
    W/ my kids – The Beatles
    5. N/A
    6. Paul & Michael Mccartney
    7. Mother & Child Reunion
    8. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey (bite me, Mr Mod – I like this song)
    9. All the Van Zandt’s
    10.Johnny Lydon would want to be thought of as this

  10. alexmagic

    Which mother-related rock ‘n roll song best describes your relationship with your mother?

    ”I’ll Always Love My Mama” with fewer stolen hubcaps.

    What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?

    Probably Let It Bleed, as far as an equal level of appeal through my immediate family. My parents and I are all Beatles fans of varying levels of nerdery, though I have a sibling who could take or leave everything outside of “In My Life”. My dad and I like Steely Dan, bond over the sleaziness of the lyrics, which has always been fun.

    Which father-related song best describes your relationship with your father?

    There really aren’t many positive dad-related songs in rock, are there? You people and your issues. I guess Bowie’s “Kooks”, though my old man could more than handle his own at punching other people’s dads back in his day. Probably still thinks he can.

    Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron combined sibling home run leader among rock ‘n rollers?

    Good question! Paul McCartney and Mike McGear came to mind right away. David and Jimmy Ruffin feels like it’s probably slighting Jimmy Ruffin. “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” is better than an eight-homerun rookie season.

    Who is the Billy Ripken of rock? Maybe that’s what the redheaded stepchild question is asking, but I guess I’m asking who/what is the musical equivalent of the “fuckface” card?

    What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    Grizzly Bear’s “Marla” – I think, specifically, it’s about a great-aunt or great-great aunt or something like that, but it’s great at evoking the sense of long-dead relatives unmet and the weight of accumulated family history.

  11. mockcarr

    Which mother-related rock ‘n roll song best describes your relationship with your mother?

    Well, since I’m 43 and never been married, I’ll say Shop Around by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

    Across at least 2 generations, what is your favorite rock ‘n roll family? (Note: This category may extend to not-exactly-rock ‘n rollers like the Cash clan, the Thompsons, the Williamses, and so forth.)

    I kind of like that Into The Sun album by Sean Lennon, so I’ll say the Lennon family, ignoring Julian for the most part.

    Family or MFSB?

    MFSB as long as it’s an acronym for naughty words.

    What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?

    Spike Jones and His City Slickers “I Pagliacci”

    Which father-related song best describes your relationship with your father?

    “Nothing To Say” by the Kinks

    Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron combined sibling home run leader among rock ‘n rollers?

    Ray & Dave Davies

    “Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?

    The former. I’d prefer “Kodachrome”.

    What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    “My Perfect Cousin” by the Undertones

    What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?

    Those Ramone brothers were great…I kid. I like the Charles brothers from the Knickerbockers. Beau wrote some good songs, John played great bass.

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?

    Would Ringo qualify? He’s shorter than the other Beatles and has blue eyes. He wrote only two Beatle songs and doubtless got some help with those. When he got sick, they didn’t cancel shows, they just replaced him. He’s roundly insulted as a sub-par member of a great band even in Saturday Night Live Beatle reunion jokes. When peers or critics want to pick on the band, they usually bring Ringo up. Even though he gets some solo love from this group, I think he’s seen as the guy who didn’t write songs, sang off key and was a worse drummer than guys like Moon, Watts, Mitchell, Bonham, etc.

  12. Mr. Moderator

    Which mother-related rock ‘n roll song best describes your relationship with your mother?

    ”Only the Strong Survive”

    Across at least 2 generations, what is your favorite rock ‘n roll family? (Note: This category may extend to not-exactly-rock ‘n rollers like the Cash clan, the Thompsons, the Williamses, and so forth.)

    The young Finn boy’s (Liam, son of the main Crowded House guy) record was pretty good, so they’ve got potential. The Cash clan is hard to beat. Dani Harrison showed potential at the tribute for his father. No one family’s a standout for me, though, at least none that I can think of. I’ll tell you who’s pretty cool, the family or families that stretch back from that North Mississippi All-Stars band. The younger generation was very good when I saw them live, and they’ve got some Muscle Shoals blood, right? I think that’s my choice.

    Family or MFSB?

    MFSB!

    What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?

    Growing up, my Mom and I bonded over Motown, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Surpremes, in particular. With my own family, Elvis Costello & the Attractions, The Beatles, and in recent weeks, since the boys asked me about the band that did the songs “Living Thing” and “Do Ya”, ELO. I should report that on Sunday I played our older son The Move version of “Do Ya” and he declared that to be his favorite. “It’s heavier,” was his immediate response.

    Which father-related song best describes your relationship with your father?

    “Father”, sung to the tune of John Lennon’s “Mother”.

    Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron combined sibling home run leader among rock ‘n rollers?

    Paul McCartney and Mike McGear is the correct answer. There were some other good answers too, excluding the father-son answer or two that was proposed, unless there’s a Chinatown thing going on with Ringo and Zack that I was no aware of.

    [Alexmagic asked: “Who is the Billy Ripken of rock? Maybe that’s what the redheaded stepchild question is asking, but I guess I’m asking who/what is the musical equivalent of the ‘fuckface’ card?” Great follow-up question. No, this is not exactly what I had in mind with the stepchild question. I’ll say Freddie Stone.]

    “Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?

    “Loves Me Like a Rock”

    What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    The Band’s “Rocking Chair”. Gets me every time.

    What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?

    The Young family, including the Easybeats’ guy and the AC/DC brothers. I’m not a huge fan of AC/DC, but those brothers make it happen.

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?

    Julian Lennon

  13. 1. “Mother” by John Lennon. (My Mum passed away at a very young age)

    2. The Cash/Carter clan probably gets the nod here (Johnny, June, Carlene, Roseanne, add in all the ex-husbands)

    3. MFSB

    4.. My parents were into the Mama’s & Papa’s, Lovin’ Spoonful and Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan and music steady in the house and I have vivid memories of all of us listening to those records to name but a few,

    5. Fire “My Father’s Name Was Dad”

    6. Doug Yule- Billy Yule

    7. “Mother and Child Reunion”

    8. have to think about this

    9. The Finn family

    10. NRBQ

  14. Across at least 2 generations, what is your favorite rock ‘n roll family? (Note: This category may extend to not-exactly-rock ‘n rollers like the Cash clan, the Thompsons, the Williamses, and so forth.)

    I will vote for the Johns engineering clan: Glynn, Andy and Ethan. Lots of goodness there. Also, I am fond of the Wainwright/Roche/McGarrigle clusterfuck.

    Family or MFSB?

    MFSB. In either configuration of the name, the M still stands for Mother.

    What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?

    As both parent and child – anything by the Beatles. My daughter likes Los Lobos’ Kiko (esp. “Two Janes”), Rhett Miller and she went through a really funny Haydn phase.

    “Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?

    Mother and Child Reunion, but only because I tend to sing it as “chicken and parm reunion”.

    What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    The sex pistols song about Auntie Christ.

    What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?
    The Finns

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?
    Ike Turner

  15. hrrundivbakshi

    Which mother-related rock ‘n roll song best describes your relationship with your mother?

    I dunno — “Mama Said”?

    Across at least 2 generations, what is your favorite rock ‘n roll family? (Note: This category may extend to not-exactly-rock ‘n rollers like the Cash clan, the Thompsons, the Williamses, and so forth.)

    Elvis and Lisa Marie. I figure his talents were so astronomically high that however horrible she may be, the Presleys still come out on top.

    Family or MFSB?

    MFSB

    What’s a record from either your present or past that you and your family dig/have dug together?

    Woody Herman greatest hits comp — though Mockcarr’s Spike Jones answer would also suit, and would include Mom.

    Which father-related song best describes your relationship with your father?

    “Your Fadda’s Moustache,” Woody Herman. It’s silly, and it’s Herman.

    Who’s the Hank Aaron/Tommie Aaron combined sibling home run leader among rock ‘n rollers?

    The Davies brothers

    “Mother and Child Reunion” or “Loves Me Like a Rock”?

    The former

    What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    “I’m My Own Grandpa” — though I guess that’s not really rock. “Aunties and Uncles” by the Jam is always good for a larf — one of their worst. (“But wait!”, I hear you exclaim — “what about Foxton’s “Innocent Man”?”

    What’s the most underrated family in rock, siblings or transgenerational?

    The Lee brothers from Supagroup.

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?

    That dude from Simply Red. The white-headed stepchild of rock was Johnny Winter.

  16. alexmagic

    mockcarr said:

    I kind of like that Into The Sun album by Sean Lennon, so I’ll say the Lennon family, ignoring Julian for the most part.

    Mod said:

    Who’s the redheaded stepchild of rock?

    Julian Lennon

    You know, I bought and enjoyed Into The Sun when it came out, and then ended up buying the Julian Lennon album that came out shortly after, possibly out of some kind of weird music fan guilt-by-association hang-up. I can’t remember now what I thought of the actual album. So I guess Julian is the best answer for the original question, on multiple levels. I sense a Showdown: Julian vs. Sean on some slow RTH day in the future.

    To answer my own question, I’m leaning towards Jermaine Jackson naming his son Jermajesty as the Billy Ripken/fuckface equivalent of the musical world.

  17. What’s your favorite rock ‘n roll song that pays homage to a relative outside the immediate family, such as a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

    I’d like to change my answer to “I’m My Own Grandpa”. Technically it’s a bluegrass song rather than rock and roll, but it should still count since it describes Bill Wyman’s family situation from a few years ago, and he’s, you know, a Rocker.

    “Oh, many, many years ago
    When I was twenty-three
    I was married to a widow
    Who was pretty as can be
    This widow had a grown-up daughter
    Who had hair of red
    My father fell in love with her
    And soon the two were wed

    This made my dad my son-in-law
    And changed my very life
    For my daughter was my mother
    ‘Cause she was my father’s wife
    To complicate the matter
    Though it really brought me joy
    I soon became the father
    Of a bouncing baby boy

    This little baby then became
    A brother-in-law to Dad
    And so became my uncle
    Though it made me very sad
    For if he was my uncle
    Then that also made him brother
    Of the widow’s grown-up daughter
    Who of course is my step-mother

    Chorus
    I’m my own grandpa
    I’m my own grandpa
    It sounds funny I know
    But it really is so
    Oh, I’m my own grandpa”

  18. Doh! Hrrundivbakshi beat me to the punch!

  19. I do think a “Hey Dad, can I have the keys to the act” showdown would be a decent slow RTH day.

  20. Mr. Moderator

    I must note, at this time, that I think it’s an insult to nominate the Davies brothers for the Hank/Tommie Aaron question. I’m going to assume that anyone who did this did not understand the question. Hank and Tommie Aaron probably have the most combined home runs of any brothers in major league baseball because Hank his 755 and Tommie hit – I just looked it up – 13. Surely Dave Davies has pulled more weight than the 13:755 ratio of Tommie:Hank.

  21. BigSteve

    I also want to change a vote. I picked Merle Haggard’s Mama Tried because it was the first mother song that popped into my head, even though it’s not really a rock & roll song. I just remembered that great song by Junior from the early 80s called Mama Used To say:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwTTGnDcwoA

    I think it was the mention of Jermaine Jackson that triggered my memory, because I associate this song with Jermaine’s (really Stevie Wonder’s) Let’s Get Serious.

  22. 1. Er…who’s written a song called “Okay, I realize it wasn’t your fault you were bipolar, but damn, that didn’t make it any easier to be your kid”? Roseanne Cash, I bet.

    2. The late nomination of the Finns intrigues me, but I don’t know if we really know enough about Liam yet. Especially once you factor in the Carters and the sons in law, I don’t really see how you could possibly beat the Cash family tree.

    3. What do you think, you motherfucking son of a bitch?

    4. Probably the tape that got the most plays during family vacations would be Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits, simply because it was something we all agreed on.

    5. The first verse of “I’m An Adult Now” by the Pursuit of Happiness

    6. Nigel and Simon Blackwell of Half Man Half Biscuit. Nigel is one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, and they didn’t even bother to invite Simon back into the band when they reformed after a short hiatus in the late ’80s.

    6a. The original cover of the first Moby Grape album, both for the subtle obscenity and the eventual lack of follow-through.

    7. “Mother and Child Reunion” because it’s a reggae song about Chinese food and I’m multi-culti like dat.

    8. I have to bite on whoever said “My Perfect Cousin.”

    9. Okay, the Finns can go here.

    10. Tiffany

  23. mockcarr

    OK, if you’re gonna get steamed about the Davies brothers, how about I change my answer to Tom and John Fogerty?

  24. alexmagic

    Dave Davies is at least a Daffy Dean or Sandy Alomar.

    Jakob Dylan is Aaron Boone, maybe Dale Berra.

  25. Mr. Moderator

    Much better answer, Mockcarr. I wouldn’t say “steamed” was how I was feeling but, especially coming from a baseball fan such as yourself, disappointed. Carry on. No Rock Points have been taken off for this uncharacteristic oversight.

  26. Mr. Moderator

    YES, Dale Berra fits Jakob Dylan nicely! Although to our knowledge Jakob has never been busted for coke.

  27. Now that I understand the Hank/Tommie question, perhaps it is the Yorke brothers. Thom is very successful with his little outfit, the other brother, not so much.

    I was gonna say Ringo as red-headed step child, but Julian might be a better answer.

  28. mockcarr

    Yes, Ray and Dave are like Sandy and Robbie Alomar – I bet Ray would even spit on you, well, splash his beer on you after it fell off his head…

  29. hrrundivbakshi

    Pete and Simon Townshend

  30. Who are the rock Molina’s?

  31. alexmagic

    The Porcaros from Toto?

    Spinning off general topic, and potentially the Showdown poll, who is the biggest disappointment as a musical heir, son or daughter? Feel free to name your own children, Townspeople, if it applies. And if they don’t know your screen names.

  32. BigSteve

    Mom’s crying. Her special day has turned into fraternal squabbling. Again.

  33. Which father-related song best describes your relationship with your father?

    While it doesn’t applied to me, I just remembered the wonderful “Dad I’m in Jail” song by Was (Not Was). I recently bought that and “Earth to Doris” by those fellows from Amazon.

  34. dbuskirk

    I don’t know about a song but a musical analogy may be Marvin Gaye’s relationship with his father.

    Doug Sahm’s guitar playing son was always dependable to crash a song with some horrendous metal licks. John Cash Jr. brought down his share of Cash Family shows with his arsenal of Southern Rock covers.

  35. Mr. Moderator

    Alexmagic asked:

    who is the biggest disappointment as a musical heir, son or daughter?

    To us or to the parent?:) Hank Williams Jr. must have had the original Hank spinning in his grave. Elvis’ daughter sucked mightily on her one record – and how can you be the daughter of Elvis and Priscilla and not even be good looking? I’d bet that even God was disappointed in her, although to be fair, she mustn’t have had much of a childhood.

  36. mockcarr

    There’s not a dugout chatter for this, but I wanted to post an excerpt from an article in the Hardball Times regarding Julio Franco’s apparent resignation from the major leagues; with particular reference here as to the date when he was drafted by the Phillies. Has anyone gotten more fans from fewer songs than Jimmy Buffet?! I strongly dislike that fellow.

    Chris Jaffe sez:
    – America was in a cultural low point at the moment. Roller derby was so popular that NBC was about to debut a new TV show “Rollergirls” around the concept. Even worse, disco was at its zenith, with “How Deep Is Your Love” topping the singles chart, the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack at #1 on the albums chart. “Take a Chance on Me” was the highest-charting debut single.

    Though Van Halen’s first album had come out the month before, it was slim pickings otherwise for rock fans. Johnny Rotten had just quit the Sex Pistols and the Clash’s debut album wouldn’t be officially released here for another year. Meanwhile, Barry Manilow had the #3 album in the country. Yuck.

    People looking to avoid dreck were more likely to turn to something like Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburgers in Paradise,” which came out as a single that week. Imagine, if you dare, a baseball player whose career lasted so long he started when Buffett’s career centered original works rather than hosting a series of “Pirates of the Caribbean”-themed parties for Alcoholics Unanonymous.

Mar 212007
 

It’s one of those days when a single hit may be all we need. Have one or see if you can empty this dugout. If anything’s left when you’re through, pass it on!

Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

  • Studio outtakes
  • Live tracks
  • Demos

Continue reading »

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  27 Responses to “Dugout Chatter”

  1. Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    I’m digging the song “Bridge and Tunnel” by The Honorary Title. It’s a few years old…
    http://www.myspace.com/thehonorarytitle

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    I’m waiting to be impressed by Robyn Hitchcock next monday night. He’s at the World Cafe Live in “Rock-Band-Mode” with the Venus 3 (I’ll let you know if Buck is wearing a “I’m in the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame” T-Shirt). I’ve seen too many solo RH shows these past years and want to see how he does with some backup (I sadly missed the Soft Boys reunion shows).

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    I’ve been told that the Beach Boys are really cool. I’ve yet to hear it. […ducks for cover]

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    * Studio outtakes
    * Live tracks
    * Demos

    I’m intersted in home recording, so I’d be interested in demos. I’ve enjoyed the Andy Partridge released Fuzzy Warbles discs.

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    That’s OK with me. Then again, I have boxes of cassettes in the basement and never bought many records.

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    Well…Townswoman Sally sent me some Artwoods to check out. I’ll be honest and say that they were not my cup of tea – in fact I had to Google them to find out that it was Ron Wood’s older brother Art’s band (thus illustrating the depths of my lack of knowledge…). Apparently they were loved live but never sold many records.

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    I think in Jr. High I attended a “concert” at school with a “Wings” tribute band!!! But I think it was more than that – there were skits involved and maybe some vaguely “Christian” message!? I don’t remember specifics but thought seeing the “real” rock band part was cool.

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    I seem to remember some shows in either NYC or LA where folks were playing XTC tunes mentioned on the Chalkhills website. I’d go to see something like that because I never got to see them live. I had tickets for that last tour but then Andy freaked out and it was all over before they arrived in town…

    Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

    How about Journey playing Jefferson Starship? (two of my least favorite bands…heheh)

  2. Mr. Moderator

    Way to work through the dugout, Mrclean! Don’t fear, Townspeople, there’s plenty more where that action came from. Let’s hear what you’ve got to say!

  3. sammymaudlin

    I’m really digging The Greenhornes “Hard Times”. After a friend misguided me to The Hellacopters as a “cartoony Stooges” I ran for cover back to The Greenhornes as they are a “garagey Stooges” and “Hard Times” (among others on Dual Mono) is giving me a long overdue Stooges-esque workout.

    I wish I could dig The Jam. I’ve tried every which way but they come up derivative and bland for me.

    I’ve been burned bad by bonus tracks. Next to cell-phones, they are the great unfulfilled promise on the digital era. There are some acoustic demos on the early Elvis/Attractions re-re-releases that were pretty swell though.

    Mono-Mix? Strictly for dudes who still have an operational reel-to-reel player. (Fritz?)

    They have these free outdoor summer concerts where I live. They do four over the summer and one is always a tribute band. Last year they had “The Fab Four” who did two sets- one early Beatles in the suits and one later Beatles in the Sgt. Peppers outfits.

    This is a very family oriented community that we recently moved into so the crowd was mostly families picnicking and kids running around. When they hit the stage, I stood up and yelled “Hey, these aren’t The Beatles!” thinking it hilarious but… chirp, chirp.

    Must admit is was cool to hear it live though and these guys did a pretty fair job of it. I guess they are one of the top fakers in the country, or so they say.

  4. 1. “Back Seat Silver Jet Fighter” by Future Clouds and Radar, the new band by Robert Harrison of Cotton Mather

    2. I got the Fratellis album yesterday: you know their single “Flathead” from the most recent iPod ad. Turns out that at the end of that song, there’s an utterly unexpected plinky guitar solo that sounds like something out of Mike Oldfield. It’s not really the musicianship itself that’s impressive so much as the fact that it’s such a weird arrangement choice.

    3. The Left Banke. Two killer songs (“Walk Away Renee” and “She May Call You Up Tonight”) does not make you a pop genius on the level of McCartney and Wilson, which is what Michael Brown’s fanboys always claim.

    4. By “studio outtakes,” do you mean completed, unreleased songs? If so, that one, because it’s interesting to see if you can tell why they weren’t released. For example, “Wonder People” is in fact as good as any song on FOREVER CHANGES, but I can see why it wasn’t on the album, because it doesn’t fit the mood.

    5. I honestly can’t really tell the difference most of the time.

    6. I’ll say the Creation, although RUSHMORE did gain them a few fans.

    7. No.

    8. I’d like to see Bjorn Again. I hear they’re a hoot.

    9. I’d like to see the current ’70s tribute band called Jet do an entire set of songs by the ’70s glam band/Sparks offshoot called Jet.

  5. I’d like to see Bjorn Again. I hear they’re a hoot.

    Oh! I saw them! In Austria no less. Nothing like being in a room full of drunk Austrians singing along at top volume to an Abba cover band.

  6. hrrundivbakshi

    I saw a Beatles tribute band at the Williamson County Fair during one of my recent trips to Nashville. Not bad as far as those things go, and the Lennon character — I swear I’m not making this up — looked *just* like Mr. Mod, if Mr. Mod were trying to look like John Lennon, ca. 1966. I remember marvelling at it.

    Speaking of Mr. Mod — thanks, Moddie, for making use of that Who Show pic. I still can’t decide who’s more stare-worthy: that creepy Keith Moone, or the faux Jon Antwhistle.

  7. 1. “The Well and the Lighthouse” Arcade Fire. Killer chord progression and the chorus sounds like from some lost early New Order record.

    2. Guitar solos on the new Wilco record.

    3. Radiohead. Just can’t get past the guy’s voice and the atonal melody lines.

    4. Probably studio outtakes.

    5. I don’t know.

    6. Since someone already said The Creation, I’ll go with Pretty Things.

    7. A guy who sat in for us on drums had a Pink Floyd cover band. It was OK; they mostly played the hits.

    8. I’d go see Camper Van Beethoven covering Fleetwood Mac, “Tusk.”

    9. I think the Killers would be a pretty funny Springsteen cover band.

  8. mockcarr

    Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    Hypnotized by the Undertones. Pretty much that kind of week at work.

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    The new Brendan Benson demos show he’s been practicing the piano or a keyboard a little.
    New is a tough thing to define given what I usually listen to and actually REMEMBER.

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    Eh. I don’t get the big deal about the Raspberries and I like power pop.

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    Studio outtakes
    Live tracks
    Demos

    Probably demos, unless the live tracks are covers.

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    Yes. That Odessey and Oracle Zombies stuff is better in mono. Those 60s bands are fine in mono. I LIKE mono.

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    Since Mason has the Creation, I’ll say the Action. Reg White has an awesome voice.

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    I don’t think so, unless you count Elvis impersonators miming in Baltimore. The Upper Crust is kinda like ACDC, but not really.
    I missed a lot of fauxBeatlrey.

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    I’d see the Punkles if they toured.

    Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

    The Black Crowes could be the Rolling Stones?

  9. Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.
    >100(degrees) – Shout Out Louds

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.
    >I’ve been bouncing around the SXSW page and going to bands myspace pages – the new Hammond album (the guy from the Strokes) isn’t bad.

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.
    >Modest Mouse – I just don’t get their appeal

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased
    >Studio outtakes & Demos – Live performances aren’t really a bonus for me

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?
    >Sure – to hear its original sound is kind of neat – the best example I can give is the Zombies Odessey and Oracle album.

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?
    I don’t know. Did any of ’em come by boat?

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?
    >No but I saw some camp counselors lip sync to the Doors and I was young enough to think it was really them until an older boy pointed out that Jim Morrisson was dead so it couldn’t be them.

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?
    >I suppose a Beatles tribute would be tolerable

  10. hrrundivbakshi

    Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    I dunno, they change every couple of hours, it seems. The one stuck in my head right now is an old Cavedogs number, believe it or not. Oh, wait — the last tune that I *really* enjoyedl that I played four times in a row, I loved it so much, was a Thrifty Music find, which I plan to share soon.

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    I saw a black dude wailing on the pedal steel on Austin City Limits the other day who was pretty amazing, from a strict muso perspective. Somebody-or-other Roberts, I think his name was.

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    This shouldn’t surprise you, but Bob Dylan. he went through a number of phases that I actually think are “cool,” but there was only one — his earliest NYC folk singer phase — that I can (barely) stand.

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    Studio outtakes
    Live tracks
    Demos

    All of the above are a giant ripoff and a waste of my time. If I had to choose, I’d go with unreleased songs — NOTE: *not* unreleased “alternate takes.” Those suck.

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    Sure, why not?

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    I’ve got a soft spot for Gerry & the Pacemakers — and I saw a Wayne Fontana performance the other day that made me sit up and take notice, wondering if there was more of that out there.

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    See previous answer

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    I think the black hole-sized irony implosion that would detonate in my brain if I ever saw a Sex Pistols tribute band might be pretty mind-expanding. If it didn’t kill me.

    Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

  11. hrrundivbakshi

    Mockcarr, GREAT call on The Action! You’re right, that dude has an *amazing* voice!

  12. Mr. Moderator

    It’s time I play along…

    Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    No big surprise, only a matter of hearing it this morning on the drive in: “Dirty Blue Gene” by Captain Beefheart. I still say this song is the musical equivalent of time-lapsed nature photography.

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    From a muso perspective, I liked the guitar noodling on that new Wilco album. Wish they’d let that guy cut loose and do away with some of the other nonsense.

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    The Incredible String Band. They always seem like a band I should like…until I hear them.

    Did anyone catch the Joe Boyd interview on Fresh Air yesterday? I heard about half of it. It was very good.

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    * Studio outtakes
    * Live tracks
    * Demos

    I usually enjoy home demos best.

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    No. Putting a mono mix on a CD and having it run through a modern stereo system (or worse: EARBUDS) is too high-tech for the material.

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    I’d have to agree with The Pretty Things. The other bands people have thrown out there are good ones too.

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    I saw Beatlemania in high school or middle school and thought it was the bee’s knees. Since then there’s a local Beatles cover band that plays before the July 4th fireworks festival at our high school. I’ve seen them about 5 times now, and I can’t help but like them, flaws and all. It’s just nice to see people of all ages digging good songs.

    I’ve also seen Heavy Indigo, a one-off Deep Purple cover band, and played in Mosh the Hoople, a ridiculous two-off Mott the Hoople cover band. Much fun on all counts!

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    I’d like to see a good Clash cover band. they kind of sucked the one time I saw them. Members of our band have forever threatened to do a show as The Magnificent Seven, playing exactly 7 Clash covers. I hope we finally get around to doing it. The guitar solo in “Police and Thieves” has long been one of the only pro guitar solos I can play close to note-to-note.

    Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

    Good question! I’d like to see Prince tour as Sly & the Family Stone. For a guy who wears assless pants, Prince really needs to cut loose one of these days.

    There. Did you think you could get through a week without a knock on Prince?

  13. BigSteve

    1. Lou Reed’s Rock & Roll Heart.

    2. It’s not exactly musicianship, in my view it’s almost its opposite, but they had film on that Hall of Fame show of Eddie Van Halen doing amazing things with his fingers. I just don’t know why anyone would want to do those things.

    3. The Pop Group.

    4. None of the above. What I like on a reissue is b-sides or EP tracks from the same period that did not make it to any of the group’s albums, like on the Kinks reissues.

    5. I guess it depends. I found the mono Kinks reissues fascinating, because the mono mixes are different enough and I’d listened to the stereo versions so many times over the years. And I also liked hearing that stereo mix of Pet Sounds for the same reason. But it has to be something I’m very familiar with, or there’s no point.

    6. I don’t think Them ever played, in the US did they? And btw Fritz I saw Wayne Fontana on PBS too. I doubt that their catalogue is deep, but I know they did tour the US, because I saw them open for Herman’s Hermits in 1965.

    7. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tribute band per se, but way back in the day I remember local bands used to play note for note copies of the long version of Light My Fire and When the Music’s Over and The End. Even back then I thought it was a little weird, because even a teenager can understand the concept of improvisation.

    8. If I had to see a tribute act, I’d rather just go see a good orchestra or string quartet play tribute to Mozart.

    9. I saw some live clip of The Bravery the other day, and I think I’d prefer that they play actual Echo and the Bunnymen material rather than subject the audience to their ‘songs.’

  14. 1.) Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    The Coasters’ version of “Searchin'”. I had it on before I came into work today and it sounded damn good.

    2.) Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    On Sunday night, I made a trip to the Bridgeport (Pa.) Rib House to see Franny Beecher, who played guitar for Bill Haley from 1954 to 1962. The guy is 85 and he’s still playing great.

    3.) Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    The Greenhornes. They can be OK on record, but they’re the most boring live act on the planet. What do people see in these guys?

    4.) If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    I’d say studio outtakes, even though I’ve been burned time and time again.

    5.) Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    Sure. Beats bad stereo mixes.

    6.) What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    I’ll go with the Action.

    7.) Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    I saw the Dark Star Orchestra. Sonically impressive, but why bother?

    8.) If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    None. I just don’t see the point of these re-creations. If you missed the real thing, you missed it. Life goes on.

  15. Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    “Deadheads and Suckers.” Old folk song that I’ve been practicing on mandolin in anticipation of sitting in with one of my old bands in a coupla weeks. You can’t go wrong ending every verse and chorus with “Good men are dying every day.”

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    Gonna have to stay acoustic and go with The Gnomes, a local Celtic group that bashed it out Saturday night.

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    I gotta second The Left Banke. I know they’ve been said, but nothing comes close to the disappointment I get after those three singles are done. And from instrumentation to Look, they’re so totally me that I keep trying, which makes the disappointment even keener. I even shelled out for a Montage comp. Anyone want it?

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    Studio outtakes
    Live tracks
    Demos

    Live trax. Let’s see if you can Bring It!

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    Not a big deal to me and my $5 CD player either way, so yeah sure, why not?

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    No real strong opinion; I’ll go with the Creation.

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    I spent my 40th fucking birthday at The Australian Pink Floyd Show. I hate my job.

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    One that didn’t try to look like the group they’re tributing (the one thing I can say in favor of The Australian Pink Floyd Show – tin fact, they had two guitarists). That’s just too creepy.

    Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

    The Black Crowes as a Stones tribute wasn’t a bad notion; actually, I’m looking at them as a decent blank canvas for painting a lot of tributes on – The Small Faces/Faces? The Allmans?

  16. 1.) Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    Two actually – “Spanish Harlem” – Ben E King and “Operator” – Jim Croce

    2.) Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    Saw some great music-store playing at the Oxford Valley Guitar Center yesterday. The drummer playing the synth-drums was great.

    3.) Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    Any band with a “Thee” in their titles

    4.) If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    Outakes.

    5.) Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    Yes – if that’s how it was originally mixed.

    6.) What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    Did the Zombies ever tour the states?

    7.) Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    Beatlemania (W. Mr Mod I belive) and Crystal Ship

    8.) If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    Another Beatles tribute with my kids – The Faux Four at McCarter?

  17. Mr. Moderator

    Someone gave that Dugout Chatter logo a hit of Skywalker!

  18. sammymaudlin

    I heard he scored some from “Rono”.

  19. huh huh, he said Rono…huh huh

    “Spellbound” by Susie and the Banshees rocked me pretty well this week as well as the rest of the “singles” album.

    “Get Innocuous” the first track off the brand new LCD Soundsystem record is pretty ok with me!

    I just can’t seem to give a shit about Wilcko, believe me I tried.

    I only buy vinyl, and not that much of it. All digital music i steal from the internet and friends.

    Mono-Yes, but not on headphones.

    Post British Invasion-Japan is the best new wave band EVER. No one in America has really heard of them. They have 5 albums: the 1st 2 are Glam Rock and kind of sucky. Then, they changed their direction totally and invented the new romantic sound with producers John Punter and Giorgio Morodor. Their last album Ghosts is a little proctomucicolgic and not as much fun. Then they broke up in 1981 and Duran(2) stole their whole act, look , sound and all. The 2 good records are called “Quiet Life” and “Gentlemen Take Polaroids”

    I saw the band Liverpool at Beatlefest ’87. Then I saw Musical Box do Lamb Lies Down last year with Diamond Lou at the Tower. Both Excellent!

    Photon Band doing an all WHO set with ME singing has always been a fantasy!

  20. BigSteve

    Post British Invasion-Japan is the best new wave band EVER. No one in America has really heard of them. They have 5 albums: the 1st 2 are Glam Rock and kind of sucky. Then, they changed their direction totally and invented the new romantic sound with producers John Punter and Giorgio Morodor. Their last album Ghosts is a little proctomucicolgic and not as much fun. Then they broke up in 1981 and Duran(2) stole their whole act, look , sound and all. The 2 good records are called “Quiet Life” and “Gentlemen Take Polaroids”

    Does this mean you don’t like Tin Drum? I thought it was easily Japan’s best album. Sylvian’s new one Money for All (under the name Nine Horses) is quite nice btw.

  21. I love Tin Drum. I just don’t want any potential Japan fans to get in over their head. Thanks for the heads up on the new one!

  22. general slocum

    >Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    “Quero Pensar” by Tom Zé. From last years feminist concept opera Estudando O Pagode. He’s an outstanding example of someone making music into old(er) age that actually changes, and stays interesting and relevant. I’ve been checking out the whole Tropicália movement from 1968. Political, danceable, dada, kick-ass. Those guys (Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Tom Zé, et al) put their music where their mouth was.

    >Name a recent demonstration of musicianship –

    Speaking In Tongues III – by Sheila Chandra: a mouth-sounds tour-de-force!

    >Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe”

    Radiohead. Everything I hear about them makes me think they’re up my alley. But everything I’ve heard *by* them just goes out of my head. I have no memory of what they sound like. It’s an odd phenomenon.

    >Studio outtakes
    Live tracks or
    Demos?

    Probably Demos. It’s often cool to hear what they were thinking before they thought too much.

    >Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    A meaningless question, as it stands. Listening to anything is valid. Is *making* a mono mix valid? It depends entirely upon why you’re choosing mono. Historical accuracy is certainly valid, if not always enjoyable…

    >What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    I have a couple of Creation albums from thrift stores I thought were on an American label. No? I don’t know many that you couldn’t find here.

    >Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    Blimpie! Mr. Ragsdale’s drag Blondie band. Very funny.

    >If you had to see a tribute act what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    I would probably not see such a thing, if it wasn’t friends doing it.

    >Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

    A bunch of absurd ideas pop up, like Charo doing Bow Wow Wow or something, but no, I can’t really think of one. Next year, however, Big Mess will be performing all of Taking Tiger Mountain as a lip-synch show (synching to live singers), and I’m looking forward to that idea.

  23. Mr. Moderator

    A meaningless question, as it stands.

    How dare you answer my ridiculous validity of mono on CD question like that!

  24. Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    Narthex’s ‘Are You From England?’ (go Dean!) Also; Gruff Rhys on his new solo album Candylion has a track called “Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru” and it sounds like he’s singing “Goodie, goodie goodie goodie goodie goodie” I dig it… and the track “Skylon!” even if I can’t understand the Welsh on certain tracks, I’ll get there someday.

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    Ah! Seeing Casper & the Cookies last month for the first time was pretty cool. They rocked the stage with their Sound in some really heinous but awesome clothing with their Look, and I’m really keen on their latest album “The Optimist’s Club”

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    The Hold Steady. I don’t know why, it looks like the lead singer has great energy. They seem to have a good thing going on, I just can’t seem to break the spell that I can’t really get under.

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    * Studio outtakes
    * Live tracks
    * Demos

    It would have to be based on demos. The unheard stuff is what I want to hear! Give me the mystery!

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    No. Yes. No. Argh! I think so, yes. Valid in the sense that you want to hear it on your stereo “as it was meant to sound” when it was released, not valid in the sense that they didn’t have CD players when it was probably released. A few years ago Kindercore released a mono and stereo mix of The Four Corners first (and only?) album Say You’re A Scream and that’s the only “mono” experience that I know of in my CD collection – I actually prefer the mono more on that CD too. (The Four Corners is/was Ryan Lewis (of Kincaid and Sunshine Fix, co-founder of Kindercore records), vocalist/keyboardist Tracy Hatch, bassist Julia Rydholm (of Ladybug Transistor), drummer Neil Cleary (of Essex Green), and Ice (of Je Suis France) – hello, twee supergroup)

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    I have to second/third whoever said The Action as well. I’ve been continuously digging several tracks from Rolled Gold and The Ultimate Action.

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    I saw The Beatles tribute act Revolution at The Capitol Theatre a few years ago in Windsor, and that was a pretty fun time! Windsor also has a really fun KISS tribute band called Destroyer who I saw a few times. They would light fireworks in a tin can on stage – hello, Great White! Mini pitchers of beer in tiny glasses at a low, low quality price for low, low quality beer. Good times!

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    Hmmm… Destroyer (Dan Bejar) doing a tribute to TRex? I’m sure he would kill on “Planet Queen”.

    Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

    The Raveonettes and The Strokes doing a The Velvet Underground tribute together. I love 3/4 of The Raveonettes stuff, some Strokes, but sometimes it just all blends together.

  25. Rocking my world? How about James McMurtry’s “Can’t Make It Here Anymore”? It’s what Everyman Bruce wishes he was writing now instead of what he’s been doing the last decade or two. Or what Dylan might be doing today if he had never made that switch from protest singer.

    I suppose some might criticize it as obvious but to me McMurtry’s got the right combination of rage, disdain, venom, and dispair to make it great. I saw him do this live last month and it was perfect. Just like I imagine Woody in a union hall must have sounded.

  26. Name a song that’s “rocked” your world in the past week.

    Anything from The Arcade Fire’s latest, Ted Leo’s “A Bottle of Buckie” and LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends” are prime candidates for this honor here. I also got this bootleg Black Flag 7″ of alternate takes of a few tracks from Damaged and that’s amazing as well.

    Name a current musician or recent demonstration of musicianship – on record or in concert – that’s impressed you in the past month.

    Hmm I dunno off-hand. I’ll have to think about this one.

    Name a band you wish you could dig based on its name, reputation, and overall “vibe” yet have been unable to do so no matter how many times you’ve tried.

    That’s a great question. My answer would have to be Guided by Voices, though I haven’t given up by any means since there are songs I always end up liking on whatever I try, but not enough for it to make a great impact on me. One of these days I’ll try that greatest hits comp that you keep touting.

    If you’re assessing bonus tracks on a reissue of an album you already own, are you more likely to be influenced to buy the record again based on the strength of previously unreleased

    Studio outtakes
    Live tracks
    Demos

    Studio outtakes though I’ve learned from years of buying these reissues that any alternate tracks are usually previously unreleased for a reason: they’re usually inferior to the version that made the album!

    Is listening to an “original mono mix” on a reissued CD valid?

    Sure it is. The original mono mixes of Pet Sounds, The Velvet Underground and Nico, Odessey and Oracle and other ’60s classics all sound better on mono to my ears, though I’m not religious about it.

    What’s the best British Invasion band that never caught the plane to the United States?

    I don’t know if you mean strictly mid ’60s British Invasion bands or any band from the UK since that time that have never made it big here. If it’s the latter, then my answer answer is The Jam, though honorable mention would have to go to The Chameleons. Then again I like a ton of UK bands that never made it in the US. I don’t count a band like The Fall simply because they never really stood a chance of any kind of mainstream success (though they had a little bit in the UK) or The Smiths, who were headlining arenas in the US when they broke up even though they had virtually no radio or MTV play (and hence little chart action) here.

    Have you ever seen a tribute act? Which one?

    It wasn’t really a tribute act since Dee Dee Ramone was in the band and I think Marky was in it as well, but about 10 years ago I went to see some Ramones revue type act at the Continental in New York. In some ways, it was actually a bit better than the one time I saw The Ramones in the early ’90s, when they played everything way too fast and it was like a blur.

    If you had to see a tribute act (or another one, if your answer to the previous question was Yes), what type of tribute band would you choose to see?

    I’d love to see the tribute band that’s dedicated to the songs of Carl and Dennis Wilson. They’re spearheaded by Adam Marsland, an LA-based power-pop dude, and they’ve got a MySpace band. I’ve also heard of an X cover band called Blue Spark and a Joe Jackson cover band called Look Sharp! I’d love to see both. Oh and one time I went to an Elvis Costello tribute about 5 years ago at Arlene’s Grocery where there was a makeshift tribute band comprised of musicians from other bands they played all of My Aim is True and another early album (maybe it was Armed Forces).

    Is there an original band you believe would do better as a tribute act to another band (ie, exclusively playing songs by another band)?

    Again good question but I’m gonna have to say no. I’d rather see a band fail at imitating their heroes than to just rehash what’s already been done.

  27. I’m waiting to be impressed by Robyn Hitchcock next monday night. He’s at the World Cafe Live in “Rock-Band-Mode” with the Venus 3 (I’ll let you know if Buck is wearing a “I’m in the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame” T-Shirt). I’ve seen too many solo RH shows these past years and want to see how he does with some backup (I sadly missed the Soft Boys reunion shows).

    I’ll be at this show as well. I also missed the Soft Boys reunion show, though the one time I’ve seen Hitchcock solo he did play “Queen of Eyes”.

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