A few interesting factoids about Dusty I found out in the last few days…
1. She came out as a lesbian in 1973.
2. She was deported from South Africa in 1964 for playing to a mixed-race audience.
3. She produced a lot of her own early recordings without credit.
4. She helped a lot of Motown acts get airplay and TV appearances in the UK in 1964-1965.
She even hosted a Motown TV special on British TV.
5. In late 1968, she suggested to Atlantic Records that they sign Led Zeppelin.
I’ve learned to run like hell from the “neo soul” label. I haven’t heard a one that made me want to bother hearing them a second time. New isn’t better; it’s not even comparable.
Change of direction for All Star Jam – I just got tickets to see Cinderella’s 25th Anniversary Tour (ticket was free). Never saw them before, never owned a record, always liked them better than most 2nd tier Hair Metal bands (liked their AC/DC meets Aerosmith vibe)They fell off the face of the earth by 1992 (their 1994 comeback record barely got to the top 200 before going out of print). Have to say I am looking forward to the show, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a straight up ROCK show.
I don’t really like brag but in the mid-80’s, while I was working in a store on the boardwalk in Ocean City NJ, I sold the lead singer and his girlfriend a hermit crab. True story. Please send him my regards and ask how the crab is doing.
They were recently in KC to play a gig at a ‘club’ that has an outdoor venue attached to it, sort of an open air barn. There were only about 350 people there, and temps had approached 100 degrees that day. AFTER both opening bands had played their sets, Cinderella announced that they were canceling due to ‘illness.’ The next day they claimed that a doctor had diagnosed the singer with heat exhaustion even though they hadn’t even played yet.
I’ve mentioned my dad here before and all the great music I learned to love from him going all the back to in utero. Well, I’m spending my 8th day here in (I guess) beautiful Marlton NJ by his bedside in the ICU unit as he struggles to live after a major heart attack. I’ve got the laptop here with iTunes playing Sinatra, Dean, Chet Baker, Ella, Roger Miller, and others of his favorites.
When he’s sleeping I escape from the real word by wandering the halls of rock. Thanks to all its denizens for providing that escape and thanks to a great man, my Dad.
The mention of Roger Miller makes me smile. My late Uncle Mario gave me the first record I ever owned — Roger Miller’s Dang Me featuring “Chug-a-lug” I think the record jacket said. Funny record to give a pre-teen kid, but I loved it.
Al, it’s a tough situation you’ve got there. I’m sending my best vibes your way, up the coast, to Marlton, to you and your dad. I don’t look forward to such a day between my dad and I, but I sure do hope I’m there for him like you are for yours. Good on ya, man.
I lost my Dad back in March. He loved to take credit for my musical education and providing me with my love love for The Beatles and what not. “He was listening to that Kiss garbage…” I don’t know if I would agree, but I send good vibes and thoughts and prayers to you and yours, Al. Take care of Dad and you guys enjoy the tunes…
for $0 I can’t be too upset if they bail on us (unless the opening acts suck, then I am due some cash for pain and suffering). The place they are playing is pretty nice (usually a country roadhouse, they are new to occasional metal shows, Dokken and Skidd Row are playing next month). The place has air conditioning, so unless they get lost at the “massage parlor” next door, I think they will play the gig as promised.
My wife bought it, and it’s a little mellow for me, but I think it’s pretty high caliber stuff. We don’t see eye to eye on a lot of music, so it’s nice to have an album we both think is really good.
Al — if you’ve been around here longer than — oh, hell, just a few months — you’ve heard me share at least one of the many reasons my dad kicked major ass in the music education department. I lost him five years ago, and it still seems as fresh as yesterday. Similarly, my recollection of how healing (and for once, I don’t mean that in a silly in-joke kind of way) the halls of rock were in that dark time. I’ll never forget the day that Mod put up a photo of Tom Dowd in memory of my father — simply because, in a sloppy emotional moment, I asked him to. (My father both looked and spoke a lot like Dowd, and for some reason I thought this display would mean something.)
Anyhow, the point of all this is to tell you that for once, I really can speak for all of us when I say: Rock Town Hall really *does* care about you and your father.
So stay strong, and rock on, Al. We’ve got your back on this one.
Al,
Thinking and praying for you and your dad. I know that he played a big part in your love of music (a trait that I think you share with HVB and one that I envy) and I’m glad that you two are finding solace in the shared appreciation of some Frances Albert Sinatra.
This was a good interview. Thanks. I’m not sure where anyone can go with what Reynolds is getting at, but I do like the way he characterizes the original ways the Stones, for instance, used their influences. The older I get the harder it is to know if things have really changed or if I’m just the newest generation of middle-aged guys who can no longer discern change. This interview read, to me, like Reynolds’ personal “1983” statement, his announcement that things haven’t gotten better past a certain point in his life. It’s both heartwarming and sad to see another music fan arrive at that point.
I sometimes think that after a certain point — a combo of how much music you’ve listened to and your age — it gets harder to be impressed my certain sounds. For instance, it’s very hard for me to enjoy a new song that’s Beach Boys-esque, because all the Beach Boys and Beach Boys-esque I fell in love with are tied up with the person I was in the late-’90s and the experiences I had. Even something like sitting in my dorm room listening to Elliott Smith — I can’t really replicate that kind of thing with that kind of music anymore. On the other hand, my interest in Neil Young-esque music seems to be continually evolving and developing. My tastes have changed in a way that has allowed my appreciation in that stuff to evolve.
Ultimately, I think the value we ascribe to a lot of our favorite bands is ultimately subjective — so tied up in who each of us is a person and our formative experiences that it’s ultimately impossible to really convey or impress upon another person sometimes.
Agreed, Oats. Reynolds does raise an interesting point, I believe: Is “originality” in rock ‘n roll exhausted? Unless people can begin regularly writing catchy “rock ‘n roll” songs in 5/4 time or fulfill Eno’s dream of blurring the lines between foreground and background – or something that extreme – there are only so many chords, so many beats, so many ways to structure a song. The cynic in me see the last gasp of originality that Reynolds celebrates as an era of bottom feeding or making due with the leftover bits of previous decades. What could possibly be left after all those indie rock bands like Pavement that managed to make songs that communicated to people despite the fact that they often lacked strong, danceable rhythms; technically “good” instrumental solos and vocals, etc? I know I’m being partially critical and negative, but I do think that era can be justifiably celebrated for throwing the doors open to all those who’d previously been left out. Now no one’s left out, are they? Isn’t that where all the groundbreaking developments take place? Hopefully, after the “new boss” of fake indie rock really takes hold and acts same as the old boss, a new generation will feel left out and discover the necessary means to bang down the doors once more.
I think the really important point Reynolds makes is the incalculable effect the internet has had on how music develops. A lot of this “Lack of originality” is not necessarily the fault of unimaginative musicians, shallow hipsters and other straw men. The internet has made it almost impossible for kinds of music to develop in private. Hip-hop and rave are two kinds of music that gestated for years without any media attention. You had to know where to go to hear it. Same thing probably happened with punk and early indie-rock, although the media caught on much sooner. Now, however, with admittedly dumb-named micro-genres like chill wave and witch house, that stuff gets a backlash about a week after bands’ demos first surface.
One key point from Noel Murray’s rebuttal: Reynolds may regard Jack White as some sort of analog purist poseur, but the majority of earthlings who rock out to “Seven Nation Army” don’t consider it a throwback. It’s considered a key rock song of the ’00s. No one hears that song and thinks back to 1971, except maybe some sticks in the mud who may comment on a rock blog;)
Yes, I think Reynolds key point is being misconstrued as “kids these days lack originality.” On hand the internet doesn’t allow artists to incubate new sounds out of the limelight, and on the other hand the glut of music of all periods and cultures now available tends to lead artists to a mix-and-match approach.
Another thing that may be in the book but I don’t think is really in the interview in that niche marketing makes it less likely that any sound will become the ‘signature sound’ of a given time period.
Amy Winehouse joined “dead at 27” club. Freaky.
As we work through some things:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/before-adele-a-short-history-of-british-soul-divas-20110413/dusty-springfield-0493654
A few interesting factoids about Dusty I found out in the last few days…
1. She came out as a lesbian in 1973.
2. She was deported from South Africa in 1964 for playing to a mixed-race audience.
3. She produced a lot of her own early recordings without credit.
4. She helped a lot of Motown acts get airplay and TV appearances in the UK in 1964-1965.
She even hosted a Motown TV special on British TV.
5. In late 1968, she suggested to Atlantic Records that they sign Led Zeppelin.
Two good neo-soul albums.
Corrine Bailey Rae — The Sea
http://youtu.be/ARFnffnuDQU
Song starts at 1:30.
Macy Gray — On How Life Is
http://youtu.be/qsTk2xp0nvY
I’ve learned to run like hell from the “neo soul” label. I haven’t heard a one that made me want to bother hearing them a second time. New isn’t better; it’s not even comparable.
I would just say it’s different — some artists labeled neo-soul are good, some not-so-good.
Mr. Mod — did you mean Duffy in the poll?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zQP6vgWiek
Ha! Yes, I’ll add her but leave Duff (from MTV, right?). She may have interest in those guys too.
I did pick up the Adele Cd and am impressed. I guess I am late to the party, it’s the biggest selling record of the year, right?
Change of direction for All Star Jam – I just got tickets to see Cinderella’s 25th Anniversary Tour (ticket was free). Never saw them before, never owned a record, always liked them better than most 2nd tier Hair Metal bands (liked their AC/DC meets Aerosmith vibe)They fell off the face of the earth by 1992 (their 1994 comeback record barely got to the top 200 before going out of print). Have to say I am looking forward to the show, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a straight up ROCK show.
Right — mesh shirt Duff McKagan wouldn’t want to be outclassed Look-wise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xn88zflLmg
I don’t really like brag but in the mid-80’s, while I was working in a store on the boardwalk in Ocean City NJ, I sold the lead singer and his girlfriend a hermit crab. True story. Please send him my regards and ask how the crab is doing.
They were recently in KC to play a gig at a ‘club’ that has an outdoor venue attached to it, sort of an open air barn. There were only about 350 people there, and temps had approached 100 degrees that day. AFTER both opening bands had played their sets, Cinderella announced that they were canceling due to ‘illness.’ The next day they claimed that a doctor had diagnosed the singer with heat exhaustion even though they hadn’t even played yet.
Buyer beware.
6. She shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.
An all-star of a different kind –
I’ve mentioned my dad here before and all the great music I learned to love from him going all the back to in utero. Well, I’m spending my 8th day here in (I guess) beautiful Marlton NJ by his bedside in the ICU unit as he struggles to live after a major heart attack. I’ve got the laptop here with iTunes playing Sinatra, Dean, Chet Baker, Ella, Roger Miller, and others of his favorites.
When he’s sleeping I escape from the real word by wandering the halls of rock. Thanks to all its denizens for providing that escape and thanks to a great man, my Dad.
All the best to you and your dad.
The mention of Roger Miller makes me smile. My late Uncle Mario gave me the first record I ever owned — Roger Miller’s Dang Me featuring “Chug-a-lug” I think the record jacket said. Funny record to give a pre-teen kid, but I loved it.
Oh man, I’m so sorry to hear this, al. Our thoughts will be with him and you and your family.
al, all best wishes to you and your family.
Al, it’s a tough situation you’ve got there. I’m sending my best vibes your way, up the coast, to Marlton, to you and your dad. I don’t look forward to such a day between my dad and I, but I sure do hope I’m there for him like you are for yours. Good on ya, man.
Yes! We had that one as well!
I lost my Dad back in March. He loved to take credit for my musical education and providing me with my love love for The Beatles and what not. “He was listening to that Kiss garbage…” I don’t know if I would agree, but I send good vibes and thoughts and prayers to you and yours, Al. Take care of Dad and you guys enjoy the tunes…
TB
for $0 I can’t be too upset if they bail on us (unless the opening acts suck, then I am due some cash for pain and suffering). The place they are playing is pretty nice (usually a country roadhouse, they are new to occasional metal shows, Dokken and Skidd Row are playing next month). The place has air conditioning, so unless they get lost at the “massage parlor” next door, I think they will play the gig as promised.
Thanks, Dusty. You could have just kept your mouth shut on that one.
My wife bought it, and it’s a little mellow for me, but I think it’s pretty high caliber stuff. We don’t see eye to eye on a lot of music, so it’s nice to have an album we both think is really good.
Al — if you’ve been around here longer than — oh, hell, just a few months — you’ve heard me share at least one of the many reasons my dad kicked major ass in the music education department. I lost him five years ago, and it still seems as fresh as yesterday. Similarly, my recollection of how healing (and for once, I don’t mean that in a silly in-joke kind of way) the halls of rock were in that dark time. I’ll never forget the day that Mod put up a photo of Tom Dowd in memory of my father — simply because, in a sloppy emotional moment, I asked him to. (My father both looked and spoke a lot like Dowd, and for some reason I thought this display would mean something.)
Anyhow, the point of all this is to tell you that for once, I really can speak for all of us when I say: Rock Town Hall really *does* care about you and your father.
So stay strong, and rock on, Al. We’ve got your back on this one.
Your pal in rock,
HVB
Al,
Thinking and praying for you and your dad. I know that he played a big part in your love of music (a trait that I think you share with HVB and one that I envy) and I’m glad that you two are finding solace in the shared appreciation of some Frances Albert Sinatra.
What he said.
I heard the crab was opening.
Wishing the best for your dad, you and your family, Al. Been through similar with both parents; it’s tough, but hang in there.
BB (aka RPM)
Happy birthday to saturnismine and ladymiss!
Lotsa stuff to chew on here: http://www.avclub.com/articles/simon-reynolds,59501/
This was a good interview. Thanks. I’m not sure where anyone can go with what Reynolds is getting at, but I do like the way he characterizes the original ways the Stones, for instance, used their influences. The older I get the harder it is to know if things have really changed or if I’m just the newest generation of middle-aged guys who can no longer discern change. This interview read, to me, like Reynolds’ personal “1983” statement, his announcement that things haven’t gotten better past a certain point in his life. It’s both heartwarming and sad to see another music fan arrive at that point.
I sometimes think that after a certain point — a combo of how much music you’ve listened to and your age — it gets harder to be impressed my certain sounds. For instance, it’s very hard for me to enjoy a new song that’s Beach Boys-esque, because all the Beach Boys and Beach Boys-esque I fell in love with are tied up with the person I was in the late-’90s and the experiences I had. Even something like sitting in my dorm room listening to Elliott Smith — I can’t really replicate that kind of thing with that kind of music anymore. On the other hand, my interest in Neil Young-esque music seems to be continually evolving and developing. My tastes have changed in a way that has allowed my appreciation in that stuff to evolve.
Ultimately, I think the value we ascribe to a lot of our favorite bands is ultimately subjective — so tied up in who each of us is a person and our formative experiences that it’s ultimately impossible to really convey or impress upon another person sometimes.
Also, here’s an interesting rebuttal to Reynolds’ argument.
http://www.cjr.org/review/lets_do_the_time_warp_again.php?page=all
Agreed, Oats. Reynolds does raise an interesting point, I believe: Is “originality” in rock ‘n roll exhausted? Unless people can begin regularly writing catchy “rock ‘n roll” songs in 5/4 time or fulfill Eno’s dream of blurring the lines between foreground and background – or something that extreme – there are only so many chords, so many beats, so many ways to structure a song. The cynic in me see the last gasp of originality that Reynolds celebrates as an era of bottom feeding or making due with the leftover bits of previous decades. What could possibly be left after all those indie rock bands like Pavement that managed to make songs that communicated to people despite the fact that they often lacked strong, danceable rhythms; technically “good” instrumental solos and vocals, etc? I know I’m being partially critical and negative, but I do think that era can be justifiably celebrated for throwing the doors open to all those who’d previously been left out. Now no one’s left out, are they? Isn’t that where all the groundbreaking developments take place? Hopefully, after the “new boss” of fake indie rock really takes hold and acts same as the old boss, a new generation will feel left out and discover the necessary means to bang down the doors once more.
I think the really important point Reynolds makes is the incalculable effect the internet has had on how music develops. A lot of this “Lack of originality” is not necessarily the fault of unimaginative musicians, shallow hipsters and other straw men. The internet has made it almost impossible for kinds of music to develop in private. Hip-hop and rave are two kinds of music that gestated for years without any media attention. You had to know where to go to hear it. Same thing probably happened with punk and early indie-rock, although the media caught on much sooner. Now, however, with admittedly dumb-named micro-genres like chill wave and witch house, that stuff gets a backlash about a week after bands’ demos first surface.
One key point from Noel Murray’s rebuttal: Reynolds may regard Jack White as some sort of analog purist poseur, but the majority of earthlings who rock out to “Seven Nation Army” don’t consider it a throwback. It’s considered a key rock song of the ’00s. No one hears that song and thinks back to 1971, except maybe some sticks in the mud who may comment on a rock blog;)
Yes, I think Reynolds key point is being misconstrued as “kids these days lack originality.” On hand the internet doesn’t allow artists to incubate new sounds out of the limelight, and on the other hand the glut of music of all periods and cultures now available tends to lead artists to a mix-and-match approach.
Another thing that may be in the book but I don’t think is really in the interview in that niche marketing makes it less likely that any sound will become the ‘signature sound’ of a given time period.