MOG - scotfree's Posts

Going Under Covers for Golden Slumbers:Cheap Trick at Bedtime

scotfree — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:02:24 GMT

Recently, Cheap Trick and a few friends undertook the daunting task of performing The Beatles "Seargent Peppers" in it's entirity live at the Hollywood Bowl in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original release. Tricked up, as ever...

...and you will know us by the tenure of the classic indie songs we cover: Oh yeah, Sunday Under Covers

scotfree — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:12:21 GMT

Seems like ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead caught a ration of shit from some folks for the way they cleaned up and re-tooled this cut from the ultimate lo-fi Guided By Voices "Bee Thousand". It didn't help that while they do not take credit for the song, the cd does not designate that it is not theirs. At any rate, I think it's a pretty nice homage.

Sunday Under Covers:The Cultured Breakfast

scotfree — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:52:44 GMT

Well, everyone's still asleep 'round these parts and I'm getting hungry. Perhaps a bit of steel-rolled oats with fresh blueberries? What's on your plate?

covert avoidance

scotfree — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:10:54 GMT

They're droppin' like flies around here the mog wars are having their way with it. i have somehow managed to stay to the shadows up til now. i've taken out a few passersby, just to make sure i wasn't detected. got em from behind, so i don't know if they were assassins. don't care. it's part of this business.

I Should Be Shot

scotfree — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:54:13 GMT

How Why I ever let The Dirty Angels first lp, "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye", slip away I'll ever regret. I know how. A down-and-out 20 something stranded in L.A., 2,500 miles from the traditional stomping grounds living in a broke down VW van in the parking lot of a beer can warehouse - choices had to be made. I saved about 50 out of 500+ lps. This one didn't make the cut, but
Well, that's way behind me and from '76, here's Charlie Karp and David Hull's first set. I'm falling in love all over again.You want Charlie's full story?

http://www.charliekarp.com/

Chocolate and Karp : A Funky Friday Treat

scotfree — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:31:07 GMT

Sooo, for longer than a coon's age ('77ish, I'd say), one of my favorite unsung bands are Dirty Angels. The core of this band Connecticut natives guitarist Charlie Karp and bassist David Hull. These guys were rock talents at an early age, Karp leaving high school to record 4 albums and tour with Buddy Miles. They met Hendrix, and played at his funeral. Made an album with Albert Lee. Then formed their own band. Initially named White Chocolate. Karp and Danny Koortchmar put out a cd in the late 90's called "Sloleak" and David Hull recently toured as Aerosmith's bassist (oh yeah, Karp and Hull were working up a band with Steven Tyler, but had to go on tour with Buddy Miles...when they got back, Aerosmith was already cast).

And until earlier this week when I remembered and obtained the White Chocolate set, the first sentence was all I knew.

There is a second Dirty Angels lp called "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" that I sorely miss and must re-aquire.

Meanwhile, back in the good 'ol US of A:Donnie Iris

scotfree — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:23:19 GMT

After successful stints with The Jaggerz("The Rapper") and Wild Cherry("Play That..."oh hell, you know), Pennsylvania's native son went the solo route. And he struck a pretty golden chord on his first outing, side one of this lp rarely left my turntable for a few months that summer of '80 (and I barely remember side 2). Of, course "Ah, Leah!" was all over the radio, but there's more to this disc than that opening salvo. In it's own way, "Shock Treatment" is just as prime, with a different flavor. The manic lead story backed by the dreamy "ooh, ooh, oohs" and "get it ons" makes for perfect summer madness.

Donnie's crew:

Donnie Iris - all lead and background vocals
Mark Avsec - piano, organ, synthesizers, occasional vocal and starring as 'the doctor'
Marty Lee - accoustic and electric guitars
Albritton McClain - bass guitar
Kevin Valentine - drums
Kenny Blake - saxophone
Robert Peckman - bass on 'Shock Treatment'

The Back Story:

...and, if you need some assistance in the cutthroat housing market, Donnie can help ya there too...

Holy Cow! It's New Wave Wednesday!!

scotfree — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:35:36 GMT

Been channeling some late 70's stuff the last couple of days, reliving the great pub rock/ power pop and early new wave sounds. As Bram Tchaikovsky's (Peter Bramall) songwriting talents blossomed, he left the Motors to form his own band, releasing a great debut album titled Strange Man - Changed Man, joining the Stiff Records stable in 1979 . "Girl Of My Dreams" was the hit, but just about every track is wonderful. Motors leader Nick Garvey's production is considered a bit thin, but the great songs, punchy performances and fine three-part harmonies more than overcome that in my mind. Love these stripped down guitar sounds, enjoy!

That's a lot of hot air, buddy!

scotfree — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:15:44 GMT

Well folks, been out of the loop for a few days. We had family visiting through Friday morning, and then spent the weekend with my daughter and her family. Nice to get out of town and travel around a bit. Don't know how to catch up on 300+ trusted emails - I'm already suffering guilt-delete pangs.
My daughter lives in a lake community about 4 miles outside of Eaton, Ohio called Lakengren. This place started some 40 years ago selling off lots and now it rivals nearby Eaton in population, with over 2,000 dwellings. Lakefront lots around the mile-and-a-half long man-made lake are prized and ornately developed, while the outlying properties may be little more than your basic slab house on a gravel road. My daughter's place is somewhere in between.
They have their own fireworks display, financed primarily by the Gaydosh family who handle most of the communities real estate dealings, and some other business people who live there.
So, we hit the lake on my son-in-laws pontoon boat about 6 pm, ready to cruise and relax until the fireworks started. About 8 pm, we had an unexpected delight that pretty much upstaged the fireworks. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

This was a great rush of fun, I counted a dozen different balloons!

The mixwit are some standout tracks from the weekend. My son had the MGMT on a mix he had made, and I told him how much I liked that track; never having heard them before. He got me good - looked me straight in the eye and said, "MGMT? Well they're just kids..."

The Clash On Holiday : Tahiti 80 "Changes" The Magnificent Seven

scotfree — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:11:23 GMT

"The Magificent Seven" is one of those Clash songs that, if I'm in the mood for it, it's an upbeat disco-funkish rant that is a great kick-off to one of the most ambitious sets ever recorded (Sandanista!). But I gotta admit, sometimes it seems a bit long. And over the top. Could we have a pared down version that let's up just a tad on the cold water in the face? Ahh yes, here come them French fellas from Tahiti 80 with a bit of relief.

See below for additional T80 options:

Sunday Under Covers: The Tubes do Captain Beefheart

scotfree — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:55:12 GMT

Before switching gears to their MTV friendly cash generating style, the Tubes put out 3 great lps of smart-rocking parody-laden music. The finale was 'Now", which was released in four different color schemes, and even featured this cover of Captain Beefheart.

Yo. Say hello to Bo.

scotfree — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:29:59 GMT

I think the kid's got something...

Attention: Planet X are not Moonbabies

scotfree — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:38:56 GMT

"We were dancing to "Like a Hurricane"..."

Let me make this clear: Planet X has a song called "Moonbabies". It is a very fine prog-rock instrumental that drives to its conclusion with boundless power and style - still, it may be called "Moonbabies" - but it is not Moonbabies.

Moonbabies are primarily Ola Frick and

Carina Johansson, and while they could no doubt pull off and style of music they choose, even a prog-rock classic - they stick to a dreamy style of pop that makes you feel like you're floating in a giant SDT (sensory deprivation tank - get your filthy minds out of the gutter) I need to get more Moonbabies 'cause the excellent "The Orange Billboard" set is just not enough. Hope you dig

Take Me To The Ballroom

Am I Crazy?

scotfree — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:02:35 GMT

To batter down this touch of writers block allow some free association what makes vinyl so collectible some tiny corner of my brain actually thought i was keeping a lot of this stuff because that is the only way i would be able to hear it again not fully grocking the massive master libraries all the media companies have accumulated the only reason now is i am too cheap or broke to replace all this stuff with digital anyway so much of it doesn't even appeal to my ears as i have already said recently i've got so much junk i need to dispose of computers that don't completety work software i'll never use clothes that are worn out and then there's the garage welll if it keeps raining over the weekend maybe i'll dent it and the rain keeps coming near everyday the climate really has or is changing but of course i live in the closest thing to "the shire" that exists in our reality nothing changes here but the 2nd breakfast menu i'd take the bus to work but it doesn't come far enough south - they can go 20 miles west of town but not 5 miles south my hard drives are packed i gotta get some more virtual storage soon just discovered the Moonbabies this week and they are cool but of coure fistula already posted them last year maybe i will anyway i was looking up some of their songs on youtube and found a wild one called "Planet X" that is a non vocal hard progressive rock track and i'm thinking this smooth dreamy rock band is really diverse but turns out it is a band named Planet X doing a song called "Moonbabies" i'm feeling much better now i think i could go on typing for hours this really worked well i will leave you on your funky Friday with some wierdness from the ex 10cc duo of Godley and Creme have a great friday everyone

Changes

scotfree — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:48:54 GMT

After everyone had passed out but me, at an all-nite party many moons ago, I sat in an overstuffed chair in my friend's parent's basement perusing a large compilation of quotations. Of the few I wrote down were " if you do not make new friends as you go through life, you will soon find yourself alone.". Everything changes for everyone. Priorities push and pull us to make decisions at every crossroad.

So, what am I getting at(?) you may ask...

a bit quiet round here as some of my good buds (Codyb and Bartleby) have gone on summer hiatus
why are there only a handful of cover versions of the great Bowie tune "Changes"? Wiki gives us Los Chicros, Butterfly Boucher, Seu Jorge, Shawn Mullins and Joe K's Kid - all since '98. Any moggers know of other versions??
I am getting a bit addicted to mixwit, as here is a list of songs with "Change..." in the title.
And since Bowie's "Andy Warhol" was the flip side of the "Changes" 45rpm, my mixwit cassette is adorned with a Warhol-esque Mog Love pic, the second in my Lunch art series

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Mixwit from the Halfwit

scotfree — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:46:23 GMT

Well, thanks to my great and goodly friend poebegone, I now know how to look at the "share" tab on Mixwit to get the embed code! (Doh!)
CAUTION If you listen to this, you might at times think somebody flipped on an FM radio somewhere (although, on a pretty good station). This is a playlist of songs I practice on the piano, because if I played what I really wanted to, there wouldn't be no sing alongs.

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I Keep Forgetting Terry Reid for Sunday Under Covers

scotfree — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:37:18 GMT

I've posted some Terry Reid awhile back. This is the guy who declined to join what became Led Zep, and wound up introducing them to each other. Made some really cool soul influenced albums through the late 60's / early 70's. In the 80's, he came back with a great set titled "The Driver". A great disc of contemplative Americana, featuring Terry's distictive vocals. Here he is with Michael Scott's "The Whole of the Moon.

If The Funk Don't Drive Ya Crazy...

scotfree — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 01:33:19 GMT

What does? My list:

the price of gas (duh)
dental problems
modern country music
syndicated sitcoms
rude drivers

Stampede!!

scotfree — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:54:48 GMT

Not to be confused with Peter Frampton's first band, Australia's "The Herd" have a new set out called Summerland (isn't it winter down under right now?) Maybe the idea is to heat up the chilly nights with some hot 'n funky hip hop. With a line-up featuring stage names Traksewt, Rok Poshtya, Ozi Batla, Urthboy, Unkle Ho, Toe-Fu, Sulo, and un-renamed vocalist Jane Tyrrell; how could ya not be curious? Often politically outspoken, one of their first tracks to recieve recognition was "77%" (vid), commentary on the MV Tampa incident in which hundreds of Afghan refugees stranded at sea were denied assistance and asyum by AU authorities (see this- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Tampa)

"77%"

This Herd incorporate all kind of funky beats and styles : hear the reggae -laced "We Can't Hear You"

1st Day of Summer!

scotfree — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:04:14 GMT

Ooh, I get a "dress down" day at work, so I can wear jeans and a tee, that's funky. And it's Friday to boot. Think I'll plan me a little picnic for lunch, Turkey salami with a slice of muenster and some spicy mustard on wheat. And some hard boiled eggs. Dephazz can bring the funk-slicer.

I Dream Of Dinosaurs

scotfree — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:46:38 GMT

I'm having some motivational difficulties my friends. A few weeks back, I pulled out some select vinyl from my crates, with the intention of these forming the core of my upcoming posts. Problem is, as I go through my treasures and start to formulate some thoughts, the aging vinyl has become defective. No, wait, not the vinyl - it's my own head. Somewhere along the alt-twee-funk-afro-shoegaze-jazz travels of the recent past, the attention has shifted. The love affair with my personal library of obscure-ish rock has apparently begun to petrify. Giant, noisey behemoths metamorphosed into silent, motionless images of their skeltal form. See, I started this as a pep-talk-to-self, and it's turned into more of a eulogy. But I'll try...and that requires cranking to eleven...

Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson made their third and final trip to the studio together for 1989's YUIORTA ( Three Stooges ref.). These tunes were crafted during the previous 6 months of roadwork together, and feeling spills right over into the Power Station sessions. Hunter-Ronson front a great rock band here, comprised as well of Micky Curry on drums, Pat Kilbride on bass, and keys provided by Tommy (Mad Dog) Mandel. Seasoned and talented rockers, having fun with every note they blast.

It's sort of a shame that this excellent homage to the bygone ways of 70's glam got no more attention than it did, as this was to be Ronno's final effort in a band format prior his cancer diagnosis. It fell out of print for years, and the tracks here are recorded from my shrinking cassette (remember? :)) library. But, yay!, recently reissued. (someone came to their senses)

Hunter's pen and voice coupled with Ronson's melodramatic bombastic six string skill may be it's most effective on this set. The music speaks for itself, the culmination of two men who found a common heart beat and brought us the best.

Notes From Exile : Reality's My Bitch Today

scotfree — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:30:06 GMT

When Rose became forever trapped in the alternate reality, The Doctor harnessed and sucked the power out of a dying star just to send a final message. Such was his care and concern for his friend, that he would do anything just to get a message through.

Trust me, I'm not there yet. This is but a MOG-glitch exile, imposed (apparently?) by the upgrade. For whatever reason, I can't comment on posts, but for every now and then. The new toolbar does not appear on my screen, and while I can type in comments - all I get is a throbbing red "Please Wait..." (hhmmm, have fun with that one...) I have informed the powers-that-be of my difficulty, and hopefully this is a short term problem.

May you all be blessed once again with my semi-brainless chatter real soon

In the meantime, I doth create.

Life In Exile

scotfree — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:48:04 GMT

Dear Mog,

Life here is, at best, endurable. I miss all those great times we had together, but a least I have my memories. The late spring sun is hot and the air hangs heavy with the scent of humid foliage. I trek through the underbrush daily just for distraction. I stand and look at the sea until the lapping waves instill the slightest vertigo, that reminds me of our best dizzy times together. I can't look at the star filled night sky though - it's vast emptyness only amplifies the pain of our seperation. Oh, don't be sad, life can turn down the oddest of alleyways and you never know what's waiting at the next stop. Rejoice, and see if you can send me some tissues...

your loyal friend,

scotfree

Sorta Makes Time Travel Rather Tame...

scotfree — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:21:31 GMT

Now, Barak has taken to upstaging even fictional characters! More to come...

Best Prog-Rock Band Ever??

scotfree — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:33:27 GMT

When Todd Rundgren's Utopia first hit the stage in 1972, it was considerably different than later incarnations. The seven piece band jammed long and hard to mystic Ikon set, essentially shattering Todd's golden-hit-boy facade. No way these songs were making their way to the charts, but I spent many a drive to and from technical school along the banks of the Mad River in the Ikon's accompaniment.

These days, everything is made in China.

scotfree — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:51:35 GMT

As a young boy of about 10, I found a small Russian language textbook that had been my mother's on the upstairs bookshelf. For some reason, I thought it would be secretly cool to learn the language of the dangerous Soviet bear, and I poured over the text for weeks. Or maybe days. Well, at least an hour. I know the word for "table" is "dor".

Still, none of that hard work prepared me for "Everything is Made in China". These Russian lads rock and soothe like a time-fabric rip. At times, laying down Eno or Low -esque pre-ambient soundscapes (Speed My Way), and in other moments pounding their gear in fine rhythmic rock form (Day Out(unpopular 90's) - in comments) - they seem to know their way around many a sonic soundscape.

Truly a self contained art entity, their art and design guy is credited as part of the band. Lovin' this one!!

Fedorov Maksim- guitar, vocal; Prem'yak Filipp- bass guitar, piano; Zotov Aleksey- drums; Kolesnikov Il'ya - art, design The entire "4" set can be streamed at their blog-without-words here: blog - http://www.eimicmusic.com/blog/

vid for "My Marshall"

The Number Twelve Looks Like You, And Mathcore Sounds Like (...wicked...)Fun!

scotfree — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:02:13 GMT

How often do you pick up new music based on the aesthetic of the package? I do occasionally, and at times it leads to new pastures. In this case, the fields are filled with strange venomous creatures that are lurking behind every bush and boulder to rip your head off. At first, I kinda cringed. On second listen, it grated but appealed on a distant yet distinct level. Then I used it to wash the strains of modern country from my mind. Welcome to the flock mathcore.

"Like A Cat"

"An Aptly Fictional Description" (lyrics) And it was so contradictory yet deliberately put never should we start a lecture with a quote - Two-tone stage background the actors returning home to eat food covered in nothing good served in purple plasticware the orchestra isn't craving our attention it sparks the active chords and the stage is set ablaze the conductor lights a cigarette we look at illustrations of ourselves - The orchestra isn't craving just isn't craving our attention Appliances that would blow a fuse at any time while conducting an ancient family recipe to the very next generation - We never saw them coming we've been throwing stones at glass houses for too long It's such a cliche. . The Number Twelve Looks Like You (name pulled from a Twilight Zone ep) are: Jesse Korman - Vocals Justin Pedrick - Vocals Alexis Pareja - Guitar Jamie McIlroy - Guitar Chris Russell - Bass Jon Karel - Drums

And, a nod to Amandameister(Ivylander's daughter!) who was the first to sail these waters. http://mog.com/amandameister/blog_post/96141

The Muppets cover The Village People on Sunday Under Covers: It's Good to Be Back

scotfree — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:42:28 GMT

Well, it has been crazy the last few weeks at our house. My 21 yr old Daughter came home for a few weeks (she had been living in N. Carolina) before heading off to Navy bootcamp at Great Lakes. She brought all her belongings (and some of her messy habits) home to roost while she heads off for a new adventure. She got rear ended, on the interstate (how does that happen??!) on her way home, and made an off-the-books deal with the guy who rammed her - because filing a police report would have delayed her entry. She had two weeks to tie up some legal odds and ends, yet left them for her older sister and my wife to finish. Her stuff is strung out everywhere. But, She's somewhat changed and has a new resolve to dive into this venture. We are very proud of her. Took her to the airport at 6:00 this morning, and, after a few tears and hugs, she heads thru the security checkpoint - one last wave and she's off. I don't think I've ever had such mixed feelings as a parent, but I know she'll be fine.

Good Luck Rach!!

To The Management:Thank You

scotfree — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:39:00 GMT

I've been beating the Mogasaurus for some hours now, and it hasn't budged. No failures, no frozen uploads, all red button happiness. Half a dozen active sessions, other web activity, not one problem. Don't know what you've been feeding the beast, but THANK YOU!!

The Desert Island Disc

scotfree — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:24:48 GMT

A topic that occasionally rears its daunting head, I give you my desert island disc. If I could take only one, this be it. I discovered this as a college film student circa '78, and found the songs a highly visual and enchanting world from which I've never escaped. Each tune finds you on a different Hollywood movie set, caught up in a sleazy and emotional world of lovers, dreamers, crooked politicians, criminals and even vivid scenes of depression era Americana.

Though rock songs with a bit of orchestration, they seem bigger than they should - with Falconer's nasal baritone snobbing his way through reel after reel of Tinsel-town imagery.

What's yours??

This is not a pic of my lp, but I loovve the "Selected Cuts:ALL" sticker!!

Mystery Song 1.5

scotfree — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:38:01 GMT

Back in October, I posted Mystery Song #1, and it's time for another one. Almost. It would be way too easy if I gave you the whole thing, so here's the second half. This was a nice surprise when I first heard it and it won't stand long, so get your guesses in pronto tonto!

See You Next Week

scotfree — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:46:17 GMT

Peace and love, allpeeps.

Carry On, Oh Wayward Rhythm Section

scotfree — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:31:41 GMT

Imagine, for a moment, that you were talented and fortunate enough to land a gig in a band that shot straight to the top in virtually no time at all. Lauded by critics and your fans, you could do no wrong. Until, that is, your frontman decided it was all over for him and it was time to move on to the next chameleon skin. Such was the fate of The Spiders From Mars, David Bowie's band from that classic time slot. Circa 1975. Bowie morphed into the plastic soul man. Ronson formed an alliance with Mott the Hoople. That left bassist Trevor Bolder and drummer Mick Woodmansey with nothing but the name. Recruiting guitarist Dave Black and vocalist Pete McDonald from Newcastle prog-rockers Kestrel, The Spiders From Mars were back in business. Bowie keyboard genius Mike Garson even added his talented fingers. A bit too late. Attention had started to shift to the emerging punk scene, and the fine recording of jazz-rock infused with a Bad Company spirit was all but overlooked.

I had fondly remembered this lp, and finally added it back to the collection. On a first hurried screening, it seemed my moniker "some things are best left fondly remembered" was apropos here, but a week later and I'm still revisiting. Sometimes similar to Bad Company, but also quite Squeezish and jazzy in spots, it's not a bad disc at all.

footnote - it has ever stuck with me how two of the songs on this set have "interpolated" inserts. First place I ever saw the word used.

Red Buttons

scotfree — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:35:40 GMT

Anyone else having trouble? A few of the red buttons played, after about a 30 second wait. Now they don't work at all.

A New Fan: Sunday Under Covers on Tuesday

scotfree — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:35:53 GMT

I've never listened to Leonard Cohen until now. Checked out some odds n; ends from the local library, and one of the disc I picked up was the soundtrack to the film "I'm Your Man". Damn if these heartwrenchinly fine covers don't fit the mood to a tee. The disc kicks off and ends with "Tower of Song", the opener arranged by the fistula introduced Martha Wainwright. Thank you, Leonard, for giving voice to these thoughts.

Well my friends are gone and my hair is grey I ache in the places where I used to play And I'm crazy for love but I'm not coming on I'm just paying my rent every day Oh in the Tower of Song

I said to Hank Williams: how lonely does it get? Hank Williams hasn't answered yet But I hear him coughing all night long A hundred floors above me In the Tower of Song

I was born like this, I had no choice I was born with the gift of a golden voice And twenty-seven angels from the Great Beyond They tied me to this table right here In the Tower of Song

So you can stick your little pins in that voodoo doll I'm very sorry, baby, doesn't look like me at all I'm standing by the window where the light is strong Ah they don't let a woman kill you Not in the Tower of Song

Now you can say that I've grown bitter but of this you may be sure The rich have got their channels in the bedrooms of the poor And there's a mighty judgement coming, but I may be wrong You see, you hear these funny voices In the Tower of Song

I see you standing on the other side I don't know how the river got so wide I loved you baby, way back when And all the bridges are burning that we might have crossed But I feel so close to everything that we lost We'll never have to lose it again

Now I bid you farewell, I don't know when I'll be back There moving us tomorrow to that tower down the track But you'll be hearing from me baby, long after I'm gone I'll be speaking to you sweetly From a window in the Tower of Song

Yeah my friends are gone and my hair is grey I ache in the places where I used to play And I'm crazy for love but I'm not coming on I'm just paying my rent every day Oh in the Tower of Song

Oh Mog! Where art thy spark?

scotfree — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:01:23 GMT

Will SOMEBODY hit the G-D reset button??? It's like a pack of radar-damaged bats trying to find the 6" cave opening. Jeez, I love this place, but the quirk's are getting a mite aggravating!!!

Time Travel Tonight: French Film Classic

scotfree — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:20:18 GMT

YouTube never ceases to amaze me. As time marches on and more and more uploads populate, sometimes seems there is virtually nothing one can't locate. Case in point: La Jetee, a classic French short film, in its entirety (about 27min). This was presented to one my film history classes way back then in cinema school (everybody knows I'm ancient, so we won't bother with years). It's the film that inspired Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys" and though it's a narrated slideshow, is just about as gritty-creepy-romantic-cool as a sci-fi film can be.

really, if you're gonna watch it, go to the main link and full screen it. quite good quality.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3RvmJan17q8

Stoke The Fires

scotfree — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:57:02 GMT

I started this post earlier today, but that was before I got worn out reading and listening to Zarpex insanity. Anyway, here's some new random stuff I'm listening to. Enjoy!

rock

Sunday Under Covers: 58 Alone With Mr. O'Sullivan

scotfree — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:16:46 GMT

At the turn of the century, Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx got together with some pals - Dave Darling of the Boxing Gandhis, Steve Gibb, son of Barry Gibb, and session drummer Bucket Baker - and put out a surprisingly cool disc under the group name "58". Toeing a wierd line between electronica and hip-hop, their cover of Gilbert's overplayed classic blows the dust off in a most enjoyable fashion.

Get Outta Bed - turn the Fat Mattress

scotfree — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:51:23 GMT

Unhappy with the role he was experiencing, Noel Redding departed Jimi Hendrix & co to form Fat Mattress. Though they made some fine prog rock, on par with Traffic, the music was enough of a departure for Redding's fans that most of them just stayed in bed. The band split shortly after their second release, but had a big hit in Holland with "Magic Forest" in comments.

I remember "borrowing" this lp from my younger brother so many times, that he took to hiding it in the most unimaginative place in his bedroom.

the lineup: Eric Dillon Drums, Percussion Neil Landon Vocals Jim Leverton Bass Mitch Mitchell Percussion Noel Redding Guitar, Vocals

A Sweep Of The Blade - Geek Style

scotfree — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:37:58 GMT

It will be a sad day for me if catchy rock songs ever stop bringing a smile. Don't really know what would ever replace the sensation of a new mix of the three chords of eternity. Take The Young Knives for example. Echoing many influences over the last few decades, these sharply dressed geek-rockers would surely be fun to have over for milk and cookies. But watch it, though they may not look the part, there's trouble in store for any would-be hecklers.

Their new disc, "Superabundance", is out on the Transgressive label . Formed a decade ago in an attic, their perseverance would appear to be paying off. Three name changes and two labels later, they wrap up their myspace bio with -

"Then in 2004 they released their own demoed album "Nolens Volens" as it looked like no record label would ever had them. Then in 2005 they were got a manager and he tricked Transgressive recirds into signing them. Then it became now and there was rejoicing." Rejoicing indeed.

The Young Knives on Youtube:

Up All Night

Terra Firma

The Decision

Cleaning out the (virtual) Closets on Earth Day

scotfree — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:30:39 GMT

The Flag of Earth

please bear with me here, as I'm putting this to rest. I wrote this song in 1999, and an awful lot has happened since then. I must have been filled with a feeling of peace and safety when this popped out. Over the years, I've tried playing it this way, that way, and sideways; but I never reach a version I'm quite satisfied with. It's not rock. It's not blues. It's some kind of weird ,uh ,anthem that I'm putting to rest. If you wish, regard it as modern day Ivor Cutler. It is what it is.

singing: It's a long, long way To anywhere like here Where the grass is green, the skies are blue And they've got a drink like beer You can travel years and years In modern modes of flight And never find a place that's quite as nice

Maybe we're just a speck of dust? Insignificant in the galaxy But I feel lucky when I stand on the beach and gaze out upon the endless sea

On this Earth our planet That we call our home There are climates rich and poor Comfortable and cruel But you'd have to be a fool to not love it This Earth.

420?

scotfree — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:17:47 GMT

hi. no, really high. now, where is the gasoline out here in the shed....hand me that lighter...

Nick Hawkins: The Man You Never Knew and I'll Never Forget

scotfree — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:00:19 GMT

Nick Hawkins was the second guitarist in Mick Jones Big Audio Dynamite II. While he's passed from our phase of existence, he left a lot of great music that never saw a proper release...

Sunday Under Covers?

scotfree — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:57:23 GMT

Yeah? So where I been? Got one of these last month:

8 hard tracks - 64 virtual tracks (by mastering eight finished) mic, guitar, line inputs. great onboard mics and battery power (still on the first set of those after a month!!) - so it can function as a field recorder. an infinet array of effects for each input. programmable drum machine. all in a 1.9 lb unit! and, none of the latency (software time delay) issues. this thing is a dream. I can export finished tracks out to wave files on the computer and finish that way. only problem is the learning curve - the manual is nearly as big as the hardware.

Alternative 60's Jukebox:Funky Friday Edition

scotfree — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:16:27 GMT

It's finally Friday, and it's a great day to wrap up the Mod/Psychadelic/Freakbeat section of my 60's alternative jukebox. There was some pretty funky tracks spinning back then. Let's honor Herbie Hancock, whoose "Jonie Letters" took the best album Grammy this year, with a track he contributed to one of my fave filmaker's classic's. Michaelangelo Antonioni's "Blowup" was the Italian filmaker's first major foray into an English-speaking film. The only other thing I can say is that at 1:45 this track is way too short!!

Click here for the wiki on Blowup.

bring on the birds-youtube

And, since this post has kind of taken on a life of it's own, here is the not-so-funky-but-from-the-same-film Yardbirds doing "Train Kept A Rolling", until Beck decides he doesn't like his guitar too much. Why didn't they just get The Who??

yardbirds-youtube

Click here for the wiki on Herbie Hancock.

the Hoople

scotfree — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:28:26 GMT

If someone posed the rather juvenile query "what's you're favorite rock band of all time?", no doubt I would answer Mott. I mean, even after stellar strummer Mick Ralphs left the band to be replaced by ex-Spooky Tooth Luther Grosvener (who changed his name to "Ariel Bender" just for this band??) - and - they let bassist Overend Watts step to the mike(on this cut); they still left an impression that smolders to this day.

Did you know that Mick Jones (the Clash one) followed Mott as a fanatic fan-boy all around England in their early years?

The Cure For Spring Fever??

scotfree — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:33:20 GMT

See Doctor Jimmy. He'll fix ya straight up. For somebody special, and anyone needing classic TLC.

Alternative 60's Jukebox - Lulu and Jimmy Page

scotfree — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:08:24 GMT

Isn't it funny how the mind can get trained to recognize a musician's style? I'm learning more about these artists as I listen and post, today we have the Scottish singer Lulu (full name Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie) ; who scored big early on with a great voice and a big movie hit ("To Sir With Love").

There's a lot more to this lass than I ever knew. First album recorded when she was 17, 1965's "Something To Shout About", followed the tradition of the times and featured a lot of R & B / early rock style. Listening to the minor hit from the set, "I'll Come Running Over", it occured to me that it sure sounded a lot like Page on guitar - and it is! This is a great cut, I love the way she let's her accent come through on the first and second repetitions of the word "over" in the chorus - pronouncing it more like "hoove-h". Page lays down a cool and quirky, effect-free solo.

In comments is her over-the-top titled "Love Love's to Love Love" that reached #32 on the UK charts a few years later.

for the next seven minutes and twenty-seven seconds...

scotfree — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:10:02 GMT

...have a seat. headphones at moderate volume. relax. close your eyes. push play...wait scratch that - click play - then shut your eyes...

Alternative 60's Jukebox. selections A1 & A4

scotfree — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:35:55 GMT

A while back, I stumbled on a well made site called "The Alternative 60's Jukebox" which featured a ton of lesser know 60's - mostly British singles - genrefied under Mod, Freakbeat, Rock and Psychadelic. Well, the site is long gone, but as I enjoyed listening to the many never-heard-by-my-ears selections, I took the time to record a preserve. If you guys like this series, I'll add to it. Let's see how it goes. I'm staring off by a couple by "The Belfast Gypsies" a group formed when Van Morrison's early band Them splintered in half. Below is an edited version of the alt music guide write-up. The full story is here: http://www.answers.com/topic/the-belfast-gypsies?cat=entertainment

"The Belfast Gypsies were a direct spin-off of Them, featuring two members who had been in Them for differing spells in the mid-'60s: singer/organist/multi-instrumentalist Jackie McAuley and his brother, drummer Pat McAuley (sometimes also known as John McAuley). With a style very similar to early Them, the Gypsies hooked up with Kim Fowley on one of his London visits in mid-'66. Fowley produced most of the material that ended up on their sole LP (preceded by a couple of unsuccessful singles), which was issued in Scandinavia in August, 1967. A bit of an anachronistic throwback to the R&B/beat-boom sound of a couple years earlier, the LP is a successful approximation of Them's sound, the major drawback being the absence of Van Morrison. Because of packaging that often found the record filed under Them rather than the Belfast Gypsies, (few band histories are) as garbled or misrepresented. The group formed when Them's lineup underwent a particularly volatile shakeup in the middle of 1965. When the smoke cleared, there were actually two different bands laying claim to the Them name. One of them, the famous Them, was headed by Van Morrison, with bassist Alan Henderson the only other original member. The other Them was formed by Pat McAuley and Them's original guitarist, Billy Harrison, and included drummer Skip Alan, bassist Mark Scott, and singer Nick Wymer (who had been in the Pretty Things-like group the Fairies). In late 1965 and early 1966, both groups continued to compete for the Them name, the dispute eventually ending up in court. In March 1966, however, it was ruled that the name Them belonged to the group headed by Van Morrison, although the ruling only applied in the U.K.. The Pat McAuley band was allowed to play in the U.K. under the name the Other Them, with a much lower visibility on the British circuit than the Van Morrison-fronted Them enjoyed. In May 1966, Kim Fowley met the band and took them into the studio for a few sessions; a final session was recorded without Fowley in Copenhagen at the end of June. Having made little headway in the U.K., they spent most of the summer and the fall of 1966 touring Scandinavia, where they were allowed to use the name Them. Oddly, they never once played live under the name the Belfast Gypsies, although this is the name that they used for their debut single on Island Records that year, "Gloria's Dream"/"Secret Police." Although they had fair success in Scandinavia, the group disbanded near the end of 1966, . ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide"

Funkin' The Classics

scotfree — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:15:04 GMT

Like CodyB, I'm no funk-fu master. I looked through all the nooks and crannies of all the music on my laptop, and I was disappointed in the funk famine I found there. So, I'll work on that. In the meantime, the one sliver of funkish tom-foolery I found was this cut from Andy Mackay, Roxy Music's woodwind wonder man. It features most of the original Roxy linup - Phil Manzanera on guitar, Paul Thompson on drums. For your pleasure - here's the avante-garde funk-rock rendition of classical composer Richard Wagner's "Ride Of The Valkyries".

It's Been Long Enough...(a late mogiversary post)

scotfree — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:59:50 GMT

I've started this a handful of times over the last month, but kept hitting a rock wall. My mogiversary approached with anticipation and passed at formula 1 speed. Spring fever, real fever, household projects, new toys....way too many distractons lately.

To think a little more than a year ago I was going through my tried and tru, time-worn solitary tradition of listening, compiling, catalogueing and exploring the musical lanscape when I ran into mog. On first blush, I know I chuckled in my own head. "I can show these folks a thing or two..." 'Cause, you ask any of my friends and they'll let you know what a music trivia GENIUS I am. Ha ha ha. I was so quickly humbled it was frightening. I mean, here I was, a lifelong obscure music fanatic, and I was quelled by the width and breadth of you folks. Every corner of every genre had its own fan club (well, not much modern country, even less opera - thanks for that)

Sure, I had lost track of the pulse for a few years while I busied myself changing diapers and running around to baseball and football fields but surely not THAT long....uh, well I guess 20 years goes by quicker than you're ready for. And to be truthful, from the little (I now know) I knew, music was in a tailspin of declining quality and excitement. My time was better spent filling in the many holes left in the collection from the ill-fated move to California (I gotta write this up someday, I mean two latter-day hippies/proto-punks in a volkswagon panel van, antelope horns secured to the front grille and all our worldly possessions inside....I wonder whatever happened to King Horse, my cat?) where was I ?? Oh yeah, filling in the holes. And here comes mog.

Suddenly, my world, my passion is alive with people. They all want to share the latest and greatest and most favored discoveries. They want to talk, and joke, and show the world just how alive and meaningful music is. Suddenly, there were all these great signposts for aural journeys. Most led to sonic experiences both foriegn and immensely rewarding. I can't tell you what a joy it has been to participate here. Too many cool moggers to even try to keep track of. Wish I could trust ya'all! (but I can't keep up as it is!) I really don't know just how I kept my head from exploding a few times.

I can only hope my own little corner of musical legacy can provide some recompense for the joy you've given. Peace and love to each and every one of ya! Just play music!!

Charmed, I'm Sure

scotfree — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:17:04 GMT

I haven't felt much like writing this week. It's been a week, workwise, of constant number crunching as we try to salvage a few internal organs. The beast is not dead, but I haven't seen it move for awhile. Which, I guess, is my comic way of saying - I don't have the slightest idea what I'm doing with my life anymore. So, I retreat to my sound studio and plug away at projects that seem to just never get finished. At least spring is supposed to pop a bit this weekend and I'll be able to wallow midst the sun and sky. And what better music to wallow and feel glum in than the swirling, rain forest guitars of Charmparticles? First introduced to us by our fine co-hort poebegone back in December ( http://mog.com/poebegone/blog_post/129431 ), I stumbled on their 2004 EP "Sit Down For Staying" in, amazingly, a local shop last week. The densely layered guitars, distant ethereal vocal, and pile-driver percussion has become my hideout in the underbrush. Sarah Fitzzgerald's guitars are incredible, conjuring up early 90's shoegaze, but even verging on Pink Floyd at times. Pamela Rooney and now departed member Adam Wayne trade off vocal duties on the too-short 29 minute recording.Natanael Merrill keeps that piledriver pounding. I'm posting the title track as it's become the one I look forward to the most

Don't forget it when you're gone, don't act like you're the only hurt one, I just want this to be done, don't ask me where it's all coming from, We both know you changed, I can't help what you became, I don't split two ways, it just seems that you were down....

Most reviews I've seen agree tha "A/O" is the standout cut. After a sonic and shimmering power chord meteor shower, this one will really make you wonder where in the world 7 minutes went. peace all

Test Thy Metal

scotfree — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:54:30 GMT

You guys are putting the hurt on me. My metal tastes wete forged back in them ancient 70's. Guess I kinda moved on, because, reviewing the music at hand, the pickings are slim. "Now", a co-worker told me, "If you don't listen to anything else (in her stack of discs), listen to THIS one" while stabbing a forefinger down on the Billy Talent II disc. Glad I listened to her. I don't think you'd call this metal all the way, but the opening track shreds nicely. Apparently, these guys are big in Canada and Europe. Funny how things can slip by ya in this little podunk country :) Billy Talent are: Benjamin Kowalewicz - vocals Ian D'Sa - guitar, backing vocals Jonathan Gallant - bass, backing vocals Aaron Solowoniuk - drums

Box Car Racer

scotfree — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:16:11 GMT

I like Blink 182, but their toungue-in-cheek bombast can sometimes leave me weary sooner than I want to be. However, Tom DeLong's Box Car Racer side project, while musically not that removed, has a substantially more genuine feel. The intrinsic properties of this music left me, initially, with a surprising impression of emotional sincerity - that in the long run gives it much more repeat appeal. Plus, Travis Barker always beats the skins as a man possessed.

interpolating Travis Barker Remix Soulja Boy "Crank That"

back to the train

That energy is palpable. Apparently, DeLong's off-color mention of involving Barker in lieu of paying a session drummer has ended the two's working relationship-so it doesn't look like a follow up is likely. Too bad. The track I'm posting. "Sorrow" is a simplistic apologetic chant. I don't think I need say more.

Sunday Under Covers:Tin Machine Stamps Out Distortion Riddled Roxy Music

scotfree — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:34:31 GMT

Haven't put on Tin Machine in too long. Bowie's/Sales2's efforts in the Art Of Noise seem all but forgotten. Their rip on Ferry & co's crooner turns it into a real ass-shaker. Kudos for taking that classic extended bridge-out (at 3:14 in-the part that starts with "Shake your head girl with the pony tail...")and keeping it so original - yet injecting a considerable amount of white heat!! Gives an ol' Roxy fan a fix'n then some!!

White Collar, Blue Collar (or, the workingman's horse)

scotfree — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:14:17 GMT

Isn't it amazing how songs that depict drug inducement are considered classic? well, I wasn't going to start that ay but it just plopped out.

So, who's rendition of the VU's White Light/ White Heat do you prefer? The version Mick Ronson pieced together from the discarded Bowie "Pinups" sessions, or his boss' 1983 Dallas rehearsals?

Me? Ronno rulezz!

Answer=Ronnie Montrose - 6 String Chameleon Opens Fire

scotfree — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:58:03 GMT

Question=What do Van Morrison, Edgar Winter and Sammy Hagar have in common?

It has been noted. A dearth of information about guitarist Ronnie Montrose has been posted to this site. Rectification program initiated...

After his hard rocking (metal?) self-surnamed unit, finished helping lay the heavy metal groundwork, Mr. Montrose stood back and surveyed the massive metal structure taking shape. He and his team had helped form a sturdy framework that would withstand years of critical bombast. Pleased, he relaxed, and sighed the most pensive of sighs. The pinpoint focus on the lone musical genre relaxed its bounds, and out flowed the most lovely of sounds. Unbound by the previous discipline his creativity flowed out across the myriad musical forms...fanfare, baroque chamber music, cinematic themes, jazz, rock, they all sprung forth with vibrant energy...and coalesced.

"Open Fire" has been in my ears since its '78 release. Montrose tackles the many musical forms in this recording with a talented abandon seldom equaled by a rock musician. Don't be put off by the orchestral fanfare of "Openers" because it will soon transform into the keyboard laced, gritty guitar driven title track, that toys with creating trance music in the late break. Next, the pulse-synth barn dance "Mandolinia" begs you to try and sit still. Nice theme song for the first harvest on Mars. The instrumental cover of Gene Pitney's "Town Without Pity" follows, and Ronnie shows you just what kind of melody he can squeeze out of his old Les Paul. Pass the kleenex... "Leo Rising" commences with some fine acoustic finger-picking, synths and strings chime in halfway through to welcome the full-chorded finale. The smooth jazz-funk of "Rocky Road" sounds like it could have fit in Jeff Beck's 70's catalogue, yet here it is, welcoming the star-studded night air of "My Little Mystery", a track that unfolds like a lost composition to Bach's Brandenburg concertos (a bold statement, yes, hear for yourself). "Heads Up" features some straight ahead hammond-driven rock with Mr. M. dueling himself on twin leads. The recording closes up with "No Beginning/No End" that starts with some growling synth-creatures trying to wrest control of things, of course, Ronnie's well paced harmonic-laced acoustic strumming overpowers that problem, and leads into a finely woven melody sure to make you sorry the whole thing is over.

Oh yeah a litle more info on the opener: Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey"? guitars and mandolin - Ronnie Edgar Winter Group "Free Ride" , "Frankentein" ? - Mr. Montrose Sammy Hager? Montrose(the band) vocalist for first two lps

Montrose(the band)-Bad Motor Scooter(1974)

Metal Wednesday? OK Then...

scotfree — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:28:48 GMT

As the metal gods of Zeppelin (although, am I the only one who thinks of LZ as more of an art rock band? just wonderin...) hung their pherome-drenched touring mantle in the closet and closed up shop, many were the ears that craved that classic "sound". Bands, likewise, scurried to form and compose would-be anthems to fill the void. Probably, none came closer to replicating Zep's heavier vibe than Kingdom Come. So close to the original strains that they many times were referred to as Kingdom "Clone". Still, they loaded a couple of lps with sounds to soothe the metal beast.

Get It On

Should I

Mott/StonesTag Team Perfection

scotfree — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:00:55 GMT

You can't beat old Mott The Hoople for some kick-ass rock grooves. As the story goes, the recording sessions for the Bowie produced savior effort "All The Young Dudes" took place in the same time and place where the Stones were laying down the tracks for "Sticky Fingers". Richards and Ralphs listened to what each other were coming up with across the hall, each trying to compose the groove-masters trump card. They hit their peak on Jerkin' Crocus/Brown Sugar. Sure, the Stones had the popularity contest sewn up before it even began, but that's not what it was about anyway...

Viral Networking

scotfree — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:17:21 GMT

The party's in full swing. Whatever bug I've got, he and his clan are really rocking the joint.

I feel like the three characters in "The Darjeeling Limited" have merged into one entity that's fighting an internal battle over which OTC medication would be the best to mortally succumb to. Owen Wilson is, of course winning, and his suggestion to triple the generic decongestant, double-up on the vicodin tabs (left from last year appedectomy, after which I don't remember being this miserable), and another big gulp of the nightime cold medicine/scotch concoction.

Oops, just remembered that last one was from tonight's "Two and a Half Men". At least Chalie had the pleasure of getting his infection from some virus drenched floozie.

On top of all that, in one minute it will be my birthday. I welcome 52 with the firm realization that 53 may be pushing the envelope a tad too far. Ah well, might as well lay back and enjoy the Dengue Fever...

Sunday Under Covers: Phishing with Zep

scotfree — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:01:59 GMT

I'm not the biggest Phish fan out there. All I have of theirs is this one lone bootleg titled "Catalyst".

The cover art itself was worth the $5.00 admission fee, leaving no doubt what "catalyst" we were speaking of.

Every time I listen to this, I think I need to add more of their stuff, and then somehow it, uh slips my....what were we talking about???

Anywho, their cover of Zeps Good Times, Bad Times is funky, rocky, and all around well played...you think?

Oh yeah, after all it is Friday...

scotfree — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:38:26 GMT

Hell, eveerrryybody had this one crankin' in '71. Still sounds rare. (well, except for a few vinyl incursions...sorry)

The Dub Experiments-Explode Together into XTC

scotfree — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:40:54 GMT

From 1978 to 1980, Andy Partridge of XTC took the tapes from their latest "Drums and Wires" recording back to the studio and used them as his own personal dub source. The results? "Explode Together"s compilation of those dub experiments. Fans of the typical guitar driven posh pop XTC sounds ought be careful here. This set really strips the sound down and builds brand new layers of rhythm from the remnants. Yet, putting the traditional aside, there is much to sink your ears into.

The Presets on New Wave Wednesday: Honorary Achievement Award

scotfree — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:16:05 GMT

There seems to be a lot of synthlines burning up the mog-o-sphere the last few days. The 80's are back, or maybe never left the premises.

Australia's The Presets have released two singles from their upcoming recording. As I listened to the latest, "This Boy's In Love", I checked for sycronization. Sure enough, it's the real Wednesday. And since Dachmo pommeled my ears with Ms. Vega at 4am, and Poebegone pulled her ACT on us yesterday - this seemed only fitting.

The Presets are Kim Moyes and Julian Hamilton, and from their myspace ( http://www.myspace.com/thepresets ), you'd think their sound was pre-ordained by the Salvation Army (or Aussie equivalent) They bill their work as Industrial/psychedelic/techno - yeah right, sounds like New Order, but a nice dark ride over hilly terrain.

If you prefer, here's the promo vid:

And down below is single #1 "My People"

More Ronson On Sunday Under Covers: Pure Prarie League 2'fer

scotfree — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 13:40:40 GMT

After assisting PPL on the "Bustin' Out" session, Ronson brought two of their tunes back to his second solo lp, "Play Don't Worry". Just love his guitar work.

Sunday Under Covers:Stones are Free

scotfree — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 13:13:39 GMT

Hearz a sleepy-eyed Paul Rodgers take on the classic, for all you just rousing from slumberville.

Is Elvis Rolling Rocking in the Grave? Sunday Under Covers Featuring Mick Ronson

scotfree — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 03:38:39 GMT

OK then. Yes, it is super-stylized. Modified with Bowie-esque chords changes and sidemen until you just might forget the genesis. So, right now you might be suffering some growing pains. Don't worry, I've been groovin' on this since I was growing up, and I'm fine.

Mick Ronson's first solo outing was a spectacular set that attempted to propel him to the same orbit his boss occupied. Alas, it was not to be, but some spectacular booster rockets were left behind. This was the first stage, and the hope that many a young rocker would crave the classic cover was a misfire.

Still, I'm not sure a more fitting companion could be found for Major Tom, as he drifts off into the uncharted cosmos.

DJ Vadim-again

scotfree — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:19:13 GMT

Really lovin' some of these sounds. Many different sides to this guy. And, well done vids. The one below tells a surprising little story.

Rock history 1.01: Beyond the breakup

scotfree — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:31:25 GMT

The early 70's saw many of the 60's headline groups fade and fracture into recombinant convolutions that tried like hell to achieve something akin to the level of admiration and adoration their pre-mutations enjoyed. Solo Beatles, splintered CSNY, Cream losing steam.

As the empty cocoon of once-mighty Iron Butterfly found new wings, guitarist "Rhino" Rhienhardt and bassist Lee Dorman recruited ex-Deep Purple vocalist Rod Evans and ex-Johnny Winter drummer Booby Caldwell to the intergalactic force of Captain Beyond.

2 critically acclaimed lps of cosmically-tinged blues-rock emerged from the cosmos, but the masses were unmoved by these efforts. Innagodadavida indeed.

footnote: in a rather unusual twist, after the 2nd Captain Beyond lp "Sufficiently Breathless", vocalist Evans left the band to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist!

A new fan(club)

scotfree — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:04:02 GMT

To quote Don Adams "Would you believe..." that in all these years and musical excursions, I have never once listened to Teenage Fanclub? Until now that is.

Lyrical Bullet

scotfree — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:41:31 GMT

Despite the cute bunny suits and comic mushroom motifs, this is NOT a peaceful or kind video. In fact, great beat - ambiance and all - but as captivating as it is, I'm not really sure what they are going on about. But, I do feel sorry for the birdie.

DJ Vadim and Vakill-It's One

John Lennon - backed up by 1/2 of Cheap Trick

scotfree — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:49:38 GMT

Saw this vid for the first time tonight, and doubted the validity of the claim on youtube: "BTW - for those who DON'T know - Rick & Bun E. played on the original sessions (Which you are hearing here) and due to some Yoko intervention ("so the story goes") the Cheap Trick guy's tracks were replaced with studio musicians (who basically reproduced almost note for note the Rick & Bun E. stuff - except - without the edginess). But basically what you hear on the FINAL version is an interpretatin of what Rick and Bun E. played - and what you hear and see here - is the real deal."

Well, sorry banzuke21, guess it's all true! All kinds of data about this on the double fantasy "mystery" page:

"John Lennon's poignant line drawings, known to many around the globe, are going to spring to life as they make their animated debut in the upcoming video for the legendary musician's "I'm Losing You" track from the four-CD boxed set The John Lennon Anthology. "I'm Losing You" features Rick Nielsen on guitar and Bun E. Carlos on drums, (from Cheap Trick) and bassist Tony Levin (from King Crimson), each of whom played on the original version of the song with Lennon in 1980. In a playful and whimsical fashion, well known animator David Spafford has extended upon Lennon's original drawings, making them come to life as they float through and interact with the musicians 1998 live performance."

One Self

scotfree — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:10:05 GMT

To quote their myspace: "One Self is the collaboration of DJ Vadim, Yarah Bravo and Blu Rum 13, engaging each other to create a world of possibilities and mixing together a global melting pot of musical ideas." put on your late-night groove shoes and enjoy. Hear some fresh sounds infused with multi national spirit. Check the dirt beneath the fingernails...On tour now, check the myspace

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=42101614

Over Exposed

Bluebird vid

Blizzard of '08

scotfree — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:27:09 GMT

It's still coming down here. A foot of snow and blizzard conditions through the day. That's the scene out the backdoor this morning. Stats put this storm second to the great Blizzard of '78 ;). Enough weather woes. Crank up some Envelopes/Freejazz and enjoy your Sat!!

I'll Be Home Tonight....

scotfree — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:20:31 GMT

For the next 24 hours or so, we're under blizzard conditions. 10" of fresh blowin' snow already down with another 10" on the way. Where's global warming when ya need it? Oh well, plenty of stuff to do inside. Hope everyone out there is safe, warm and happy.

Alright Now, Everybody Get Free

scotfree — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:08:58 GMT

Over at poebegone's, I commented that the Howlin' Rain she posted reminded me some of these guys.

The 60's-70's rock band Free were a part of the British blues invasion and, at one time, were on the same pedestal as those Led Zeppers. Everybody knows their mega-hit "Alright Now", but that was on the third of 5 fine studio lp's.

Paul Rodgers - voice and instruments Paul Kossoff - guitars Andy Fraser - bass and keys Simon Kirke - drums

The band had an lp in the can while all the members were still teenagers. Bassist Fraser a mere 15 (this AFTER a stint with the legendary John Mayall!) No flash or greasepaint here, these young men just played music. Guitarist Kossoff's uncontrollabe drug addiction brought about their demise. These tunes are from the lp "Free-At Last", their fourth studio effort and the last to feature the original four members. Of course, with Rodgers unmistakeable voice, you may liken this to Bad Company or The Firm (his later efforts) - but these guys had a different and intricate texture - thanks in no small part to Fraser's compositional skills.

poebegone's stellar post: http://mog.com/poebegone/blog_post/148015

Good Evening My Friends

scotfree — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:50:42 GMT

No Philosophy tonight - promise - that wore me out. Howz 'bout an encore from the Armada, and check out the short clip of my son Dylan, pro-snowboarder-wannabe. He's got a good start on it!

Please Speak Up, I Kant Understand You

scotfree — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:41:27 GMT

One of those rare occasions tonight where nothing sounded good. Wound up reading some philosophy to distract (that always works)

For example, say a subject says “the sun shines on the stone, the stone grows warm”, which is all he perceives in perception. His judgment is contingent and holds no necessity. But if he says “the sunshine causes the stone to warm”, he subsumes the perception under the category of causality, which is not found in the perception, and necessarily synthesizes the concept sunshine with the concept heat, producing a necessarily universally true judgment.

Dat shits hot! good thing it's 93,000,000 miles away...

Hercules Slays The Minotaur

Sunday Under Covers:Tim Curry Covers Joni Mitchell

scotfree — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:46:01 GMT

One more from the archives. Tim Curry, he of Rocky Horror Picture Show fame, had a pretty reputable solo act for a while in the late 70's. Yeah, he had his name dropping FM hit with "I Do The Rock", but his lps were full of tasty tunes and tight musicianship (Rick Wagner, Michael Kamen, David Sanborn). After a stretch, he returned to acting, but left behind some fine grooves.

Sunday Under Covers: Double Fun pt. 2

scotfree — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:19:02 GMT

Side two of Double Fun leads off with Andy Fraser interminably funkocious "Every Kinda People", 'cause that's what the world is. Who, I can hear most of you think, is Andy Fraser? Bass player and all around musso for the classic rock band Free. Remember "Alright Now"? Sure ya do. He composed it.

Sunday Under Covers:Double Fun pt. 1

scotfree — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:08:07 GMT

Awhile back, I made the mistep of questioning Mr. Palmer's mog-worthiness. Well, truth is, his early work has always been a part of my musical upbringing. Take a listen to his cover of Allen Toussaint's "Night People"

Happy funk to U

scotfree — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:26:39 GMT

I don't venture many Funky Friday posts, as I can easily recognize the superior wisdom and knowledge some 'o youse has in that arena. I'm generally content to be entertained. But, as I sit here doing (blah) taxes this evening, this strat-o-blaster classic from Mr. Beck felt quite post-worthy. Enjoy!

Get It, On! WARNING!! SCHLOOPY'S AT IT AGAIN AND I GIVE UP

scotfree — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:08:06 GMT

OK, let's try again (for some reason, Schloopy decided he liked this at 100 bpm's this a.m. instead of 120 - hope he's in a better mood now...)

After the opening, uh, disdain I had for Vampire Weeked (all thanks to fluxcapacitor for flipping on the switch -

http://mog.com/FluxCapacitor/blog_post/140918 )

"Oxford Comma" became more than a part of the playlist. For the better part of a week it morphed into aural crack, a sound so addictive that my finger would tremble as I reached to repeat the i-Pod.

Something clicked towards the end of the trip. For ages, I've maintained that the best radio single of all time is T Rex's "Get It On (Bang a Gong)", yet my brain was telling me "...comma" was in a quest to dethrone the king. Rather than worry about some petty pop war, I started to focus on what similarities the two tunes could have. On the surface, you would think not much, but in loading the two synched up side-by-side - I was shocked at how seamlessly the beat matched at many places.

This turned into not so much a mashup as Bolan and the boys stopping by to play backup. We even let Marc have a little vocal splurg to feed that burgeoning ego. It was fun. Vampire Weekend - T Rex

I Can Make Me Laugh

scotfree — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:17:25 GMT

So, my work here is a bitch. The company's been in and out of bankruptcy and the rotating men at the top don't seem able or obligated to pull things out of the whirlpool. Problems, reschedules, problems, reschedules - day in day out it's the same result, a little bit closer to the drain hole. Oh well, at least the paychecks are still on time. Thought I would find the most angry, harsh, and loud song I could find on my harddrive to post up - instead, I turned up this woeful lament by Ivor Cutler. It really broke the mood.