Tag Archives: Van Morrison
Recently, and by recently I mean yesterday February 2nd, which just happens to be my day of birth, a buddy of mine threw down the musical gauntlet. I have briefly and succinctly paraphrased the challenge below:
Top 40 Artists of your life. Not simply a list of 40, but a ranking from 40 to 1. You have to do it. It must be done. It’s your personal Hall of Fame. This is your preference, your jukebox, regardless of genre or generation. This isn’t educational or time relevant. It’s YOUR Top 40 of all time.
This did indeed get the blood rushing and made my musical pants go a little crazy. I started to brainstorm a list (and by brainstorm I mean immediately sat down and pounded out 40 names, clarified his initial challenge, perused my list again, and started typing the first sentence you read.
The initial list was not a difficult as I thought. The ranking of 1-40 took a little bit of time as did my annotations (those are in my tiny, little head) as to why the band/musician made the list. The list that lies before you is organic in nature and I believe it to be fairly finite to the time that it was written. The list is not to be likened to a doctoral thesis, packed with statistics that verify the respective placement, resourced with renowned critical fawning, or any type of research other than my ears and their time on earth.
Be mindful of the fact that there are only 40 spots on this list. I can tell you that there are probably some glaring omissions on this list. Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Waylon, Willie, and the boys, did not make the list as well as a litany of other great, well deserving artists. This list is completely subjective and the omission of anyone is not meant to be a form of disparagement. It is quite simply a list of bands/musicians that I have loved over the years and also value their contributions to the musical world.
The final piece of the musical puzzle for this list was really a late night revelation. I realize it has only been a moment or two since you began reading this but I actually have been running the various scenarios of greatness in my head all night. And then it hit me, the true measure of an artist’s greatness is my personal commitment to that particular artist.
- How much of myself have I invested in the artists?
- What percentage of their catalog do I own?
- Would I take the time to see them live if the following were aligned:
- They are still alive
- They band is still together
- The venue was geographically conducive to seeing them live
- The cost of the ticket did not require me selling my 1st born child. Although at 15 years of age and being really good at being 15 I would be willing to barter for a really good show right now.
Oddly enough, this revelation did not greatly alter my original list, there were a few additions and subtractions of artists and then the harrowing process of ranking them, with reason, was underway.
No musicians were harmed in this list. Of course, egos might be slightly bruised if they ever happen to stumble upon this little read blog and realize their spot on or omission to the list.
So, I give to you my Top 40 at 40!
- The Beatles
- Bob Dylan
- Bruce Springsteen
- The Rolling Stones
- Led Zeppelin
- The Who
- Pink Floyd
- Tom Petty
- The Eagles
- Eric Clapton
- Elton John
- Jimi Hendrix
- The Doors
- U2
- Metallica
- Pearl Jam
- Van Morrison
- Billy Joel
- R.E.M.
- Rush
- Lynryd Skynyrd
- Simon & Garfunkel
- John Mellencamp
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Prince
- Nirvana
- Uncle Tupelo
- Eminem
- Nine Inch Nails
- Beck
- The Dave Matthews Band
- Rage Against the Machine
- Robert Earl Keen
- N.W.A
- The Black Crowes
- The Beastie Boys
- The White Stripes
- Ryan Adams
- Ben Harper
- Joe Purdy
Great music awaits!
Leave a comment | tags: Beck, Ben Harper, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Eminem, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Purdy, John Mellencamp, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Metallica, N.W.A, Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, Prince, R.E.M., Rage Against the Machine, Robert Earl Keen, Rush, Ryan Adams, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Beastie Boys, The Beatles, The Black Crowes, The Dave Matthews Band, The Doors, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, The Who, Tom Petty, U2, Uncle Tupelo, Van Morrison | posted in Alt/Country Music, Alternative Music, Austin Music, Country Music, Folk Music, Heavy Metal Music, Indie Music, Music, Pop Music, Rock Music, Southern Rock, Texas Music
Well, my dear, sweet, gentle blog readers, today is a milestone day for me. Or, so I’m told. Yep, it is my 40th birthday. Feel free to comment on how old I am or must feel. Candle jokes are always funny, and yes, I am actually typing this attired in black and with one foot in the grave.
I like to think that I have made my musical feelings abundantly clear over the last year or so in this blog. Songs are snapshots along our continuum that allow us to recall special times, people, and places. Music shades us in many ways, some so beautifully moving that we are overcome by emotion, others etched in our fabric like a familiar scent that recalls the halcyon days of our youth, while others are just simply attached to a moment in time.
In my forty years, I have lived and experienced more life than I probably deserve. I know I certainly lived more than my parents deserved. Through it all, music is the one constant that I have turned to regardless of the situation. Adolescent love, loss, birth of children, marriage, divorce, and death, and yes, much living in between, music has been my salvation. Music resonates within me at many different levels. The basic premise behind music is notes, keys, chords, rhythm, etc…. It is analogous to food in the fact that there is music for all occasions.
So today, is my musical look at 40! Below are 40 songs that have colored me indelibly. I will offer no explanation as to why these songs resonate with me nor will I debate their worthiness of inclusion. After all it is my birthday, my blog and my computer at which I type.
Below is this Bloggers Musical look at 40:
Song
|
Artist |
- Blinded By the Light *note* Cause Mama that’s where the fun is!
|
Bruce Springsteen |
|
R.E.M. |
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd |
|
Elton John |
|
U2 |
|
Tom Petty |
|
Metallica |
|
Ben Harper |
|
Bob Segar |
|
Bob Dylan |
|
Arc Angels |
|
Brett Dennen |
|
Rush |
|
The Dave Matthews Band |
- It’s In the Way That You Use It
|
Eric Clapton |
|
Pearl Jam |
|
Guns N’ Roses |
|
Iron & Wine |
|
The Jayhawks |
|
Jimi Hendrix |
|
The Highwaymen |
|
The Rolling Stones |
- Chloe Dance/Crown of Thorns
|
Mother Love Bone |
|
Nickel Creek |
|
Pat Green |
|
Pink Floyd |
|
Paul Simon |
|
Citizen Cope |
|
Journey |
|
Prince |
|
The Mavericks |
|
Neil Diamond |
|
John Mellencamp |
|
Paul McCartney |
|
Rage Against the Machine |
|
Robert Earl Keen |
|
Stevie Ray Vaughan |
|
Stone Temple Pilots |
|
Sublime |
|
Van Morrison |
When I hear any of these songs, I vividly remember the moments, feelings, situations, and the friends I shared the moments with. I contend that these artists and their songs do or will stand the test of time and are just as relevant today as they were in the past or will be in the future. At least for me!
So there you go, me sharing a little of my birthday with you. Enjoy and come over later for some cake and ice cream.
Great music awaits!
4 Comments | tags: Arc Angels, Ben Harper, Bob Dylan, Bob Segar, Bruce Springsteen, Citizen Cope, Guns 'N' Roses, Iron & Wine, Jimi Hendrix, John Mellencamp, Mother Love Bone, Neil Diamond, Nickel Creek, Pat Green, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Pearl Jame, Pink Floyd, Prince, Rage Against the Machine, Robert Earl Keen, Rush, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Stone Temple Pilots, Sublime, The Jayhawks, The Mavericks, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Van Morrison | posted in Alt/Country Music, Alternative Music, Austin Music, Country Music, Folk Music, Heavy Metal Music, Indie Music, Music, Pop Music, Rock Music, Southern Rock, Texas Music
Today’s Mixed Tape Monday is not so much a mixed tape as it is a live album with a varied assortment of artists and cover songs. Zac Brown and his rowdy band of musical brothers did a benefit concert for the Georgia Theatre, a cultural haven of the Athens music scene that burned down in 2009, and released it as a live album entitled Pass the Jar. The album is a two disc set that is accompanied by a DVD of the concert. Zac’s music is typically fun in nature and drenched in the good time vibe. The concert exemplifies that vibe and the diversity of the cover songs reflects his deep appreciation for music in general.
The album is a good mix of some of Zac’s songs from his major label debut The Foundation such as:
- Toes
- Free
- Chicken Fried
- Highway 20 Ride
- Whatever It Is
- Where the Boat Leaves From
In addition to Zac and his band, Kid Rock, Shawn Mullins, Little Big Town, and Angie Aparo as well as several other artists lend their vocal prowess to the cause. As diverse as the special guest are, the cover songs are the real gems.
- The Devil Went Down to Georgia (Charlie Daniels)
- Into the Mystic (Van Morrison)
- Blackbird (The Beatles)
- Jolene (Ray LaMontagne)
- Can’t You See (The Marshall Tucker Band)
- The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band)
- I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan)
- One Love (Bob Marley)
The album is warm, fun, and a tribute to the strength of the band’s live shows. To take nothing away from the band’s studio album, to truly enjoy the Zac Brown Band, you need to see them live. While this album and DVD is as close as I’ve gotten thus far, I have added him to the list of folks I am on the lookout for on the DFW concert calendar.
Great music awaits!
Leave a comment | tags: Angie Aparo, Blackbird, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Can't YOu See, Charlie Daniels, Chicen Fried, Free, Highwat 20 Ride, I Shall Be Released, Into the Mystic, Jolen, Kid Rock, Little Big Town, One Love, Ray Lamontagne, Shawn Mullins, The Band, The Beatles, the Devil Went Down to Georgia, The Mashall Tucket Band, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, The Zac Brown Band, Toes, Van Morrison | posted in Alt/Country Music, Country Music, Live Music, Music, Southern Rock
Last night was one of those night you just kind of stumble upon and realize how good life can be when you slow down a bit. Walt Wilkins, a favorite of mine, was in town this week playing with the great Tommy Alverson. He did a show in East Parker County on Tuesday night and then a show in North Richland Hills last night.
I’ve mentioned Walt in several of my blogs and just can’t seem to get enough of his music. Each show I find something that I did not see or hear before. Last night was no different. The show took place at the Big Barn Barbeque in North Richland Hills. It consisted of Tommy, Walt, two guitars and songs traded between the two. The set list was a variety of covers and original music from each. There was plenty of good natured banter between the two as well as considerable amount of talking to and from the crowd.
Walt’s music has a timeless feel to it with poignant lyrics about love, loss, and the varying stages of life. His voice is comfortable and familiar with a hint of wisdom. Walt’s honey dripped tenor is the embodiment of Texas. Rich, smooth, with just the right amount of twang.
Tommy Alverson is no slouch in the vocal arena and is a mighty fine guitarist. His voice is warm and inviting with just a hint of mischief. Promoting his new album Texas One More Time, his ninth studio album, Alverson played a few cuts from the album, as well as several fan favorites like “Una Mas Cerveza”.
There was much discussion from each on how they just love to play and how much music has meant to each. They covered songs from the likes of Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan, and an impressive show closing cover of Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic”.
The night had two defining moments for me:
- When B3, the current pseudonym of my bonus child, mentioned that she hoped that Walt would play his song “Poetry”, which has covered by Pat Green on his album Wave On Wave. After some gentle prodding and a few words of encouragement from her mother and me, B3 marched up to the stage and politely asked Mr. Wilkins if he would play Poetry for her. He responded with a hearty “Yes I Can” and lo and behold, the next song played was “Poetry”! The ear to ear grin that washed over her face was pure bliss. Even better was the 6-7 minute version that he sang, talked to the crowd, and did impromptu lyrical changes.
- As the show is winding down, Tommy and Walt are talking to the group and Tommy mentions that no one can sing this next song like Walt. Walt begins strumming his guitar and then you hear the familiar word “We were born before the wind” and off he went into a beautiful Texas style version of “Into the Mystic”. I just sat back in awe of what Ii was witnessing. I’m a huge Van Morrison fan and am sometimes critical of the various covers of his music. Not this one, he absolutely nailed it, played with complete reverence, and still made it all his own.
If you ever get a chance to see either Walt Wilkins or Tommy Alverson, take the time, drive the distance, and enjoy what music can do in the span of an hour or two.
Great music awaits!
8 Comments | tags: Agave, Bob Dylan, Into the Mystic, Merle Haggard, Pat Green, Poetry, Texas One More Time, Tommy ALverson, Van Morrison, Walt Wilkins, Wave On Wave | posted in Austin Music, Country Music, Live Music, Music, Texas Music
Welcome to another installment of Mixed Tape Monday, where I will WOW you with my wonderful compilation of music. Do to the overwhelming response of last week’s Name blog, here is a second helping of songs with names in the title.
Today’s topic is People’s Names Part Deux!:
Song: Kylie
Artist: William Fitzsimmons
Album: Until When We Are Ghosts
Song: Johnny 99
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Nebraska
Song: The Ballad of Carol Lynn
Artist: Whiskeytown
Album: Pneumonia
Song: Jonathon Fisk
Artist: Spoon
Album: Kill the Moonlight
Song: Billy Breathes
Artist: Phish
Album: Billy Breathes
Song: Regular John
Artist: Queens of the Stone Age
Album: Queens of the Stone Age
Song: Dani California
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: Stadium Arcadium
Song: Mariano
Artist: Robert Earl Keen
Album: West Textures
Song: Camilo
Artist: State Radio
Album: Us Against the Crown
Song: Anna Begins
Artist: Counting Crowes
Album: August and Everything After
Song: Roderigo
Artists: Seven Mary Three
Album: American Standard
Song: Tommy Jackson
Artist: Randy Rogers Band
Album: Like It Used To Be
Song: Ava Adore
Artist: Smashing Pumpkins
Album: Adore
Song: Eric’s Trip
Artist: Sonic Youth
Album: Daydream Nation
Song: Billy and Bonnie
Artist: Steve Earle
Album: I Feel Alright
Song: Courage (For Hugh Maclennan)
Artist: The Tragically Hip
Album: Fully Completely
Song: Tweeter and the Monkey Man
Artist: Traveling Wilburys
Album: Traveling Wilburys
Song: Madame George
Artist: Van Morrison
Album: Astral Weeks
Song: My Name is Jonas
Artist: Weezer
Album: Weezer (The Green Album)
Song: Suzy Lee
Artist: The White Stripes
Album: The White Stripes
Great music awaits!
Leave a comment | tags: Adore, American Standard, Anna Begins, Astral Weeks, August and Everything After, Ava Adore, Billy and Bonnie, Billy Breathes, Bruce Springsteen, Camilo, Counting Crowes, Courage(For Hugh Maclennan), Dani California, Daydream Nation, Eric's Trip, Fully Completely, I Feel Alright, Johnny 99, Jonathon Fisk, Kill the Moonlight, Klylie, Like It Used to Be, Madame George, Mariano, My Name Is Jonas, Nebraska, Phish, Pneumonia, Queens of the Stone Age, Randy Rogers Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Regular John, Robert Earl Keen, Roderigo, Seven Mary Three, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Spoon, Stadium Arcadium, State Radio, Steve Earle, Suzy Lee, The Ballad of Carol Lynn, The Tragically Hip, The White Stripes, Tommy Jackson, Traveling Wilburys, Tweeter and the Monkey Man, Until When We are Ghosts, Us Against the Crown, Van Morrison, Weezer, West Textures, Whiskeytown, William Fitzsimmons | posted in Alt/Country Music, Alternative Music, Austin Music, Country Music, Folk Music, Heavy Metal Music, Indie Music, Music, Pop Music, Rock Music, Southern Rock, Texas Music
Today’s installment of Tune in Tuesday features six live albums. The live album is always a risky proposition but when it is good, it is oh, so good.
So, let me regale you with the melodious sounds of live music.
Astral Weeks: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Van Morrison
This was an amazing studio album and only gets better with the live element. Van is in fine form vocally and the musicians are incredible. If you are fan of Van the Man, than you need to check this out. If you are not a fan you need to get checked out.
Live From Mars
Ben Harper
If you are going to own one Ben Harper album, this is the one. A great cross section of his material, a high energy set, and a few incredible cover tunes (Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”, Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”, and the Verve’s “The Drugs Don’t Work”). All of this jam packed into a double CD with 25 tracks.
Brothers of a Feather
Chris & Rich Robinson
The brotherly duo behind the greatness of the Black Crowes perform as dueling guitarists while showcasing songs from their respective solo careers as well as songs from the Crowes catalog. Stand out tracks on this album are “Thorn In My Pride”, “My Heart’s Been Killing Me”, and “Someday Past Sunset”.
Undone: A Musical Tribute to Robert Earl Keen
Various Artists
Wade Bowen, Reckless Kelly, Cody Canada, Walt Wilkins, Chris Knight, Randy Rogers, Roger Creagar, Max Stallings, Cory Morrow, Jason Boland, and Robert Earl himself appear on this album. If you have any understanding or appreciation for the greatness of Robert Earl Keen, then this album is for you. Not a bad set on the whole album.
MTV Unplugged
Alice In Chains
This album never gets old and the songs never get bad. This was, in my opinion, one of, if not, the best MTV unplugged shows. Layne’s vocals are just as tortured and haunting as the first time I listened to this album. Stand out tracks “Would”, “Angry Chair ”,“ Nutshell” and every other song on the album.
Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium
Rage Against the Machine
This is the last thing that was done before the breakup of the band in 2000 and the release was delayed three years due to the breakup and subsequent formation of Audioslave. The performance is energetic and embodies all that was great about this band. The mix and sound quality is not the greatest but still well worth the listen. This performance was also available as a DVD.
Read, review, and respond.
Great music awaits!
2 Comments | tags: Alice In Chains, Angry Chair, Astral Weeks: Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Ben Harper, Brothers of a Feather, Chris Knight, Chris Robinson, Cody Canada, Cory Morrow, Jason Boland, Led Zeppelin, Live at the Grand Olympic Auditorium, Live From Mars, Marvin Gaye, Max Stallings, MTV Unplugged, My Heart's Ben Killing Me, Nutshell, Rage Against the Machine, Randy Rogers Band, Rich Robinson, Robert Earl Keen, Roger Creagar, Sexua Healing, Someday Past Sunset, The Black Crowes, The Drugs Don't Work, The Verve, Thorn In My Pride, Undone: A Musical Tribute to Robert Earl Keen, Van Morrison, Wade Bowen, Walt Wilkins, Whole Lotta Love, Would | posted in Alt/Country Music, Alternative Music, Austin Music, Country Music, Heavy Metal Music, Indie Music, Live Music, Music, Pop Music, Rock Music, Southern Rock
Spring has sprung and the concert season is nigh upon us! SXSW kicked of the festivals and the summer concert series is just weeks away. Here is a list of the music fests that will draw a litany of artists and hordes of people. This list highlights the main( in my humbly superior opinion) music festivals that take place in the continental U.S. Most festivals are three days long and I’ve highlighted some of the featured (great) artists.
Festival |
Date |
Partial Line Up |
Coachellawww.coachella.com |
Apr. 16-18 |
- Jay Z
- Them Crooked Vultures
- Gorillaz
- Pavement
- Thom Yorke
- MGMT
|
New Orleans Jazzwww.nojazzfest.com |
Apr. 23-25 |
- Lionel Richie
- Simon & Garfunkel
- Black Crowes
- My Morning Jacket
- Jonny Lang
- Darius Rucker
|
New Orleans Jazz Week 2www.nojazzfest.com |
Apr. 29-May 2 |
- Pearl Jam
- Aretha Franklin
- B.B. King
- Van Morrison
- The Dead Weather
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd
|
Summer Campwww.summercampfestival.com |
May 28-30 |
- Gov’t Mule
- Avett Brothers
- ALO
- Yonder Mountain String Band
- Umphrey’s McGee
|
Sasquatchwww.sasquatchfestival.com |
May 29-31 |
- Band of Horses
- Vampire Weekend
- The National
- Public Enemy
- She & Him
- Massive Attack
|
Wakarusawww.wakarusa.com |
June 3-6 |
- The Black Keys
- Slightly Stoopid
- Widespread Panic
- John Butler Trio
- Blues Traveler
- State Radio
|
Bonnaroowww.bonnaroo.com |
June 10-13 |
- Dave Matthews Band
- Kings of Leon
- Jay Z
- Stevie Wonder
- Nora Jones
- The Flaming Lips
|
Lollapaloozawww.lollapalooza.com |
Aug. 6-8 |
Not yet released but always a stellar lineup |
Austin City Limitswww.aclfestival.com |
Oct. 8-10 |
Not yet released but always a stellar lineup |
The cool thing about the festivals is that if one takes place geographically close to you, you might catch some really good shows on both sides of the festival dates.
If you have attended any of the above or one not listed, let me know what was great about it and who you saw.
As mentioned in previous blogs I am a ACL acolyte and would strongly recommend that if you have the time and disposable income, you need to check itout.
Great music awaits!
Leave a comment | tags: ALO, Aretha Franklin, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Avett Broters, B.B. King, Band of Horses, Black Crowes, Blues Traveler, Bonnaroo Music Festival, Coachella, Darius Rucker, Dave Matthews Band, Gorillaz, Govt. Mule, Jay-Z, John Butler Trio, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Kings of Leon, Lionel Richie, Lollapalooza, Massice Attack, MGMT, Music you should be listening to!, My Morning Jacket, Nora Jones, Pavement, Pearl Jam, Public Enemy, Sasquatch Festival, She & Him, Simon & Garfunkel, Slightly Stoopid, State Radio, Stevie Wonder, SXSW, The Black Keys, The Dead Weather, the Flaming Lips, The National, Them Crooked Vultures, Thom Yorke, Umprey's McGee, Vampire Weekend, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, www.aclfestival.com, www.bonnaroo.com, www.coachella.com, www.lollapalooza.com, www.nojazzfest.com, www.sasquatchfestival.com, www.summercampfestival.com, www.wakarusa.com, Yonder Mountain String Band | posted in Alt/Country Music, Alternative Music, Austin Music, Country Music, Folk Music, Heavy Metal Music, Indie Music, Live Music, Music, Pop Music, Rock Music, Southern Rock, Texas Music