I think you will like this one. Some great footage of The Faces relaxing in 1970……this is classic stuff!
If you enjoyed this one be sure to check back on Sunday for a great 1971 concert by The Faces.
A couple of weeks ago I posted about the worst cover song of all time, America as recorded by Yes. Before anyone gets the idea that I think that a cover song has to be a note for note rendition to be good, I offer up today’s bonus edition of Two’Fer Tuesday which features three great cover versions of All Along The Watchtower each of which is unique. First up is Bob Dylan’s original version of the song.
The first, and probably most well known cover of the song, is from Jimi Hendrix. An amazing performance by an amazing artist. In my opinion this version is better than the original.
Next up is a great version by a very much under rated Dave Mason. While very much guitar driven like Jimi’s version, I think this one has a different feel to it.
My final version of the song is a 1o + minute version by Neil Young. Old Black was screaming on this rendition and I absolutely love it.
Send me a comment and let me know which version you prefer!
Jim was the heart and soul of The Doors but Ray was the musical backbone……..RIP Ray.
Today’s post is a loving and sweet tribute to Nick Drake’s music and a life that was way too short. I think you will enjoy it as much as you can enjoy such a sad story. It’s definitely worth your time!
As always, let me know what you think.
RIP Nick!
OK…….I confess that what I have for you tonight may not be what you normally expect as a Sunday Session. The reason is both strange and sad……there is no known footage of Nick Drake performing. In reality there are damn few pictures of Nick and only three complete studio albums or his music. None of his three albums sold more than 5000 copies upon their initial release and he died of an overdose on 25 November 1974.
All in all Nick’s story is one of the most tragic in all of rock music. His music was brilliant but totally unappreciated during his life. Although his music had a cult following among musicians, it was only in the last 10-15 years that it really started to get the attention it deserved. What triggered this change…..the use of Nick’s song Pink Moon in a Volkswagen commercial. Sad…..no, very sad……
So what I really have for you today is two songs that were recently discovered from a performance by Nick on the John Peel radio show in 1969. I can’t vouch for the accuracy of this story but the performance sounds real to me. Following that I have a video that provides some of the essential Nick Drake songs that every music fan needs to be familiar with. Enjoy…….
The John Peel Session
Essential Nick Drake
If you aren’t familiar with the details of the Nick Drake story be sure to check back tomorrow for a great documentary on his life and career.
RIP Nick!
Today’s interview is a little unique. It includes Jackson, Henry Diltz (the photographer that took some of the most iconic rock photographs of all time) and Gary Burden talking about the creation of the cover for Jackson’s amazing first album. I think you will like it…….
So if you are wondering about the bonus part of the post, here it is……click on the video below to hear Jackson’s first album in it’s entirety. It was an amazing album…….I hope you enjoy it!
If you have been paying attention over the past year you already know that Dawes has been featured in several posts. The first time I heard them I knew that it was just a matter of time until they produced an amazing record and I am very happy to tell you that that time has arrived.
I am going to characterize their new album in an way that will probably be controversial but if you give me time I think you will understand. Here goes……Stories Don’t End is the best Jackson Browne album I have heard in many years. Let me explain…..Jackson Browne, at the height of his talent, produced some of the best albums of all time. His albums were an amazing combination of brilliant songs, beautiful vocals, and incredible instrumentation. Jackson wrote, and sang about, things that I had either been through, cared about, and/or wondered about. Put more simply Jackson’s music spoke to me in a very personal way. Stories Don’t End is the first album in ages that makes me feel the same way I felt when listened to some of Jackson’s best albums like Late For The Sky. Does that help??
Enough talking, let’s listen…..
This is my favorite song from the album. When the instruments drop out leaving only the drum beat for the following lyrics I knew for sure that I was listening to something special
At the scene of all I’ve left unlearned, in the directions to your house
In every swing I took to crack the code
I need a cold beer from a dressing room, I need a string of dates back out
I think there are a few of us that still belong out on the road
This is my second favorite song from the album. I am absolutely entranced each time I listen to this song and hear to breakdown where counterpoint vocals sing the chorus. Really good stuff!
To top things off here are a couple of really good live performances of other great songs from the album.
If you like great music you owe it to your self to buy this album.
While not as well known as many of his contemporaries Rod, nonetheless, managed to create two of my favorite groups from the 1960s and early 197s, the Zombies and Argent. He was an amazing keyboard player, a great songwriter, and recorded two of my favorite songs. So, for today’s Two’fer Tuesday post, join with me in celebrating the music of Rod Argent.
I don’t know about you but I loved getting to see the late, great, John Denver introduce Argent in that last video.
RIP John!
(Thanks to A. J. Sullivan who took the great picture of Rod!)
In case you missed yesterday’s post, here is how I promo’ed today’s Cat Stevens documentary…..
Cat may have been the most complex of all of the early 1970s singer/songwriters. Before achieving incredible success in the early 1970’s he had gone through many changes. Little did we know in 1971 that there were bigger changes yet to come.
It was clear to me from the first time I listened to Tea For The Tillerman that Cat Stevens was on a journey of self discovery. I think that is why he was so popular……people my age in the early 70’s were all trying to find our way along that same path. As you will learn in this documentary, Cat found answers on his path that gave his life meaning. His chosen path was not an easy one and I applaud the courage he has shown in following his convictions.
As for my own journey, I have come to the conclusion that there is no ultimate answer waiting at the end of my path….. it’s the journey down that path that is my ultimate reward. Let me know what you think…..
Today we have another amazing singer/songwriter, Cat Stevens, captured live on BBC in 1971. The set list is provided below. I hope you enjoy the show!
Moon Shadow
Tuesday’s Dead
Wild World
How Can I Tell You
Maybe You’re Right And Maybe You’re Wrong
I Love My Dog
Bitterblue
Changes IV
Into White
Father And Son
Cat may have been the most complex of all of the early 1970s singer/songwriters. Before achieving incredible success in the early 1970’s he had gone through many changes. Little did we know in 1971 that there were bigger changes yet to come. Much more about that tomorrow in a Cat Stevens focused Monday Matinee post. You don’t want to miss it.
As always……let me know what you think!
thebestmusicyouhaveneverheard 