Daft Punk — If you see these guys on motorcycles in your rear view mirror — DON’T PULL OVER!
This column is like the title says - its intention is to fill the gap for those of us who were satiated musically in the '60s and then searched desperately as we aged for music we could relate to and get the same buzz from nowadaze. iTunes was the answer for me in 2003 and I have been following the new releases every Tuesday ever since I realized there was an endless stream of music I could enjoy there.
I also include older items that I felt were obscure originally and might not have been heard back then. The reason I am writing this column is to make sure others don't miss this wonderful music. These are not top ten items; but they SHOULD'VE been!
Below is a jukebox containing all the songs I picked this week. After you read about them below, go back and listen to whatever you like by just clicking on that title in the jukebox, or stream the whole playlist by clicking on the "play" icon at the top. It's free and it's the entire song. We're not selling anything. We're just in the business of hopefully making your days better by listening to great music.
We apologize to our readers/listeners who are trying to enjoy the playlists via mobile devices like iPhones/iPads and are finding that they can't; these are, unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control. At present, Grooveshark is not compatible with those operating systems, and in order to stream the playlist, you will need to use a PC or Mac.
1. "Get Lucky" — Daft Punk feat. Nile Rodgers & Pharell (3:40)
This album (Random Access Memories) may take on the sales history and longevity of The Wall. It's reaching a wide range of listeners, especially if I’ve heard it. Evidently, years went into the production and assistance from various experts was not uncommon. The rhythm guitar playing by Nile Rodgers is my favorite part, as is great rhythm guitar playing in general. This track is Studio 54-style dance music and Rodgers was one of the Record Royalty who originally created it.
2. "Touch Me (Take 3)" — The Doors (3:25)
What could have been. The string arrangement is different and this seems to be just a rough mix — but it’s always nice to hear possible alternatives to what is now written in history.
3. "Whatever That Is" — Randall Bramblett (3:51)
I have always been a big Randall fan, as far back as trying to sign him to my Sounds of the South label in 1973, a scant 40 years ago. But here we both are now and I STILL love what he does, whatever it is...
4. "Effortlessly" — Field Music (3:10)
I love this British brother band and one of their best aspects is how they’ve filled in covering for the demise of the late, lamented band XTC. They fill that gap perfectly for me. Presumably, effortlessly...
5. "For the Sake of Survival" — Silver Condor (2:56)
I’ve always liked this — its origin is 1983. I had it on a cassette of fave tunes which I transferred to iTunes in 2003 but without artist credit. My wife’s iPhone listened to it and identified the artist. Silver Condor put out two albums, a self-titled debut in 1981 and Trouble at Home in 1983. The band's lineup changed entirely between the two albums, with the only constant being lead singer Joe Cerisano.
6. "Only Have Eyes for Me" — Womack & Womack (3:21)
This is extremely soulful, in a Bobby Womack way and no wonder. It’s Womack brother Cecil, who married Sam Cooke's daughter Linda, and that is top soul breeding. They are top songwriters as well, with covers by Aretha, Teddy Pendergrass, Wilson Pickett and others. This is mighty fine. You should only have ears for this, if I may play on their lyric.
"Honey, let’s switch glasses for this one shot…”
7. "Put Your Arms Around Me" — Bobby Charles (2:35)
With his rebirth as a Woodstock-ian in the ‘70s ("Small Town Talk" on Bearsville) most folks had no idea of his Nawlins heritage and his ‘50s discography on Chess Records. One night Dr. John and I were backstage and with his phone in ear Mac asked me if I had anything to say to Bobby, who had just called him. I asked who was the drummer on this great track. Charles thought for a moment and replied, “Some white guy..." That’ll have to do — for now. Have loved this track since I was a wee lad and still have the 45. Hope you enjoy it. Great white drumming as well.
Spit curl-wise, who came first - Bill Haley or Bobby Charles?
8. "In My Baby's Eyes" — Jay Ferguson (2:46)
The bands Spirit, Jo Jo Gunne and then this were Jay’s legacy. I loved Jay’s stuff. Some of it was produced by uber-producer Bill Szymczyk, but I can’t recall the origins of this — just that I like to re-listen to it from time to time. It’s time again NOW. This is a really well made record from the '70s.
9. "Keith Don't Go" (live) — Nils Lofgren w/Al (4:54)
This is from the infamous Back It Up!! Live... An Authorized Bootleg album recorded at Record Plant studios in Sausalito, California in 1975. I was spending a great deal of time with Nils as I was about to produce his album Cry Tough. So I went with him to this gig and ended up playing electric piano on this track. This is some great guitar playing by Nils, who got me right off the bat on his first record with the band Grin. I saw him open for Van Morrison at Carnegie Hall and became a rabid fan early on.
10. "Surf's Up" — Conrad Tao (4:18)
He’s only 19 but this musician has more credits than me and I’m turning 70 soon. This is a wonderful Brian Wilson interpretation that still floors me no matter how many times I listen. It easily wins the coveted closing spot this week.
Either this is Hillary’s revenge for Ms. Lewinsky (right down to the blue suit) or just a chance meeting when Conrad was presented with the President’s Award.
