As I ponder, just how to start this review, a phrase keeps playing in my head: Thank goodness for record stores. Let me explain…
Back in 2014, I was perusing my local Newbury comics, and my guy, the 20-something in touch with all things “new” in the rock world, suggested a title from a band with the conspicuous name, Nothing. The record, Guilty of Everything (which, OMG SPOILER ALERT, ended up being my top album of 2014) was a throwback of sorts to a bygone era (I make it sound Mesozoic...in fact, more like the early 90s) where bands of a certain sound, picked up the moniker of “shoegaze”, as they had a stage presence in that they could tell you what sneakers they were wearing at ANY point in a performance. I love bands of this ilk, going back to Ride, Catherine Wheel, Pale Saints et al. Over the course of a few months, I listened to that debut LP time and time again, delighting in the nuance, swirling in the melodies. And as often happens, my love for one record, became my undying thirst for the next. Patiently, I waited, until in January of 2016, this video crossed my twitter feed.
A grand total of 55 seconds of music, a scant minute of wall to wall sound, and I was as ready as I could be for the May 13th release date…
…or so I thought.
There was no way I could have ever been ready for this. The record, Tired of Tomorrow, opens with the sublime “Fever Queen” (the same riff as heard in the teaser trailer above), a 3 minute explosion of sound that sets the absolute perfect tone for the listener to be taken on a ride. The guitars, enhanced and enabled by pedals of tone, emanate from speakers as if waves hitting the shore. Not to be outdone, the tight rhythm section holds the bottom (and beat) soundly. And then you hear the voice…or two. Founding member Nicky Palermo and Brandon Setta do more than perform the vocals, they own them. Where most duets have harmonies that complement, Palermo and Setta’s voices ENVELOP each other’s, whether at a whisper, or in dual, full voice. (This is a standard trope of sorts for bands of the 90s movement, such as Mark Gardner / Andy Bell in Ride….but never like this) The record continues with the ballad-of-sorts “The Dead are Dumb” (a fantastic song as well) and then a CRAZY thing happens as the needle moves inward more…the record veers off its previous “shoegaze” path, and takes a perfect turn to a different, more mid-90s (think Pumpkins) sound. “Vertigo Flowers”, the first single released from the album, still has the big guitars, the pounding drums, the harmonized goodness, but takes the shape of a more “traditional” rock song. And the elements, all mixed together and awash with color, come to fruition with staggering aplomb. (the song itself has a 90degree “turn” in it as well, another one of my favorite nuances in song) Another standout, “A.C.D.” continues the onslaught, as now the record transforms from a “what did I JUST hear?” to “what is NEXT??” situation. At this point, it’s apparent that on-the-rise super-producer, Will Yip, and band have put a lot of attention to detail in the tracking of the album, as (while not a concept record by any stretch) Side 1 unfolds as one big story, each song a wonderfully spun chapter. “Eaten By Worms” opens the second half, and it’s another assault on the ears, in the most pleasant way possible, transitioning from heavy guitar seamlessly to piano notes, all without skipping a beat. The record closes with a three song run that could fit on any rock album, of any genre, from the past 30 years. Showing the more “gentle” side as previously seen on their EP Downward Years to Come , yet nonetheless, as powerful as the seven tracks that proceeded them. The title track brings down the curtain, with, again, another zig to the previous zags. “Tired of Tomorrow” is a piano ballad (with strings) in the truest sense of the word. And in a(nother) word, it is magnificent. (here’s more words to describe it….haunting, stoic, stunning, etc…etc…) Throughout the record, the words may be sparse, but are steeped in depth. The pain of despair a theme throughout, yet the incredible melodies, musicianship, and vocals leave the listener with the feeling of hope more than any other.
Rating: 9.5 / 10 (an absolute “run-don’t-walk” situation) This is a record that defies labeling...it is NOT a shoegaze record, it is not post-punk, it is not "indie"...it's just masterful
Favorite Tracks: All of them. Seriously. (but start with A.C.D and Fever Queen)
Follow Them:
Twitter: @BandofNothing
Facebook Nothing
Side note: The making of the record has been documented in a 6 part YouTube series produced by the label, Relapse Records. It is a fascinating tale to be told. There is a LOT of history in this still-young band, and a TON of destiny in front of it.
Thanks for the read!
Follow me at:
Twitter: @dougplourd and @NoteTationDoug
Facebook: facebook.com/notetation
IG: @notetation
Email: Notetation@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, December 21, 2015
The BEST records of 2015 #10-1
As the year winds down, the conductor has left the stage, the music is fading out. While not as prolific as 2013, nor as top heavy as last year, 2015 offered a wide range of fun, diversified and fresh records, from artists new and old. What follows is my top 10 for the year. And while all are great in their own respect, the top album this year would not crack the top 4 (Elvis Costello, NIN, The Lonely Forest, Sterophonics) from 2013, nor the top 3 (Nothing, Elbow, Jack White) of 2014.
A couple of quick points before we move forward:
• You will not find Adele on this list. I can only rank/review the records I purchased and were released during the calendar year, and as much as I find her voice tremendous, and her material well rounded, I did not pick up 25.
• As always, and I include this with ANY list I create, this is PURELY subjective, and MY list. I do not look at any other year-end lists (other than an incidental click on twitter here or there) to base mine off of, nor do I fall along the “mainstream aisle” way of thinking. These are the records that I like. My goal, with any list I put together, is give you the reader, maybe ONE new band/album to listen to that you may never have heard of, or thought to seek out.
With that said, the normal rules apply:
No Comps
No “Live” records
No “Best Of” records
10: Stereophonics – “Keep The Village Alive”
9: Ben Folds – “So There”
8: Silversun Pickups – “Better Nature”
7: Faith No More – “Sol Invictus”
6: Sleater Kinney – “No Cities To Love”
5: Beach House – “Depression Cherry”
4: Guy Garvey – “Courting The Squals”
3: Death Cab For Cutie – “Kintsugi”
2: Jake Evans – “Day One”
1: Chvches – “Every Open Eye
A couple of quick points before we move forward:
• You will not find Adele on this list. I can only rank/review the records I purchased and were released during the calendar year, and as much as I find her voice tremendous, and her material well rounded, I did not pick up 25.
• As always, and I include this with ANY list I create, this is PURELY subjective, and MY list. I do not look at any other year-end lists (other than an incidental click on twitter here or there) to base mine off of, nor do I fall along the “mainstream aisle” way of thinking. These are the records that I like. My goal, with any list I put together, is give you the reader, maybe ONE new band/album to listen to that you may never have heard of, or thought to seek out.
With that said, the normal rules apply:
No Comps
No “Live” records
No “Best Of” records
10: Stereophonics – “Keep The Village Alive”
9: Ben Folds – “So There”
8: Silversun Pickups – “Better Nature”
7: Faith No More – “Sol Invictus”
6: Sleater Kinney – “No Cities To Love”
5: Beach House – “Depression Cherry”
4: Guy Garvey – “Courting The Squals”
3: Death Cab For Cutie – “Kintsugi”
2: Jake Evans – “Day One”
1: Chvches – “Every Open Eye
Friday, May 8, 2015
My Take On - I WENT to Letterman
So…….yeah……
So I have a day. A wonderful, GLORIOUS, TIRED day to soak it all in. Wonderful? Right, I think you get it. Glorious? Well sure, it WAS Dave. Tired? Well, that may need some explaining…..
See…I shared the day…well, no, let me correct that. The FABULOUS, WONDEFUL, BEAUTIFUL Keri let me share this day with her! As she arranged everything, pulled a string here and there, got us not only to VIP status, but subsequently to “that’s the VIP line to get in, let me lead you to your PERFECT seat selection prior” status. Here I am, going to the MOST IMPORTANT show of my lifetime (yes, it does eclipse SNL) and my perfect, wonderful, beautiful aMAZing partner…..has it all covered.
So we head into the Ed Sullivan Theater. Where the BEATLES debuted for goodness sake. And we watched, as First Aid Kit ran though their INCREDIBLE version of “America”…..3 times. Dress. Blocking. And OMGG, Biff Henderson running the blocking.
And it really hit me.
I am in the Ed Sullivan Theater
I am watching DRESS rehearsal of my idol’s show
The most amazing woman, who at the moment,was to my right (we usually make sure it’s the other way) is responsible for it all.
Every moment
Every second
KERI, is the reason.
Truly
And then, as the rest of the crowd gets seated, (we were early, as noted, so we watched 400 “non-VIP’ers” take their seats, including Chris Fowler from ESPN….it’s who you know buddy) the air was such a palpable WOW. I was here, the show I have been a follower of for 33 years, the MAN who was my idol, every day of that path….damn, the BAND, who was part of the entire run.
And here I was.
My Shrine
My Sanctuary
The INSTITUTION
And I watched in awe. Every segment, every break, every everything. Lights on? Lights off? Dave’s room. And while what you witness during a taping does not fully equate to what airs? Holy good God, it’s damn close.
This day, MY favorite day, happened because of Keri Arpino, and I could not be more happy. She took EVERYTHING I have ever told her about my “comedy career”, and made magic happen. So Thank You Keri. From the bottom of my heart. #watchthegap #ifyouseesomething and most importantly, #USBchampion
Thanks!
dp
So I have a day. A wonderful, GLORIOUS, TIRED day to soak it all in. Wonderful? Right, I think you get it. Glorious? Well sure, it WAS Dave. Tired? Well, that may need some explaining…..
See…I shared the day…well, no, let me correct that. The FABULOUS, WONDEFUL, BEAUTIFUL Keri let me share this day with her! As she arranged everything, pulled a string here and there, got us not only to VIP status, but subsequently to “that’s the VIP line to get in, let me lead you to your PERFECT seat selection prior” status. Here I am, going to the MOST IMPORTANT show of my lifetime (yes, it does eclipse SNL) and my perfect, wonderful, beautiful aMAZing partner…..has it all covered.
So we head into the Ed Sullivan Theater. Where the BEATLES debuted for goodness sake. And we watched, as First Aid Kit ran though their INCREDIBLE version of “America”…..3 times. Dress. Blocking. And OMGG, Biff Henderson running the blocking.
And it really hit me.
I am in the Ed Sullivan Theater
I am watching DRESS rehearsal of my idol’s show
The most amazing woman, who at the moment,was to my right (we usually make sure it’s the other way) is responsible for it all.
Every moment
Every second
KERI, is the reason.
Truly
And then, as the rest of the crowd gets seated, (we were early, as noted, so we watched 400 “non-VIP’ers” take their seats, including Chris Fowler from ESPN….it’s who you know buddy) the air was such a palpable WOW. I was here, the show I have been a follower of for 33 years, the MAN who was my idol, every day of that path….damn, the BAND, who was part of the entire run.
And here I was.
My Shrine
My Sanctuary
The INSTITUTION
And I watched in awe. Every segment, every break, every everything. Lights on? Lights off? Dave’s room. And while what you witness during a taping does not fully equate to what airs? Holy good God, it’s damn close.
This day, MY favorite day, happened because of Keri Arpino, and I could not be more happy. She took EVERYTHING I have ever told her about my “comedy career”, and made magic happen. So Thank You Keri. From the bottom of my heart. #watchthegap #ifyouseesomething and most importantly, #USBchampion
Thanks!
dp
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
My take on.....I am going to Letterman
Tomorrow is a big day…..
Tomorrow represents my youth, as well as my adulthood…..
Tomorrow cannot get here fast enough…..
Tomorrow, I go to NYC, and attend a Letterman taping, just 2+ short weeks prior to his retirement.
Let’s hit the stop button, and really analyze that statement. In my youth, the teenage, aspiring stand-up comedian, I had TWO shows, and two shows only, that peppered my brain with thoughts and dreams and hopes. One? SNL - specifically, the cast AFTER the transition cast. Dana Carvey, Jon Lovitz, Nora Dunn, PHIL HARTMAN…..sketch after sketch after sketch (BTW, Common Knowledge, STILL the best sketch from that run….YouTube it) just brimming with light, and funny, and irony (NOT the Alanis type) and perfection. I watched in AWE as seemingly “maybe” sketches (Church Lady) became mainstays, and “dump the garbage” sketches (Wayne’s World) became household fodder. Let’s remember, this was in an age BEFORE YouTube, BEFORE Twitter, BEFORE ANY social media. If you didn’t see it, you didn’t see it. And I can’t speak for every one of my friends from then….but I saw it.
The second, and even more important and as MUCH iconic, was Late Night with David Letterman.
I was 10 when Late Night, in its earliest incarnation on NBC, first aired. Obviously, I was not watching then: but because of my obsession with stand up, my admiration for Carson (even seeing him rarely) and my fascination with television, I KNEW who Dave was. And any magazine that did a piece on Dave (actual PAGE IN HAND magazines, kids. Flipping pages…) noted the innovation and “new” he was bringing to the screen. The cigar during the break, take EVERY chance, self-deprecating host was starting to evolve, from a guy that was “good” as a stand up at best. Stupid Human Tricks, Stupid Pet Tricks, VIEWER MAIL….all became part of the lexicon.
And I remember the first LIVE show I stayed up for. I am sure my parents were not aware, that my 20 inch black and white TV in my room was ON….but I did.
And here was a host, taking chances every segment, asking “stars” the questions that Carson didn’t ask, that Snyder didn’t ask….hell, that NO ONE asked. (and of course, the “stars” in question KNEW they were coming) The show had a different feel from ANY other talk show on TV. Dave made people STARS. They may have had it in them? They may have been successful? But, Dave brought out the best in every one, from day one. Two come forefront to mind from the early days.
Andy Kauffman was a novelty, a “hey look at THAT goofy cat” comedian when he decided to go FULL Andy, and engage himself in professional wrestling, specifically in a promotion in the Mid-South. The “hero” in that promotion was Jerry Lawler. Andy came on TV in Mid-South, proclaiming to be the “inter-gender” champion, wrestling (and defeating) women on a week to week basis. Lawler (in wrestling life) decided he was going to eradicate Andy from the wrestling world….and where did it all come to head? Of course, David Letterman’s show. The encounter (may it be “real” or not) put DAVE on the mainstream headlines, as well as Andy, and to an extent, Lawler, and Mid-South wrestling.
The second for me was Charles Grodin. Grodin hit the mainstream, around 1988, with the release of Midnight Run, (and followed it up with the Beethoven movies….) and was a comedic actor at heart. If you go back and watch the early appearances with Dave, you will witness comedy at its best. While scripted in some aspects, the “angry” Grodin opposite the interviewing Letterman was pure genius. The tension, so PERFECTLY constructed, felt real, even if WE, the audience, were kind of in on the joke. Stone-faced Grodin disagreeing and getting mad at Dave; Dave “trying” to reel the interview back in; moments of silence, developing SUCH tension, it could NOT be cut with a knife, yet only a machete….brilliance.
As the years went on, Dave continued to build his brand. More and more, the “Late Night” show was becoming the place for breakout stars to show their wares. Julia Roberts, Reeth Witherspoon, an “every day comic” named Jerry Seinfeld, hell, even his later-in-life rival Jay Leno, all got their BIG BREAK on the Letterman show.
And then there were the musical acts. A quick side bar…..Paul Shaffer is JUST as much an integral part to the Letterman story, as anyone else associated. For 34 years, he has been at the helm of the note by note ship, fulfilling a musical landscape for every one of the 6000+ shows, as well as doubling as Letterman’s “sidekick”. Carson had Ed? Dave had Paul. And while some may find the goofy, bald Canadian a bit aloof and “not that funny”; from a music perspective, he was the only partner Dave could ever have. Think of this as well. The HOUSE band, in its current 4 piece form, has been together on stage for over TWENTY years. Will Lee, I believe, was with Paul from Day 1 on the NBC show. Anton Fig and Sid McGinnis were there soon thereafter. (bonus points if anyone can name the original drummer of the Late Night Band) Night after night, week after week...whether it be just for bumpers in and out of commercials, or backing up a solo singer, Paul and the band took to the task, and exceeded all expectations.
But what about those acts coming in? Whether it be new bands making their network debut or older acts getting the shine and rub from being back on the national free air, Dave gave them a medium. The debut numbers are staggering, not just from a number amount, but a “who’s who” aspect. And then the legends? Dave got them all. Why? Because even if, as the 2000s went on, and Jay got the “better numbers”, musical acts wanted to be associated with Dave, as he was still the “cool kid”. Point of order? Foo Fighters. When Dave had his unexpected heart surgery in 2000, Grohl and company cancelled the rest of their South American tour, just to come back to the States. They did not appear on Letterman until 6 weeks later, but it was out of their respect and admiration of a man that had a hand in “making” them, that they returned early, and were the first musical act upon his return. (PS, Letterman helped the band with their HBO documentary series “Sonic Highway”, both out of his love for the band, but also his admiration for Grohl’s outstanding documentary feature “Sound City”)
And then……there are just moments. Some poignant, some hysterical, some deep….all meaningful. Here is just a brief list of the Late Show moments that still stick with me forever:
• The Velcro Suit – He did it twice! The original was on a random mid-week show, which was seen by thousands. The reprise, on his first anniversary prime time special, was witnessed by millions. I saw them both, and as goofy as the premise was, probably put Dave on the MAP for the first time.
• Dropping things from a tall building – Another NBC staple, Dave took an outlandish concept, and made it into comedy gold.
• “The Password Is Ball…” - This one to me, while incredibly obscure, is tremendously personal. To this day, if I said THOSE words to my childhood best friend, Scott, he would respond with “Basket????” to which I would respond “Eggs!”. In print, it doesn’t hold any water (wait, a blog…is it print?” but to me, one of my favorite childhood memories.
• The Madonna Cigar night – Filth at its finest, and only Dave could have made it 100x better.
• Every single Carson appearance – Cheating a little bit, as it’s not HIS show, but every time he sat in the chair, opposite his idol, it was pure genius. (please look up his LAST appearance…as the question that Carson asks him re: the Leno decision…wow)
• 9/19/2001 – The single greatest 7 minutes of soliloquy on network TV. Period. Dave was THE host in the city that was violated. He took to the air, a mere 8 days later, and talked from the heart. His thoughts about the Mayor, his thoughts about the terrorism…hell, he weaved in a feel good moment talking about Choteau, Montana. (which is THE tear jerking moment) Poise, grace, conviction and calm.
• The Scandal – Do you know what 99.9% of the “celebrity” culture does when they have a scandal thrown at them? They run. Like, Usain Bolt-speed run. Not Dave. It hit, and he addressed it head on. And did he try to cover? No. Did he try and deflect? No. Did he say it was all false? No. What he DID, is address it head on and said, (paraphrase) “yup, I made a mistake”. And it was obvious this was not just a public SHOW, that he also DID bring it home and talk to Regina about it. THAT, is a man. Admitting a wrong, is always 10x harder than taking credit for a right. David did it with aplomb
• The Tributes – The recent ones are top of mind for me, but he has been tremendous throughout his years. But, to hear Dave speak in such reverence of someone like Robin Williams….strip away the words, and just listen to the feelings. One of my favorite Letterman features of all.
• The Retirement Announcement - It has to end here, right? Admittedly, today, at 44 (YIKES) years old, I tend to watch my hero in YouTube fashion. And on this day, I received an email prior to watching, simply titled “Did you HEAR”? I hadn’t, and sat down, and fired up the clip. And while I am happy for Dave, for Harry, for Regina (and of course the immature Bald Eagle), I feel like a part of my life, a HUGE part of my maturation, is about to be gone. Jerry Seinfeld said it best on the show recently….”Why now?” And while a humorous moment, one that resonated. Why now Dave? Is it REALLY time?
And then I thought more, and yes, it is time. 34 years of doing THIS gig? That’s longer than Carson! MUCH longer than Parr. And despite his continuing effort to come back, MUCH longer than Jay Leno.
Letterman is not just a man; Late Night is not just a show. It’s an American institution. 34 years ago, NBC decided to take a chance on a funny weatherman, who had an idea. He took a 90 episode run at Tomorrow Show, and turned it into an institution for longer than the iPhone, blackberry, Netflix and Facebook have been around…..combined.
Tomorrow, I get to see it one last time. Tomorrow, I will watch my idol take the stage, in a temp of 45 degree theatre, chat it up with Tina Fay, and introduce First Aid Kit. Tomorrow, I will be in the company of the most beautiful “plus one” ever, my favorite person in the world, and who is solely responsible for the day happening.
Tomorrow, I will say “Thank You”, to one of the most important people in my life.
Thanks Dave
Tomorrow represents my youth, as well as my adulthood…..
Tomorrow cannot get here fast enough…..
Tomorrow, I go to NYC, and attend a Letterman taping, just 2+ short weeks prior to his retirement.
Let’s hit the stop button, and really analyze that statement. In my youth, the teenage, aspiring stand-up comedian, I had TWO shows, and two shows only, that peppered my brain with thoughts and dreams and hopes. One? SNL - specifically, the cast AFTER the transition cast. Dana Carvey, Jon Lovitz, Nora Dunn, PHIL HARTMAN…..sketch after sketch after sketch (BTW, Common Knowledge, STILL the best sketch from that run….YouTube it) just brimming with light, and funny, and irony (NOT the Alanis type) and perfection. I watched in AWE as seemingly “maybe” sketches (Church Lady) became mainstays, and “dump the garbage” sketches (Wayne’s World) became household fodder. Let’s remember, this was in an age BEFORE YouTube, BEFORE Twitter, BEFORE ANY social media. If you didn’t see it, you didn’t see it. And I can’t speak for every one of my friends from then….but I saw it.
The second, and even more important and as MUCH iconic, was Late Night with David Letterman.
I was 10 when Late Night, in its earliest incarnation on NBC, first aired. Obviously, I was not watching then: but because of my obsession with stand up, my admiration for Carson (even seeing him rarely) and my fascination with television, I KNEW who Dave was. And any magazine that did a piece on Dave (actual PAGE IN HAND magazines, kids. Flipping pages…) noted the innovation and “new” he was bringing to the screen. The cigar during the break, take EVERY chance, self-deprecating host was starting to evolve, from a guy that was “good” as a stand up at best. Stupid Human Tricks, Stupid Pet Tricks, VIEWER MAIL….all became part of the lexicon.
And I remember the first LIVE show I stayed up for. I am sure my parents were not aware, that my 20 inch black and white TV in my room was ON….but I did.
And here was a host, taking chances every segment, asking “stars” the questions that Carson didn’t ask, that Snyder didn’t ask….hell, that NO ONE asked. (and of course, the “stars” in question KNEW they were coming) The show had a different feel from ANY other talk show on TV. Dave made people STARS. They may have had it in them? They may have been successful? But, Dave brought out the best in every one, from day one. Two come forefront to mind from the early days.
Andy Kauffman was a novelty, a “hey look at THAT goofy cat” comedian when he decided to go FULL Andy, and engage himself in professional wrestling, specifically in a promotion in the Mid-South. The “hero” in that promotion was Jerry Lawler. Andy came on TV in Mid-South, proclaiming to be the “inter-gender” champion, wrestling (and defeating) women on a week to week basis. Lawler (in wrestling life) decided he was going to eradicate Andy from the wrestling world….and where did it all come to head? Of course, David Letterman’s show. The encounter (may it be “real” or not) put DAVE on the mainstream headlines, as well as Andy, and to an extent, Lawler, and Mid-South wrestling.
The second for me was Charles Grodin. Grodin hit the mainstream, around 1988, with the release of Midnight Run, (and followed it up with the Beethoven movies….) and was a comedic actor at heart. If you go back and watch the early appearances with Dave, you will witness comedy at its best. While scripted in some aspects, the “angry” Grodin opposite the interviewing Letterman was pure genius. The tension, so PERFECTLY constructed, felt real, even if WE, the audience, were kind of in on the joke. Stone-faced Grodin disagreeing and getting mad at Dave; Dave “trying” to reel the interview back in; moments of silence, developing SUCH tension, it could NOT be cut with a knife, yet only a machete….brilliance.
As the years went on, Dave continued to build his brand. More and more, the “Late Night” show was becoming the place for breakout stars to show their wares. Julia Roberts, Reeth Witherspoon, an “every day comic” named Jerry Seinfeld, hell, even his later-in-life rival Jay Leno, all got their BIG BREAK on the Letterman show.
And then there were the musical acts. A quick side bar…..Paul Shaffer is JUST as much an integral part to the Letterman story, as anyone else associated. For 34 years, he has been at the helm of the note by note ship, fulfilling a musical landscape for every one of the 6000+ shows, as well as doubling as Letterman’s “sidekick”. Carson had Ed? Dave had Paul. And while some may find the goofy, bald Canadian a bit aloof and “not that funny”; from a music perspective, he was the only partner Dave could ever have. Think of this as well. The HOUSE band, in its current 4 piece form, has been together on stage for over TWENTY years. Will Lee, I believe, was with Paul from Day 1 on the NBC show. Anton Fig and Sid McGinnis were there soon thereafter. (bonus points if anyone can name the original drummer of the Late Night Band) Night after night, week after week...whether it be just for bumpers in and out of commercials, or backing up a solo singer, Paul and the band took to the task, and exceeded all expectations.
But what about those acts coming in? Whether it be new bands making their network debut or older acts getting the shine and rub from being back on the national free air, Dave gave them a medium. The debut numbers are staggering, not just from a number amount, but a “who’s who” aspect. And then the legends? Dave got them all. Why? Because even if, as the 2000s went on, and Jay got the “better numbers”, musical acts wanted to be associated with Dave, as he was still the “cool kid”. Point of order? Foo Fighters. When Dave had his unexpected heart surgery in 2000, Grohl and company cancelled the rest of their South American tour, just to come back to the States. They did not appear on Letterman until 6 weeks later, but it was out of their respect and admiration of a man that had a hand in “making” them, that they returned early, and were the first musical act upon his return. (PS, Letterman helped the band with their HBO documentary series “Sonic Highway”, both out of his love for the band, but also his admiration for Grohl’s outstanding documentary feature “Sound City”)
And then……there are just moments. Some poignant, some hysterical, some deep….all meaningful. Here is just a brief list of the Late Show moments that still stick with me forever:
• The Velcro Suit – He did it twice! The original was on a random mid-week show, which was seen by thousands. The reprise, on his first anniversary prime time special, was witnessed by millions. I saw them both, and as goofy as the premise was, probably put Dave on the MAP for the first time.
• Dropping things from a tall building – Another NBC staple, Dave took an outlandish concept, and made it into comedy gold.
• “The Password Is Ball…” - This one to me, while incredibly obscure, is tremendously personal. To this day, if I said THOSE words to my childhood best friend, Scott, he would respond with “Basket????” to which I would respond “Eggs!”. In print, it doesn’t hold any water (wait, a blog…is it print?” but to me, one of my favorite childhood memories.
• The Madonna Cigar night – Filth at its finest, and only Dave could have made it 100x better.
• Every single Carson appearance – Cheating a little bit, as it’s not HIS show, but every time he sat in the chair, opposite his idol, it was pure genius. (please look up his LAST appearance…as the question that Carson asks him re: the Leno decision…wow)
• 9/19/2001 – The single greatest 7 minutes of soliloquy on network TV. Period. Dave was THE host in the city that was violated. He took to the air, a mere 8 days later, and talked from the heart. His thoughts about the Mayor, his thoughts about the terrorism…hell, he weaved in a feel good moment talking about Choteau, Montana. (which is THE tear jerking moment) Poise, grace, conviction and calm.
• The Scandal – Do you know what 99.9% of the “celebrity” culture does when they have a scandal thrown at them? They run. Like, Usain Bolt-speed run. Not Dave. It hit, and he addressed it head on. And did he try to cover? No. Did he try and deflect? No. Did he say it was all false? No. What he DID, is address it head on and said, (paraphrase) “yup, I made a mistake”. And it was obvious this was not just a public SHOW, that he also DID bring it home and talk to Regina about it. THAT, is a man. Admitting a wrong, is always 10x harder than taking credit for a right. David did it with aplomb
• The Tributes – The recent ones are top of mind for me, but he has been tremendous throughout his years. But, to hear Dave speak in such reverence of someone like Robin Williams….strip away the words, and just listen to the feelings. One of my favorite Letterman features of all.
• The Retirement Announcement - It has to end here, right? Admittedly, today, at 44 (YIKES) years old, I tend to watch my hero in YouTube fashion. And on this day, I received an email prior to watching, simply titled “Did you HEAR”? I hadn’t, and sat down, and fired up the clip. And while I am happy for Dave, for Harry, for Regina (and of course the immature Bald Eagle), I feel like a part of my life, a HUGE part of my maturation, is about to be gone. Jerry Seinfeld said it best on the show recently….”Why now?” And while a humorous moment, one that resonated. Why now Dave? Is it REALLY time?
And then I thought more, and yes, it is time. 34 years of doing THIS gig? That’s longer than Carson! MUCH longer than Parr. And despite his continuing effort to come back, MUCH longer than Jay Leno.
Letterman is not just a man; Late Night is not just a show. It’s an American institution. 34 years ago, NBC decided to take a chance on a funny weatherman, who had an idea. He took a 90 episode run at Tomorrow Show, and turned it into an institution for longer than the iPhone, blackberry, Netflix and Facebook have been around…..combined.
Tomorrow, I get to see it one last time. Tomorrow, I will watch my idol take the stage, in a temp of 45 degree theatre, chat it up with Tina Fay, and introduce First Aid Kit. Tomorrow, I will be in the company of the most beautiful “plus one” ever, my favorite person in the world, and who is solely responsible for the day happening.
Tomorrow, I will say “Thank You”, to one of the most important people in my life.
Thanks Dave
Friday, January 3, 2014
My Take On.....
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2014
After over 1.3 million votes cast by fans, and the final selection process having taken place, the Rock and Roll HOF will induct 6 new members in April of 2014. (not including two individuals and one backing band) This year’s nominee list was stellar, and provided some good debate amongst fans young and old. While no election is ever “perfect”, in this guy’s humble opinion, the committee got it mostly right. For the acts that fell short this year, I am pretty confident that most (if not all) will get in as the years pass. A quick look at two omissions that stood out:
YES
When the nominations first came out, I honestly thought Jon Anderson and the boys were a lock. Prog Rock is not overly represented in the Hall, and my thought was that pioneers in this genre would waltz in. I was mistaken. There is no doubt in my mind their time will come. No band in the 80’s had a greater resurgence / introduction to the mainstream than Yes. “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” would be on any short list of “Songs of the Decade”. The follow up to 90125, Big Generator, is an under-rated classic as well.
The Replacements
I am an unabashed fan boy of the Replacements. “Within Your Reach” still moves me every time, “Alex Chilton” is 3 minutes of pure bliss, and “I’ll Be You” represents commercial success. However, I am not sure if they truly deserved to go in first ballot. Influential? Absolutely, many an “alternative” band in the 90s cited them as influences. I think the lack of TRUE commercial breakout will always be a hindrance in the minds of the voters. Plus, there is this….the unreal ego in regards to their place in music. Case in point: 1989, Tom Petty is riding very high on the release of Full Moon Fever, and picks the Replacements as the opening act for the tour. When the CT date is announced, myself and about 10 friends get tickets for the show. I, slightly leaning towards indy/alternative at this point, start hyping up the opening band to my friends. Really laying it on thick. The night of the show, we are having a blast in the lead up. (in fact, a couple of us had a good 15 minute chat with Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch as he anonymously wandered through the crowd) The Replacements come out, and I MAY be one of three people cheering loud. And before launching into a pretty bad version of “Talent Show” to kick it off, Westerberg takes the mike to say “The Stones are launching their World Tour tonight….don’t worry, we’re better”…..and ten sets of eyes whipped around to catch mine, my friends saying “Really? Who the Eff does this guy think he is?” And in hindsight, they were right (hell, at the time I knew they were right) I love brash from a front man, I love a bit of ego in music. But, to me, Paul has always over rated the bands historical footprint. I hope they get in eventually, but not for a while.
So who did get in? Here we go….
Cat Stevens
I am not going to spend a lot of time here, as I am not a fan in the least. To say this is an incredibly controversial selection, not based on his music, but his politics following his disappearance from the music landscape, is an understatement. It’s almost akin to the steroid users and the baseball HOF. Does one “wrong” thing…..should it keep them out? I would say in the case of Stevens, yes. If I had a vote, his name would not have sniffed my ballot. Is he talented? Sure. Do I respect the music? Absolutely. But his life after leaving the scene leaves me shaking my head as to why he was elected. He won’t show up for the ceremony, that’s for sure….
Linda Ronstadt
I love this selection. Let me take you back to 1976…..a VERY young blogger is gifted money, and is allowed to buy his first 45 single. After browsing the record shop, I decided that the name of the song, “You’re No Good”, sounded really cool. (I was 5, come on….) I got home, ran to my room, and plopped it on my Fisher Price turntable. And what emanated, was something I was not familiar with. A STRONG female lead, over a very rock oriented song. I moved the needle back to the beginning, over and over, even inviting my father (who knows music about as much as I know neurosurgery) to listen to this incredible song. (I still have the image of him lying in the hallway in front of my door) Conservatively, I would say I listened to it 1000 times in the first week. (its only competition was a hand me down 45 of Rhinestone Cowboy….soooooo…..) I was hooked. The voice (now, looking back…..again, I was FIVE) sultry and smoldering. The music, nothing over the top, but tight and solid. She went on to continue an amazing career, before illness denied her (and audiences) the opportunity to continue. I know she is on record as saying that she doesn’t really care either way about the induction. While that may be true, I have to believe that MAY change on the night of April the 10th. The ovation she receives (if she is able to take the stage) will be overwhelming, and one I am excited to be part of.
Hall and Oates
This is a no brainer, has been for a while. For the detractors, look, I get it. Make fun of the mullets. Make John Oates jokes about being a hanger on. (trust me, he is an ESSENTIAL part of this combo, it’s more 50/50 than MTV led you to believe) Make the “whimp rock” slights…..here’s the thing…..take a look at this list of songs:
Rich Girl
Private Eyes
Kiss On My List
You Make My Dreams
Everytime You Go Away
Maneater
One on One
I Can’t Go For That
Say It Isn’t So
Adult Education
Out Of Touch
Really? There is a debate here? That is the ’27 Yankees of music’s greatest hits. To continue the baseball analogy: their prime, from 1980 through late 1984, is Koufax-like. An incredible peak. Seriously, go read that list again. There is a very small chance that you read any of those titles without instinctively starting to sing EVERY WORD.
KISS
This one was a bit of a shock to me….how the hell were they not already in? Take a moment….let that sink in….if you are a child of the 70s, that had a KISS lunchbox, that waited for WEEKS for “Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park” to debut on TV, that painted their face for at least ONE Halloween….what? They’re not already in?
Cartoon aspect of the band aside, and I get that people “hate” that image; this is a band that has produced influential music for 25 years. (save for a period where it really went off the rails) I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Gene and Paul back in 1992, and met two guys that, for all of the pageantry, REALLY understood what they meant to the music atmosphere. Where “You’re No Good” was the first 45 I purchased, Destroyer from KISS was the first LP I ever dropped my own cash on. I saved and saved, excited to actually buy a full length record. And, in my mind, there was no other choice BUT Destroyer. (I now own a re-release vinyl edition as well) “Shout It Out Loud”, “God Of Thunder”, “Detroit Rock City”…etc….ALL anthems in their own right. (Not to mention “Beth”, the real “hit” of the bunch) This record, their third, hit every note perfectly. Even the “throw away” songs were so well crafted. And, this is just one record we are talking about. They changed their sound SLIGHTLY for the masses when need be, (“I Was Made For Loving You”) they released 4 solo albums at the same time, (producing arguably the best NYC anthem, “Back In The New York Groove” from Ace’s project) and then they took the make-up off. Has Gene become SOMEWHAT of a caricature recently? Maybe. But this is a band that inspired hundreds of hard rock bands over the past 3 decades, and one that deserves its name in lights.
Nirvana
Probably the most debated/hated election since the opening of the HOF. Here is what people are saying:
“They only put out 2 (and a half-ish) records”. Yup, got it…..
“They were only a relevant band for about 3 years”. Uh huh, I hear ya…
“Pure sympathy! If Cobain never died, they would have faded away, and no one would care if they made it or not”. Sure, hard to say, but I understand your logic…..
So, really, I have read that, I understand it, I don’t begrudge the people who think that way.
But here is my counter-argument: they recorded and released the single most important record in the last 25 years. (let it sink in……)
(……….)
(are you still with me?)
Let me clarify if you are still reading; I am in no means saying it is the BEST record in the last 25 years. I can name at least 15 better off the top of my head right now. But, as far as historical purposes, Nevermind changed rock music when there was a desperate need for a change. Throughout the 80s, save for the infusion of “Appetite For Destruction”, rock music was divided into two pretty lame camps. One: The aging bands of the 70s, turning out the same music time and time again. (seriously, without knowing the songs, could you tell the difference between Foreigner, Styx, Supertramp…etc..etc..) The other side? Hair Metal. Bands that had a “look” but also knew three chords, eating up the MTV landscape, producing somewhat uninspired “rock”. Cue three guys from Seattle, driving down to California, to the now-semi-famous Sound City recording studio, to be guided for 18 days by Butch Vig…..producing a sound that NO one outside of Washington was neither familiar with, nor ready for. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” took the music world by storm, changing nearly everyone’s perspective as to “what was cool”. The anger, the angst, (the video) the passion. Four simple chords…but from a guy that looked like the nerd next door, NOT the “beautiful guy” with more make-up then Jennifer Marlowe. (I FINALLY got a WKRP reference in….yea me!) It changed EVERYTHING. Suddenly, Seattle was the “IT” place. Bands like Screaming Trees, Mudhoney…et al, were getting airplay. Nirvana was EVERYWHERE, and putting on a show every single time. And as the record got more play, the shows became louder, the audiences larger, and the atmosphere around them bigger. For a period in time, it was Nirvana…..and everyone else. For that, and that alone, the nomination and subsequent election is warranted. However, there is a bit more…
In Utero, the studio follow up to Nevermind, while not sharing the same commercial success, is an incredible piece of art, one that was Cobain baring his soul to the world.
Nirvana became the original “poster band” for a fledgling MTV endeavor called “Unplugged”. While they stripped down their own “hits”, the most memorable moment of the show, was an incredible, inspired version of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World”. (still a top 3 song from the entire series)
They released a collection of b-sides, Insecticide, that could easily have been a tremendous “3rd” record in the catalogue if no one knew it was outtakes from the previous two recordings.
Sub-Pop (their original label) has re-released “Bleach” a couple different times now, with fans EATING IT UP, as the genius was clearly there prior to recording “Nevermind”.
This doesn’t even take into account that the unfortunate demise of the band, spawned arguably America’s NEXT great rock band in Foo Fighters. (don’t be surprised for a second, if Grohl is inducted again in his lifetime)
I’m not saying I am right. I am not saying this is gospel. All I am saying, as someone who was in his formative music years (college) when it all happened, that I have NO quibbles with this “first ballot HOF” election.
I am going to leave Peter Gabriel for his own piece, as I can’t do my fandom justice in a smaller capsule.
Thanks for the read…..
After over 1.3 million votes cast by fans, and the final selection process having taken place, the Rock and Roll HOF will induct 6 new members in April of 2014. (not including two individuals and one backing band) This year’s nominee list was stellar, and provided some good debate amongst fans young and old. While no election is ever “perfect”, in this guy’s humble opinion, the committee got it mostly right. For the acts that fell short this year, I am pretty confident that most (if not all) will get in as the years pass. A quick look at two omissions that stood out:
YES
When the nominations first came out, I honestly thought Jon Anderson and the boys were a lock. Prog Rock is not overly represented in the Hall, and my thought was that pioneers in this genre would waltz in. I was mistaken. There is no doubt in my mind their time will come. No band in the 80’s had a greater resurgence / introduction to the mainstream than Yes. “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” would be on any short list of “Songs of the Decade”. The follow up to 90125, Big Generator, is an under-rated classic as well.
The Replacements
I am an unabashed fan boy of the Replacements. “Within Your Reach” still moves me every time, “Alex Chilton” is 3 minutes of pure bliss, and “I’ll Be You” represents commercial success. However, I am not sure if they truly deserved to go in first ballot. Influential? Absolutely, many an “alternative” band in the 90s cited them as influences. I think the lack of TRUE commercial breakout will always be a hindrance in the minds of the voters. Plus, there is this….the unreal ego in regards to their place in music. Case in point: 1989, Tom Petty is riding very high on the release of Full Moon Fever, and picks the Replacements as the opening act for the tour. When the CT date is announced, myself and about 10 friends get tickets for the show. I, slightly leaning towards indy/alternative at this point, start hyping up the opening band to my friends. Really laying it on thick. The night of the show, we are having a blast in the lead up. (in fact, a couple of us had a good 15 minute chat with Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch as he anonymously wandered through the crowd) The Replacements come out, and I MAY be one of three people cheering loud. And before launching into a pretty bad version of “Talent Show” to kick it off, Westerberg takes the mike to say “The Stones are launching their World Tour tonight….don’t worry, we’re better”…..and ten sets of eyes whipped around to catch mine, my friends saying “Really? Who the Eff does this guy think he is?” And in hindsight, they were right (hell, at the time I knew they were right) I love brash from a front man, I love a bit of ego in music. But, to me, Paul has always over rated the bands historical footprint. I hope they get in eventually, but not for a while.
So who did get in? Here we go….
Cat Stevens
I am not going to spend a lot of time here, as I am not a fan in the least. To say this is an incredibly controversial selection, not based on his music, but his politics following his disappearance from the music landscape, is an understatement. It’s almost akin to the steroid users and the baseball HOF. Does one “wrong” thing…..should it keep them out? I would say in the case of Stevens, yes. If I had a vote, his name would not have sniffed my ballot. Is he talented? Sure. Do I respect the music? Absolutely. But his life after leaving the scene leaves me shaking my head as to why he was elected. He won’t show up for the ceremony, that’s for sure….
Linda Ronstadt
I love this selection. Let me take you back to 1976…..a VERY young blogger is gifted money, and is allowed to buy his first 45 single. After browsing the record shop, I decided that the name of the song, “You’re No Good”, sounded really cool. (I was 5, come on….) I got home, ran to my room, and plopped it on my Fisher Price turntable. And what emanated, was something I was not familiar with. A STRONG female lead, over a very rock oriented song. I moved the needle back to the beginning, over and over, even inviting my father (who knows music about as much as I know neurosurgery) to listen to this incredible song. (I still have the image of him lying in the hallway in front of my door) Conservatively, I would say I listened to it 1000 times in the first week. (its only competition was a hand me down 45 of Rhinestone Cowboy….soooooo…..) I was hooked. The voice (now, looking back…..again, I was FIVE) sultry and smoldering. The music, nothing over the top, but tight and solid. She went on to continue an amazing career, before illness denied her (and audiences) the opportunity to continue. I know she is on record as saying that she doesn’t really care either way about the induction. While that may be true, I have to believe that MAY change on the night of April the 10th. The ovation she receives (if she is able to take the stage) will be overwhelming, and one I am excited to be part of.
Hall and Oates
This is a no brainer, has been for a while. For the detractors, look, I get it. Make fun of the mullets. Make John Oates jokes about being a hanger on. (trust me, he is an ESSENTIAL part of this combo, it’s more 50/50 than MTV led you to believe) Make the “whimp rock” slights…..here’s the thing…..take a look at this list of songs:
Rich Girl
Private Eyes
Kiss On My List
You Make My Dreams
Everytime You Go Away
Maneater
One on One
I Can’t Go For That
Say It Isn’t So
Adult Education
Out Of Touch
Really? There is a debate here? That is the ’27 Yankees of music’s greatest hits. To continue the baseball analogy: their prime, from 1980 through late 1984, is Koufax-like. An incredible peak. Seriously, go read that list again. There is a very small chance that you read any of those titles without instinctively starting to sing EVERY WORD.
KISS
This one was a bit of a shock to me….how the hell were they not already in? Take a moment….let that sink in….if you are a child of the 70s, that had a KISS lunchbox, that waited for WEEKS for “Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park” to debut on TV, that painted their face for at least ONE Halloween….what? They’re not already in?
Cartoon aspect of the band aside, and I get that people “hate” that image; this is a band that has produced influential music for 25 years. (save for a period where it really went off the rails) I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Gene and Paul back in 1992, and met two guys that, for all of the pageantry, REALLY understood what they meant to the music atmosphere. Where “You’re No Good” was the first 45 I purchased, Destroyer from KISS was the first LP I ever dropped my own cash on. I saved and saved, excited to actually buy a full length record. And, in my mind, there was no other choice BUT Destroyer. (I now own a re-release vinyl edition as well) “Shout It Out Loud”, “God Of Thunder”, “Detroit Rock City”…etc….ALL anthems in their own right. (Not to mention “Beth”, the real “hit” of the bunch) This record, their third, hit every note perfectly. Even the “throw away” songs were so well crafted. And, this is just one record we are talking about. They changed their sound SLIGHTLY for the masses when need be, (“I Was Made For Loving You”) they released 4 solo albums at the same time, (producing arguably the best NYC anthem, “Back In The New York Groove” from Ace’s project) and then they took the make-up off. Has Gene become SOMEWHAT of a caricature recently? Maybe. But this is a band that inspired hundreds of hard rock bands over the past 3 decades, and one that deserves its name in lights.
Nirvana
Probably the most debated/hated election since the opening of the HOF. Here is what people are saying:
“They only put out 2 (and a half-ish) records”. Yup, got it…..
“They were only a relevant band for about 3 years”. Uh huh, I hear ya…
“Pure sympathy! If Cobain never died, they would have faded away, and no one would care if they made it or not”. Sure, hard to say, but I understand your logic…..
So, really, I have read that, I understand it, I don’t begrudge the people who think that way.
But here is my counter-argument: they recorded and released the single most important record in the last 25 years. (let it sink in……)
(……….)
(are you still with me?)
Let me clarify if you are still reading; I am in no means saying it is the BEST record in the last 25 years. I can name at least 15 better off the top of my head right now. But, as far as historical purposes, Nevermind changed rock music when there was a desperate need for a change. Throughout the 80s, save for the infusion of “Appetite For Destruction”, rock music was divided into two pretty lame camps. One: The aging bands of the 70s, turning out the same music time and time again. (seriously, without knowing the songs, could you tell the difference between Foreigner, Styx, Supertramp…etc..etc..) The other side? Hair Metal. Bands that had a “look” but also knew three chords, eating up the MTV landscape, producing somewhat uninspired “rock”. Cue three guys from Seattle, driving down to California, to the now-semi-famous Sound City recording studio, to be guided for 18 days by Butch Vig…..producing a sound that NO one outside of Washington was neither familiar with, nor ready for. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” took the music world by storm, changing nearly everyone’s perspective as to “what was cool”. The anger, the angst, (the video) the passion. Four simple chords…but from a guy that looked like the nerd next door, NOT the “beautiful guy” with more make-up then Jennifer Marlowe. (I FINALLY got a WKRP reference in….yea me!) It changed EVERYTHING. Suddenly, Seattle was the “IT” place. Bands like Screaming Trees, Mudhoney…et al, were getting airplay. Nirvana was EVERYWHERE, and putting on a show every single time. And as the record got more play, the shows became louder, the audiences larger, and the atmosphere around them bigger. For a period in time, it was Nirvana…..and everyone else. For that, and that alone, the nomination and subsequent election is warranted. However, there is a bit more…
In Utero, the studio follow up to Nevermind, while not sharing the same commercial success, is an incredible piece of art, one that was Cobain baring his soul to the world.
Nirvana became the original “poster band” for a fledgling MTV endeavor called “Unplugged”. While they stripped down their own “hits”, the most memorable moment of the show, was an incredible, inspired version of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World”. (still a top 3 song from the entire series)
They released a collection of b-sides, Insecticide, that could easily have been a tremendous “3rd” record in the catalogue if no one knew it was outtakes from the previous two recordings.
Sub-Pop (their original label) has re-released “Bleach” a couple different times now, with fans EATING IT UP, as the genius was clearly there prior to recording “Nevermind”.
This doesn’t even take into account that the unfortunate demise of the band, spawned arguably America’s NEXT great rock band in Foo Fighters. (don’t be surprised for a second, if Grohl is inducted again in his lifetime)
I’m not saying I am right. I am not saying this is gospel. All I am saying, as someone who was in his formative music years (college) when it all happened, that I have NO quibbles with this “first ballot HOF” election.
I am going to leave Peter Gabriel for his own piece, as I can’t do my fandom justice in a smaller capsule.
Thanks for the read…..
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Quick Questions for Steven Mandel - Producer/Engineer For Elvis Costello and the Roots
When I was finishing up the Top 12 Records of 2013 series, I reached out to Steven Mandel(@stevenmandel) to get a few thoughts about MY #1 album of the year, Wise Up Ghost. Steven produced, engineered and mixed the album, as well as lending his song writing skills. He was gracious enough to take the time to respond to the quick email with some very insightful thoughts.
- Was there any particular track that was hard to have come together?
The track that was hard to come together was the first one we worked on and ended up as a bonus track. Can You HEAR Me. We almost had Crosby & Nash doing the backgrounds but in the end it was Elvis and Kirk. They never sat right so in the mix stage I really had to buckle down and move them around so they would feel right. This was the track I worked on the longest I believe, partly because it's over 6 minutes. With lots of vocal parts and horn parts.The climactic ending alone took me a virtual lifetime to be "satisfied" with.
- Do you have a favorite track? One that when completed, you knew you had something special?
My favorite track is Grenade. Felt I had helped create a Costello track that was both unique and also something his fans would understand. But the title track is something, when completed, I knew would be on Elvis Costello Compilations til the end of time.
- My favorite track is the title song. The callback to the North album is brilliant. (and made me audibly gasp when I heard the melody come up) How did this song come together?
-Wise Up Ghost started when, after we began work on the album, I realized I should explore some of Elvis's albums I wasn't an expert on, like North. Heard the intro to Can You Be True while driving from NY to Philly. Upon arriving in Philly at 2am or so, went straight to the studio to loop it. Had to continue the next day and was able to find a good way to loop it a certain way that made sense for a new song. Added some fx and sent it to Elvis. He immediately wrote those lyrics and then we recorded the vocals in Vancouver shortly thereafter. Drums, horns, bass, guitars all came later in NY and Philly. Theres 2 passes of drums, one in the left channel and one in the right. Both are live passes, in other words, not looped. In fact, besides the North loop, all the instruments are live full passes.
- Is there a second record on the horizon?
There is no 2nd EC & Roots on the horizon. But I hope to continue pairing up EC and Quest. Perhaps for an album of some sort.
- Was there any particular track that was hard to have come together?
The track that was hard to come together was the first one we worked on and ended up as a bonus track. Can You HEAR Me. We almost had Crosby & Nash doing the backgrounds but in the end it was Elvis and Kirk. They never sat right so in the mix stage I really had to buckle down and move them around so they would feel right. This was the track I worked on the longest I believe, partly because it's over 6 minutes. With lots of vocal parts and horn parts.The climactic ending alone took me a virtual lifetime to be "satisfied" with.
- Do you have a favorite track? One that when completed, you knew you had something special?
My favorite track is Grenade. Felt I had helped create a Costello track that was both unique and also something his fans would understand. But the title track is something, when completed, I knew would be on Elvis Costello Compilations til the end of time.
- My favorite track is the title song. The callback to the North album is brilliant. (and made me audibly gasp when I heard the melody come up) How did this song come together?
-Wise Up Ghost started when, after we began work on the album, I realized I should explore some of Elvis's albums I wasn't an expert on, like North. Heard the intro to Can You Be True while driving from NY to Philly. Upon arriving in Philly at 2am or so, went straight to the studio to loop it. Had to continue the next day and was able to find a good way to loop it a certain way that made sense for a new song. Added some fx and sent it to Elvis. He immediately wrote those lyrics and then we recorded the vocals in Vancouver shortly thereafter. Drums, horns, bass, guitars all came later in NY and Philly. Theres 2 passes of drums, one in the left channel and one in the right. Both are live passes, in other words, not looped. In fact, besides the North loop, all the instruments are live full passes.
- Is there a second record on the horizon?
There is no 2nd EC & Roots on the horizon. But I hope to continue pairing up EC and Quest. Perhaps for an album of some sort.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
The BEST of 2013 #2 and #1
The BEST of 2013 - #2-1
We finally have made it to the end of the countdown. In what has been a tremendous year in music, it comes down to the final two. The separation between number 1 and 2 is microscopic, to the point where I have flipped flopped them at least a dozen times. (By comparison, The Lonely Forest, while a tremendous record, was not even in consideration for top 2 status)
In case you missed any of the countdown here is:
#12-9
#8-5
#4-3
Without further delay, the final two….
Number 2
NIN – Hesitation Marks
In early 2009, Trent Reznor announced to the world that NIN was taking a break. There was no timetable given, not a lot of reason either, but in his eyes, it was time to shut it down for a while. So, following the tour in 2009, Trent put his energy and creativity into other projects. First, came the project with his wife entitled “How To Destroy Angels”. Also, Trent teamed up with Atticus Ross to record two BRILLIANT scores for David Fincher films, The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. (the former for which he received a Golden Globe and an Oscar) Just when you could start thinking, with all of this success, that NIN might be retired forever, Trent took a left turn and announced that the first Nine Inch Nails record in 5 years would be released in 2013. Expectations were of course, very high, and luckily for the listener, not only met, but leapt over in a free and easy swoop. Reznor has always been a master at mixing the electronic with the “raw” in music. Ahead of his time with the use of technology, while still allowing the sonic entities to remain pure. Hesitation Marks hits top speed from the get go, with the brilliant lead off track “Copy Of A”. One of Reznor’s unique abilities, it to write a lyric that may seem so simple at first listen, but gains more depth the more you hear it/think about it. The album continues at warp speed with “Came Back Haunted”, another gem. It closes out side 1 (for the vinyl consumers) with the beautiful “Find My Way”. In the space of three songs, the landscape is set, from pounding pulse to minimalist airiness. The rest of the album flows in the same vein, moving from up tempo to slower songs with ease. The time off from “the band” did nothing but fuel Trent to put out his best effort since The Fragile, one that in most years would top this list.
Key Tracks – Copy Of A, Came Back Haunted, Everything, Running, While I’m Still Here
Number 1
Elvis Costello and The Roots – Wise Up Ghost
Over the span of his 3+ decade career, Elvis Costello has become one of music’s ultimate chameleons. His collaborative efforts have included writing/recording with Sir Paul McCartney, (including the hits, “Veronica” for Elvis and “My Brave Face” for Paul) Allen Toussaint and Burt Bacharach to name a few. So, in hearing of this effort at the beginning of 2013, it was met by a slight head tilt and a “huh”. I have the ultimate respect for Questlove and the Roots as musicians, as they really have a wonderful way of adapting styles….but a record with Elvis? I was curious to hear the results, and anxiously anticipated the record. Within the first 30 seconds of hearing “Walk Us Uptown”, I was sold that this was going to be magical. 12 perfectly executed tracks, each one building on the previous, with Elvis’ voice in top form, and a backing band taking him wherever he needs to go.
There is a “part 2” to this capsule, a quick hit email interview with the producer of the record, Steven Mandel, that will be posted as an addendum, as he has been busy the past couple of days to get back to me. Be on the lookout!
Key Tracks – Wise Up Ghost, If I Could Believe, Walk Us Uptown, Come The Meantimes
We finally have made it to the end of the countdown. In what has been a tremendous year in music, it comes down to the final two. The separation between number 1 and 2 is microscopic, to the point where I have flipped flopped them at least a dozen times. (By comparison, The Lonely Forest, while a tremendous record, was not even in consideration for top 2 status)
In case you missed any of the countdown here is:
#12-9
#8-5
#4-3
Without further delay, the final two….
Number 2
NIN – Hesitation Marks
In early 2009, Trent Reznor announced to the world that NIN was taking a break. There was no timetable given, not a lot of reason either, but in his eyes, it was time to shut it down for a while. So, following the tour in 2009, Trent put his energy and creativity into other projects. First, came the project with his wife entitled “How To Destroy Angels”. Also, Trent teamed up with Atticus Ross to record two BRILLIANT scores for David Fincher films, The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. (the former for which he received a Golden Globe and an Oscar) Just when you could start thinking, with all of this success, that NIN might be retired forever, Trent took a left turn and announced that the first Nine Inch Nails record in 5 years would be released in 2013. Expectations were of course, very high, and luckily for the listener, not only met, but leapt over in a free and easy swoop. Reznor has always been a master at mixing the electronic with the “raw” in music. Ahead of his time with the use of technology, while still allowing the sonic entities to remain pure. Hesitation Marks hits top speed from the get go, with the brilliant lead off track “Copy Of A”. One of Reznor’s unique abilities, it to write a lyric that may seem so simple at first listen, but gains more depth the more you hear it/think about it. The album continues at warp speed with “Came Back Haunted”, another gem. It closes out side 1 (for the vinyl consumers) with the beautiful “Find My Way”. In the space of three songs, the landscape is set, from pounding pulse to minimalist airiness. The rest of the album flows in the same vein, moving from up tempo to slower songs with ease. The time off from “the band” did nothing but fuel Trent to put out his best effort since The Fragile, one that in most years would top this list.
Key Tracks – Copy Of A, Came Back Haunted, Everything, Running, While I’m Still Here
Number 1
Elvis Costello and The Roots – Wise Up Ghost
Over the span of his 3+ decade career, Elvis Costello has become one of music’s ultimate chameleons. His collaborative efforts have included writing/recording with Sir Paul McCartney, (including the hits, “Veronica” for Elvis and “My Brave Face” for Paul) Allen Toussaint and Burt Bacharach to name a few. So, in hearing of this effort at the beginning of 2013, it was met by a slight head tilt and a “huh”. I have the ultimate respect for Questlove and the Roots as musicians, as they really have a wonderful way of adapting styles….but a record with Elvis? I was curious to hear the results, and anxiously anticipated the record. Within the first 30 seconds of hearing “Walk Us Uptown”, I was sold that this was going to be magical. 12 perfectly executed tracks, each one building on the previous, with Elvis’ voice in top form, and a backing band taking him wherever he needs to go.
There is a “part 2” to this capsule, a quick hit email interview with the producer of the record, Steven Mandel, that will be posted as an addendum, as he has been busy the past couple of days to get back to me. Be on the lookout!
Key Tracks – Wise Up Ghost, If I Could Believe, Walk Us Uptown, Come The Meantimes
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