Thursday, 18 February 2021

…and now for something completely different! 1233 - 2021

We have a first entry each day that is a picture or a video, and only in that entry you can place your music links and requests (NO ALBUMS RELEASED IN 2019 AND AFTER, AND A DAILY LIMIT OF 3 ALBUMS)! Please keep your language polite and respectful. All the rest official posts will only allow comments related to the official posts and such. That way it will keep things much more organized and tidy. Enjoy! RYP and Gyro1966

44 comments:

Jean-Jacques Mura said...

@josekortozirkuito

Thanks for the volumes of Mindblowers.

BigGray said...

Australian [and some New Zealand] Bands - The 80s

INXS

Part 8 of 8

2005-Switch
https://www.imagenetz.de/iZ6NQ

Pretty Vegas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8SSDvDI5yg

01 - Devil's Party - INXS
02 - Pretty Vegas - INXS
03 - Afterglow - INXS
04 - Hot Girls - INXS
05 - Perfect Strangers - INXS
06 - Remember Who's Your Man - INXS
07 - Hungry - INXS
08 - Never Let You Go - INXS
09 - Like It Or Not - INXS
10 - Us - INXS
11 - God's Top Ten - INXS

2010-The Remixes: 1982-1988
https://www.imagenetz.de/aXegA

01 - The One Thing (Extended Mix) - INXS
02 - To Look At You (Extended Version) - INXS
03 - I Send A Message (Remix) - INXS
04 - Burn For You (12' Extended Remix) - INXS
05 - What You Need (Extended Remix) - INXS
06 - Listen Like Thieves (Extended Remix) - INXS
07 - Different World (12' Mix) - INXS
08 - Need You Tonight (Mendelson Mix) - INXS
09 - Devil Inside (12' Version) - INXS
10 - New Sensation (Extended Remix) - INXS
11 - Guns In The Sky (Kick Ass Mix) - INXS
12 - Need You Tonight (Ben Liebrand Mix) - INXS




2019-Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA 15th November 1995
2019-Mystify: A Musical Journey With Michael Hutchence
2020-The Year of Living Dangerously - The 1988 San Diego Broadcast

will be posted at the appropriate time.

BigGray said...

Australian [and some New Zealand] Bands - The 80s

Joanne Jackson

A native of Newton, Ohio, Joanne Jackson had a long and successful career as a singer and songwriter, and is a member of both the Ohio Jazz Hall of Fame and the Ohio Blues Hall of Fame. She performed in North America and Europe, including stints in musical theatre ("Porgy and Bess"). Despite her continued success, she recorded only one album under her own name, for Australia's ABC. The album, "A Woman Of Substance", was recorded in Sydney in 1989 with some of Australia's best jazz/session musicians.
https://www.discogs.com/artist/896511-Joanne-Jackson

Ohio Blues Hall of Fame Induction
https://cibs.org/events-programs/iowa-blues-hall-of-fame/joanne-jackson/

-------------------------------------

After recording the song "Grandma's Hands" for the ABC For Kids album "Z-z-zero" [posted here recently], ABC Records asked visiting American jazz / R&B / opera singer Joanne Jackson to record an album.

Sorry, there are no Youtube uploads of this album. All I can do is assure you that as a singer, she is exactly what you would expect of a member of the Ohio Blues Hall Of Fame, and is backed by a stellar band.
The list of players is here - https://www.discogs.com/Joanne-Jackson-A-Woman-Of-Substance/release/10220043

This is my rip of my CD.

--------------------------------------

1989-A Woman Of Substance
https://www.imagenetz.de/gHHJh


01 - Hallelujah, I Love Him So - Joanne Jackson
02 - Neither One Of Us - Joanne Jackson
03 - Grandma's Hands - Joanne Jackson
04 - Wind Beneath My Wings - Joanne Jackson
05 - Reverend Lee - Joanne Jackson
06 - I'm a WOMAN - Joanne Jackson
07 - God Bless The Child - Joanne Jackson
08 - Superstar - Joanne Jackson
09 - Forever Young - Joanne Jackson

Searnav said...

This was requested in yesterday's comments:


Gayle McCormick – Gayle McCormick

Dunhill / ABC DS-50109 (USA 1971)

Gayle McCormick is the former lead singer the group Smith, whose version of “The Weight” appears on the original soundtrack LP of Peter Fonda’s ”Easy Rider” movie.

1. It's A Cryin' Shame (2:51)
2. Superstar (2:51)
3. C'est La Vie (2:51)
4. Natural Woman (3:29)
5. You Really Got A Hold On Me (3:01)
6. Rescue Me (2:30)
7. If Only You Believe (2:47)
8. Save Me (3:03)
9. Everything Has Got to be Free (2:39)
10. Gonna Be Alright Now (2:48)

Artwork Included (gatefold cover front, back, inside, inner sleeve, labels, sheet) (from Discogs)

https://www114.zippyshare.com/v/kUHkidPn/file.html

Searnav said...


Another request fullfilled:

Cherokee - Cherokee

ABC Label (ABCS-719) (1971)

David Donaldson (Dee Robb) – Guitar, Harmonica
George Donaldson (Joe Robb) – Guitar, Tenor Sax
Robert Donaldson (Bruce Robb) – Keyboards
Craig Kampf (Craig Robb) – Drums, Percussion, Accordion
Tom La Ronde – Piano, Trumpet, Percussion
Chris Hillman – Bass, Mandolin
Sneky Pete Kleinow – Pedal Steel Guitar

Note : This band was previously known as The Robbs. To my knowledge, this rare LP and the even rarer single were never released on CD.

1. Rosianna (2:28)
2. Something To Believe In (2:51)
3. Funky Business (2:40)
4. Lady On My Mind (2:25)
5. It Doesn't Matter Anymore (2:43)
6. Strange Ways (3:22)
7. All The Way Home (2:41)
8. Changin' Winds (2:59)
9. Chattanooga (2:52)
10. Feel Us Love (2:52)
11. Catch The Velvet Evening (3:19)

Bonus Track From Single (not on the LP):

12. Girl I've Got News For You (2:36)

Vinyl Rip - Artwork Included (front, back, labels, single labels, promo single label)

https://www110.zippyshare.com/v/UzW9ty16/file.html

Searnav said...


Johnny Rivers And His L.A. Boogie Band – Last Boogie In Paris

Recorded Live At The Olympia Theatre, Paris (France) On May 23, 1973

Atlantic 50.033 (France 1974)

Johnny Rivers (rhythm guitar, lead vocals)
Jim Gordon (drums)
Dean Parks (lead guitar)
Jack Conrad (bass guitar)
Jim Horn (tenor saxophone)
Chuck Findley (trumpet, flugel)
Michael Melvoin (piano, organ)
Herb Pedersen (acoustic guitar, harmony vocals)

Produced by Johnny Rivers

On the back cover, the names of Herb Pedersen and Michael Melvoin were erroneously switched under the pictures.

1. Sea Cruise (2:38)
2. Over The Line (4:00)
3. Barefootin' (3:31)
4. Summer Rain (3:54)
5. Long Tall Sally (3:24)
6. Walkin' Blues (5:13)
7. Rock Me A Little While (4:13)
8. John Lee Hooker (10:33)

Vinyl Rip – Artwork Included (front, back, inner, labels)

https://www119.zippyshare.com/v/gLHnK501/file.html

Andyrock66 said...

Hello amigos!
I need a really big help!
I'm searching for the artwork of
The Grateful Dead - Dick's Picks vol. 18 (2000)
It's very important for me! My little nephew damaged it unconsciously and it's irrecoverable!!!
Pleade help me my friends!! Discogs not have!!!
Thank you very much in advance!!1 I would really appreciate!!!

Chocoreve said...

Reina del Cid & the Cidizens - Blueprints, Plans (2012) Minnesota Indie-Folk
https://www.discogs.com/fr/Reina-Del-Cid-The-Cidizens-Blueprints-Plans/release/7173214
http://www.mediafire.com/file/5chhmawl4aqtwc0/Reians.7z/file

Dave Bartholomew - The Monkey (1985 Comp - 1949-1957 Tracks)
https://www.discogs.com/fr/Dave-Bartholomew-The-Monkey/release/4369416
http://www.mediafire.com/file/flh747pa7tddna4/Davkey.7z/file

Milestones of Legends - Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans, Vol. 02/10 Louis Armstrong
• 01 St Louis Blues.mp3
• 02 Yellow Dog Blues.mp3
• 03 Loveless Love.mp3
• 04 Aunt Hagar's Blues.mp3
• 05 Long Gone (From The Bowlin' Green).mp3
• 06 The Memphis Blues (Or Mister Crump).mp3
• 07 Beale Street Blues.mp3
• 08 Ole Miss Blues.mp3
• 09 Chantez Les Bas (Sing 'em Low).mp3
• 10 Hesitating Blues.mp3
• 11 Atlanta Blues (Make Me One Pallet On Your Floor).mp3
http://www.mediafire.com/file/aadtb1n06l1iesw/Mil02.7z/file

Anonymous said...

MZ wrote:

@ Chocoreve - thanks for Reina del Cid albums. Her lockdown concerts are collected here:
https://albumsthatshouldexist.blogspot.com/search/label/Reina%20del%20Cid%20%26%20Toni%20Lindgren

la musica e vita said...

Seanav said,

Monty, thanks for the McGuinness-Flint, but the Lo And Behold is actually credited to McGuinness, Flint, Coulson and Dean (it's a Dylan tribute LP).

I was going to point that out so thank you.
But to say, 'It's a Dylan Tribute LP is like saying 'the Mona Lisa is a painting'
Its mostly a Basement Tapes tribute and sits in my collection between Music from Big Pink and Safe as Milk. Its that good. Wouldn't surprise me if McGuniness was responsible for Manfred Mann covering Quinn the Eskimo'
Coulson, Dean, McGuinnes, Flint - Lo And Behold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_iE_RqiljQ

BigGrey thanks for JoAnne Jackson

Seanav thanks for Johnny Rivers and Gayle McCormick.

Anonymous said...

gorfit says:

Charly Antolini
http://www.charly-antolini.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charly_Antolini
https://www.discogs.com/artist/59280-Charly-Antolini
https://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Charly_Antolini.html

Charly Antolini, Dick Morrissey - 1990 - Charly Antolini Meets Dick Morrissey @192
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charly_Antolini_Meets_Dick_Morrissey

Elsie Bianchi - 2004 - Atlantis Blues @320
https://www.discogs.com/Elsie-Bianchi-Trio-Atlantis-Blues/release/5414367

Gerry Hayes & Charly Antolini - 1996 - Swing Explosion @320
https://www.discogs.com/Charly-Antolini-Gerry-Hayes-Swing-Explosion/release/8246770

http://www.mediafire.com/file/rk7le0vo5pqujbx/chaant9.rar/file

Thanks to the original uploader

JWDen said...

Good morning, TZ! Today's Camel Rock and Roll Dance Party brings you Gloria Mann, The Jayhawks (no, not the indie band), and the Three Chuckles. We also have more Mitch Ryder and some early Wayne Newton. Enjoy?

==--==--==

Various Artists - Camel Rock and Roll Dance Party (7/31/56) https://www24.zippyshare.com/v/IYo3Bfg5/file.html

Mitch Ryder - Sock It To Me (1967) https://www116.zippyshare.com/v/0EsvoIJc/file.html

Wayne Newton - Danke Schoen (1963) https://www15.zippyshare.com/v/ZJgwxhx5/file.html

moose327 said...

Hi Guys

Here are today's Rough Guides.

The Rough Guide To Boogalo Vol.1 (RGNET 1097)
http://www.mediafire.com/file/nthb6js0w6lm8jp/RGB1.rar/file

The Rough Guide To Boogalo Vol.2 (RGNET 1097)
http://www.mediafire.com/file/l5k2xab916f5ol1/RGB2.rar/file

The Rough Guide To Boogalo Vol.3 (RGNET 1097)
http://www.mediafire.com/file/hhz32dvhh2ci7in/RGB3.rar/file

Moose

EasilyConfused said...

THE BYRDS - FULL CIRCLE: SELECTED TRACKS 1969-90

https://workupload.com/file/EA3rk9Z5e3S

The classic Byrds line-up was McGuinn, Crosby, Hillman, Clarke and Clarke, from their early Preflyte recordings to 1968's Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, stretching a point to allow for Gene Clark's departure after Fifth Dimension and Michael Clarke's replacement on drums after The Notorious Byrd Brothers.

For fans of this band's recordings, everything after Sweetheart Of The Rodeo is frankly a bit of a wasteland, with the exception of The Ballad Of Easy Rider. This even applies to the subsequent 1973 reunion album and the 1990 Nashville sessions, featuring the original members, neither of which was particularly successful.

Of the 13 songs I have selected for this compilation of later tracks, 3 are from the reunions and 6 are from The Ballad Of Easy Rider, the remaining albums yielding only 4 acceptable (to me) tracks between them.

The good news is that they all go together well, making a good quality, coherent album which stands up alongside the band's classic output.

01 Oil In My Lamp
02 Bad Night At The Whiskey
03 Jamaica Say You Will
04 All The Things
05 Gunga Din
06 Love That Never Dies
07 Ballad Of Easy Rider
08 I Trust
09 Tulsa County
10 (See The Sky) About To Rain
11 Full Circle
12 Jesus Is Just Alright
13 It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

A FLAC version is also available on my links page, here:

https://www.traff.co/NqA0xaF3

There is also a compilation of early Byrds tracks, and lots of other good things.

DooWopDaddyO said...



Darrel Higham - Believe What You Hear, A Tribute To Ricky Nelson (Foot Tapping Records FT 183 - 2018)
https://www57.zippyshare.com/v/UexE0FLY/file.html


There Is A Thin Red Line Between Doowop & Soul (Presto #3001)
https://www90.zippyshare.com/v/dwavkpBl/file.html


The Infernos - Too Hot To Handle (Bundoora Records BRA 007)
https://www25.zippyshare.com/v/TsPKnQlF/file.html



montysmusic said...


Road-Road[1972] flac[Heavy Psychedelia]

http://www.mediafire.com/file/vwu6lw4k9422b79/oad-Rd%255B1972%255D_flac%255BHeavy_Psychedelia%255D.zip/file

1968 - Fat Mattress-ST

http://www.mediafire.com/file/izyfexp8ymsyx2t/1968_-_Fatattress.zip/file


1970 - Fat Mattress II

http://www.mediafire.com/file/twjnmab1fsivmaf/1970_-_Faattress_II.zip/file

——————————————————————

The Road album is a superb album.The band only made this one album
—————————————————————
Fat Mattress was formed in late 1968 by Noel Redding with vocalist Neil Landon, bass guitarist Jim Leverton and drummer Eric Dillon. Redding (from Folkestone) and Leverton (from Dover) had been involved in the flourishing early 1960s group scene in South East Kent which also included Landon (who hailed originally from Kirdford, Sussex). Dillon (from Swindon, Wiltshire) was brought in by Leverton who had met him while playing in Engelbert Humperdinck's backing band. The band was formed while Redding was a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, with a view to enabling Redding to both play guitar and sing lead, as well as to record original material. While he had done all three things with the Experience, they were restricted to rare occasions.[2] Martin Barre was briefly a member of the band, but soon left to replace Mick Abrahams in Jethro Tull.[wiki]

Professor RnR said...

Billboard 1961 Part 41 (updated & remastered)
1. Ray Price And The Cherokee Cowboys - Soft Rain (S) (2:46)
2. Ray Price And The Cherokee Cowboys - Soft Rain (2:46)
3. Ray Price And The Cherokee Cowboys - Here We Are Again (S) (2:44)
4. Ray Price And The Cherokee Cowboys - Here We Are Again (2:44)
5. Shep & The Limelites - Three Steps From The Altar (S) (2:20)
6. Shep & The Limelites - Three Steps From The Altar (2:20)
7. Shep & The Limelites - Oh What A Feeling (2:57)
8. The Shirelles - Big John (S) (2:20)
9. The Shirelles - Twenty One (S) (2:00)
10. The Castells - Make Believe Wedding (S) (2:21)
11. The Castells - Make Believe Wedding (2:21)
12. The Castells - My Miracle (2:29)
13. The Flamingos - Lovers Never Say Goodbye (2:53)
14. The Flamingos - That Love Is You (2:34)
15. Aretha Franklin - Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody (S) (2:24)
16. Aretha Franklin - Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody (2:24)
17. Aretha Franklin - Operation Heartbreak (S) (2:53)
18. Aretha Franklin - Operation Heartbreak (2:53)
19. Jerry Fuller - Guilty Of Loving You (2:13)
20. Jerry Fuller - First Love Never Dies (S) (2:21)
21. Jerry Fuller - First Love Never Dies (2:22)
22. Jan & Dean - Wanted, One Girl (2:35)
23. Jan & Dean - Something A Little Bit Different (2:27)
24. Ben E. King - Young Boy Blues (2:18)
25. Ben E. King - Here Comes The Night (2:26)
26. Hank Levine - Image Pt 1 (2:23)
27. Hank Levine - Image Pt 2 (2:04)
28. Henry Mancini & His Orchestra - Moon River (2:44)
29. Henry Mancini & His Orchestra - Breakfast At Tiffany's (2:47)
30. The Marcels - Heartaches (2:33)
31. The Marcels - My Love For You (S) (2:11)
32. The Marcels - My Love for You (2:06)
33. The Mar-Keys - Morning After (2:13)
34. The Mar-Keys - Diana (1:57)
35. The Parkays - Late Date (2:20)
36. The Parkays - Get It (2:31)
37. Bobby Rydell - I Wanna Thank You (2:27)
38. Bobby Rydell - The Door To Paradise (2:45)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gzkia2FwXS8W1EYzkN-b4p5mstP_Zajg
pass: Part 61.41

Anonymous said...

@BigGray
Thanks for INXS!
I was doing some catch up and noticed.
In Part 6 of 8 1999-The Years 1979 - 1997
Tracks 27,31,32,33,39,40 and 41 appear to be missing.
Thanks

sambgodot said...

A note to all CCR completists (Nerds like me) - if you haven't already seen/heard them - at last on youtube the legendary lost 3rd 45 by Tommy Fogerty & the Blue Velvets (or in this case Violets)
Yes You Did https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orXS0NtBHOY
Now You're Not Mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL4WGqxOljU

skipmooose said...


Att: Jose'...Thank You for the continuation of "Mind Blowers"...SkipmOOOse :)

Anonymous said...

Gaius said:

@McKendree Spring - Finished (all what I have, others are welcome)
Look here:
https://www.discogs.com/artist/788005-McKendree-Spring
The original albums, incl. 'Get me to the Country' had been posted, the albums from 'Too young to feel this old' until the end are missing.

McKendree Spring (USA) - Spring Suite, 1973
https://www.imagenetz.de/AuSWF

McKendree Spring - Tracks, 1972
https://www.imagenetz.de/jsWtZ


winston smith said...

Seanav Thank You So Much For The Gayle McCormick

Los Dicker Tanz said...



Various – Crooklyn Dub Consortium. Certified Dope, Vol. 2

https://www36.zippyshare.com/v/tJ1qG09m/file.html

dado said...

Hello Happy TZ's Music Lovers,
In memory of Françoise Cactus [real name: Françoise van Hove] died February 17th, 2021 in Berlin.
"My Melody" by Stereo Total [1999, 320 kbps, 105.52 Mo]
https://www.imagenetz.de/SsLuY
"Lolitas" by Lolitas [1986, 320 kbps, 83.93 Mo]
https://www.imagenetz.de/gxF89
"Séries Américaines" by Lolitas [1987, 320 kbps, 77.13 Mo]
https://www.imagenetz.de/EH3Ny
Rest in peace, dear Françoise
Long life TZ

Mooner42 said...

@Andyrock66
GD Dicks Pick 18 Feb 3 1978

https://we.tl/t-FlNnoNAErU

Shiloh said...

@ DooWopDaddyO

The line gets thicker the more you listen to the genres :)

oh btw...have any "golden era of doo wop" (relic) cd's?

or, "best of the Blue Jays"?

thefunk said...

Start the weekend early friends ...

Soul Sugar - Chase The Light, Excursions in Soul, Reggae, Funk & Dub (2017 Gee Recordings)

http://www.mediafire.com/file/qyk2kmrnk4cwas0/SS.rar/file


Various - Cult Cargo, Grand Bahama Goombay (2007 Numero Group)

http://www.mediafire.com/file/fucciupundfbp6u/CC.rar/file


Various - Super Breaks presents Stax Breaks (2002 Stax)

http://www.mediafire.com/file/mk7g1me4gacejlx/SB.rar/file

Susan Donimus said...

@DooWopDaddyO - And for some people there's a thin line between doo and wop.

Mike said...

Re Dutch group, The Cats

Does anyone know if there are any instrumental collections of music as recorded by The Cats?
For instance, Demis Russos songs were recorded by Paul Muriat and others.

Thanks & Cheers,
Mike M

Anonymous said...

Pep
I Am Looking For The Following
@320 The BoDeans - 1987 - Outside Looking In
Thanks In Advance

JohnJackson said...

@thefunk

Thanks for Stax Breaks!

Hermann said...

merci dado !

Anonymous said...

Gaius said:

@Ariel + Alejandro Escovedo

As promised:

Alejandro Escovedo (USA) - Big Station, 2012
https://krakenfiles.com/view/c2b4ede320/file.html
(sorry, I'm always late)

Timmy said...

Hey, "Anonymous (Andyrock66)" -- Here are scans from the accompanying booklet of Dick's Picks V.18:
https://we.tl/t-nTn9ggY3BZ

BigGray said...

INXS missing songs

@ Anonymous, 18 February 2021 at 13:45

At least someone here is on the ball. When I posted it, I only noticed that CD 2 looked awfully short.
As I stopped renumbering tracks about 15 years ago (when I discovered what the "album" field in id3 tags did), I know this is not my rip and is as I downloaded it.

The missing tracks are

27 Shining Star - from "Live Baby Live"
31 Beautiful Girl - from "Welcome To Wherever You Are"
32 Not Enough Time - from "Welcome To Wherever You Are"
33 The Gift - from "Full Moon, Dirty Hearts"

39 Searching (Leadstation Radio Mix) - unreleased single from "Elegantly Wasted"
40 Salvation Jane - "X" outtake
41 Tight - "Welcome To Wherever You Are" outtake

The missing seven songs are here
https://www.imagenetz.de/ixJ4d

Humblest apologies,

G.

Alwaysfaithful said...

Many thanks to sambgodot for the Lovett. Twightzone fan base is incredible!!!Thanks again sambgodot.

Anonymous said...

Gaius said:

@Pep + The BoDeans

I can do them tomorrow

Dennis said...

Dave Alvin
The Great American Music Galaxy 2005

https://www13.zippyshare.com/v/V5RwmNd0/file.html

1 All Night Worker
2 So Long Baby Goodbye
3 Sinful Daughter
4 Abilene
5 Out of Control
6 Dry River
7 Trouble Bound
8 Somewhere In Time
9 Ashgrove
10 East Virginia Blues
11 Mary Brown
12 Out In California
13Marie Marie

Dennis said...

Dave Alvin
West of the West 2006

https://www13.zippyshare.com/v/Er7YTQhv/file.html

01 - California Bloodlines
02 - Redneck Friend
03 - Kern River
04 - Blind Love
05 - Here In California
06 - I'm Bewildered
07 - Sonora's Death Row
08 - Down On The Riverbed
09 - Between The Cracks
10 - Don't Look Now
11 - Tramps And Hawkers
12 - Loser
13 - Surfer Girl

Dave Alvin is a California born-and-bred songwriter who has built a career out of creating tunes which brilliantly reflect the cultural melting pot of his home state as he fuses blues, rockabilly, folk, country, jazz and R&B influences with the passion of an archivist and the fire of a born rock & roller. Alvin is a better songwriter and guitarist than a singer, but he's opted to play the role of interpreter on his 2006 album West of the West, in which he pays homage to a dozen other tunesmiths from the Golden State while tossing in one of his own compositions for good measure. Beyond the fact they're all the same state, one might wonder just what it is that Tom Waits, John Fogerty, and Brian Wilson (among others) are supposed to have in common, though in their own way each writer here offers a thumbnail sketch of one side of California. Merle Haggard's "Kern River" is a compassionate but tough-as-nails memoir of life in the West Coast labor camps, Jackson Browne's "Redneck Friend" is a witty portrait of the decadence and ennui of El Lay in the '70s, Wilson's "Surfer Girl" is a man-child's daydream of the beach as a place where summer vacation never ends and true love is always rewarded, and the contributions from Fogerty, Kate Wolf, and Los Lobos all examine the stakes of life at the bottom of the ladder in a culture built on dreams. Thematically this is heady stuff, but Alvin has the sense not to force the issues too hard and he goes for a tough but easygoing blues groove on most of these 13 cuts, wringing an understated passion out of even the least likely material. While in many respects Alvin is still best described as a songwriter who sings, he knows how to tell a story, and he's picked some great ones for this album. Alvin understands the drama of "Sonora's Death Row" just as well as the yearning of "Surfer Girl," and his performances are absorbing from front to back. It's hard not to wish Alvin had a whole album of new songs to offer (his "Between the Cracks" stands tall among some very distinguished company here), but West of the West finds him honoring a stellar pantheon of California songwriters while showing that he can stand side by side with them on a good day.

Dennis said...

Dave Alvin
Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women 2009

https://www13.zippyshare.com/v/hEHv3xVw/file.html

1 Marie Marie
2 California's Burning
3 Downey Girl
4 Weight Of The World
5 Anyway
6 Boss Of The Blues
7 Potter's Field
8 River Under The Road
9 These Times We're Living In
10 Nana And Jimi
11 Don't Make Promises
12 Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)

Life put Dave Alvin though some pretty serious changes in 2008 when his close friend, bandmate, and frequent collaborator Chris Gaffney succumbed to liver cancer in the spring. Alvin responded by making a change of his own -- for a show at San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in the fall of 2008, Alvin wanted to try something new and asked Cindy Cashdollar, a gifted slide guitarist and good friend, to put together an acoustic band to back him for the show. Cashdollar assembled a killer all-female quintet, and Alvin was jazzed enough with the results to promptly take the band into the studio. A big part of the energy of Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women comes from the musicians, and while some might think Alvin might be aiming for novelty factor by recording with five women, one listen will wipe those thoughts from your mind. Cashdollar and guitarist Nina Gerber are superb pickers who lead this band with style and a tight focus, Laurie Lewis brings a lovely high lonesome feel and honky tonk bounce to these tunes with her fiddle and mandolin, and bassist Sarah Brown and percussionist Lisa Pankratz are a great, firmly supportive rhythm section. As for Alvin, this album finds him in a contemplative mood; many of the songs clearly hearken back to his past, such as "Boss of the Blues" (which recounts some of his adventures with Big Joe Turner), "Nana and Jimi" (in which Dave's mom drops her 12-year-old son off at a Jimi Hendrix concert) and "Downey Girl" (a meditation on fellow hometown girl Karen Carpenter). Alvin's voice is a surprisingly soft, measured croon compared to much of his earlier work, but there's a passion and emotional force in his performance that brings a world of experience and sorrow to these songs. Alvin is also generous enough to share lead vocals with Amy Farris and Christy McWilson on several tunes, and they bring their own distinct gifts to the album without disturbing its mood. And while the closing cover of "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" may seem like some sort of joke, the boogie-woogie rhythm the band lays in behind the song gives it a welcome jolt and Alvin, Farris, and McWilson find something almost Zen like in the song's contemplation of the cycle of life. Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women is an album that often comes out of pain, but it also speaks of joy, perseverance, and the acceptance of the mysteries of life, and Dave's collaborators make this little miracle come to life as much as he does. It's something they can all point to with pride.

ralph11 said...

@ MZ

Can't thank you enough for the link. Reina del Cid is wonderful. What music!!!

Anonymous said...

@Gaius:
Thanks so much for the McKendree Spring!
(There's something about great records one hasn't heard in about 25 years...)

pierrezartiste

zipper said...

Thanks EasilyConfused for The Byrds.

ELtel said...

@ thefunk, thanks for the Stax.
cheers,ELtel