Another clip from the McCartney tribute at the White House, with Dave Grohl playing Band on the Run. Not an easy thing.
The impressive thing is the band. Who are those guys? Great stuff.
Author Archives: peter
Elvis Costello, Penny Lane
So, this was from a live tribute to Paul McCartney at the White House. It has the White House logo on it.
It’s new to me. And wildly spirited and emotional, partly because Costello’s mum’s connection, but also because Costello is full of fire. And so is the band, especially the horn player, who comes from the president’s own band.
This is good stuff.
Glen Campbell is Gone.
We knew this was coming. The Big A claimed him some years back and he had a dignified last stand.
But today, my first thought was Gentle on My Mind, which is I think the first time I ever knew his name.
My second thought was watching them shoot Rhinestone Cowboy, the movie, on Bank Street. By them I mean Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone.
My third thought was plumbing the depths of Campbell’s time in the Wrecking Crew and the Beach Boys.
But finally, really, this bit of corny soundtrack to a good movie he starred in and contributed the soundtrack is a testament to his giant talent and versatility and big hearted spirit. A little more country than rock ‘n’ roll, a little more mainstream than any of us would like, he cut a big swath across the culture. Good for him.
Nick Lowe and Ry Cooder in 2009: Fool Who Knows
Ry’s son Joaquin is playing drum. It’s simple, but soulful. I love these guys, for this reason.
Nick Lowe on Elvis Costello’s TV Show
Here’s a clip from something I’m amazed by. Elvis Costello hosted a TV show for a couple of years, and it is really good.
Nick Lowe shows up and sings his song the Beast in Me, which is pretty powerful. But the conversation matters, too. Like, what does it cost (or gain) a bass player to sing lead? Here’s an answer.
Replay: Avalanches
I posted this song by Avalanches last year. It’s got a weird post-modern vibe, and at the same time is sweet as shit.
I’m posting again in case you missed it. Or didn’t realize it.
Nick Lowe, I Knew The Bride (When She Used to Rock ‘n’ Roll)
I’m starting to think first impressions matter more than anything else. This song is a crowd pleaser, a classic to some, and irreplaceable. Call it essential, and enjoy.
Never Too Old To Rock ‘n’ Roll
The Ramones asked them to sell t-shirts at CBGB because they were always there. The Mekons Jon Langford created a comic strip in Spin about them. She broke her leg in the 90s after being knocked to the floor in the mosh pit at an Oasis show. They say their bodies have aged, but they have not. They flew to Manchester England (England) five times last year to see shows and visit with their friends.
News got you down? This is inspiring.
This is the song Happy Mondays wrote about them. I was never a Happy Mondays fan.
Alice Cooper Connoisseur
Good story about Alice Cooper, fame hound, meeting Andy Warhol, fame hound, and buying one of Warhol’s Little Electric Chair silk screens.
Fast Forward 50 years and Alice discovers a multi-million dollar work of art in a tube, never having been displayed after he bought it for $2500.
Today Alice says it makes sense that he bought it, even though he doesn’t remember it, because he was in a fog of drink and drugs. Shep Gordon says it totally made sense for him to buy it, because his girlfriend liked it, the electric chair and all. And what a happy ending!
Rock Roots: Everyday, Buddy Holly
I don’t think there is any more minimal version of the roots of rock out there. Beautiful and abstract. The reason we don’t only listen to boogie.