Two Quick Things

First, RIP Donald “Duck” Dunn (1941-2012). Bass player for Booker T. and the MGs, Dunn was in the house band for Stax Records, laying down the fat and groovy bass lines for Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and many others. Southern soul was anchored by the bass of Dunn. Booker T. and MGs also had some funky hits of their own, notably “Green Onions.” Dunn played bass as a session player on a staggering number of albums, for artists like Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Freddie King, Neil Young, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan…the list goes on and on and on. He was also in the Blues Brothers band and movie. I got to see him play at a great show when Neil Young toured in the 90’s with Booker T. and MGs as his band. RIP Donald “Duck” Dunn.

Speaking of Neil, I am quite excited about his new record coming out next month. Entitled Americana, it is comprised of traditional folk and protest songs. I know, we’ve heard this before, but not this way. Usually, artists like Springsteen, Mellencamp and others try to approach these songs with a certain reverence, often doing them acoustically, approximating their original format. Not Neil. He is running these tunes through the ragged glory garage of Crazy Horse. I’ve heard the lead-off track, “Oh Susannah,” and it is so great. Neil recasts the old folk tune as a rumbling, ramshackle Crazy Horse anthem. That is what I admire. Don’t just cover something, if you are going to cover folk or blues tunes, take them somewhere new. Can’t wait for this album. Crazy Horse steamrolling through the Americana folk canon.


ABOVE: Watch this creepy video for Neil Young & Crazy Horses's "Oh Susannah." I hope the whole album is this good.