Title: "Overkill"
Artist: Men At Work
Album: Cargo, 1983
Written By: Colin Hay
Longtime friends and associates know of my obsession with Men at Work. No surprise that they would have a tune on this list somewhere. "Down Under" may be a little more famous and more fun, but "Overkill" is the better song. Colin Hay is my favorite rock vocalist, and this song really shows the guy's amazing range, which has remained, for the most part, intact. And lets not overlook the other members of the band. Greg Ham's (RIP, earlier this year) saxes are front and center, and Ron Strykert is a fantastic, melodic, underappreciated guitarist. Colin Hay tours both with a band and solo acoustic these days, and I would suggest catching him if you can. Not only is the music outstanding, but he is very engaging and a funny storyteller when onstage. I saw him in a small club in Austin awhile back, and he could not have been a cooler guy. He hung out after the show, signed autographs, shook hands and told stories. What a great dude.
Bonus clip: Here is the famous episode of "Scrubs" where Colin shows up and plays "Overkill" solo acoustic. It has been edited together from the episode so the song plays all the way through. Very funny.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Song #7
Title: "Wild West End" (live)
Artist: Dire Straits
Album: Live version available on bootlegs of the August 17, 1985 show in Houston, Texas. Original studio version from Dire Straits, 1978.
Written By: Mark Knopfler
This is a rather unique pick for my list, because this version was never officially released, although it is widely available on a popular bootleg. It was bootlegged so much because the show was broadcast nationally on the radio, so lots of tapes were made. Unlike my previous pick, where the studio version could have stood in at the same spot for the live version I officially picked, that is not so in this case. While I do love the studio version of this song, the live version that I picked takes it to an entirely different level. Is it within the rules for me to pick a bootleg for my list? Sure, I don't see why not. These are the 24 songs, regardless of format or availability.
I've discussed this particular song before, but a refresher. I was present at the creation of this version you can listen to below, as it is from the first concert that I ever attended. Summer night in Houston at the no longer existing Southern Star Amphitheater behind the no longer existing Astroworld. Perfect night, with the amusement park as the backdrop. You can hear the whole show (and many, many other legendary shows from many different artists at the website Wolfgang's Vault. May I also suggest the '78 Springsteen show that will absolutely knock your socks off.)
The track is a beautiful, fairly faithful rendition of the original (with Knopfler playing his national steel guitar) until about 6:25 in where one of the most gorgeous guitar solos ever blows the doors down. Mark Knopfler is my favorite guitarist, but this solo is actually played by the second Dire Straits guitarist at the time, Jack Sonni. Knopfler gave Sonni a solo or two per night on the Brothers in Arms tour, and the dude certainly made the most of this one! It is not particularly complicated or technically challenging, but it is just so right and soars to great heights. What a great first concert, eh?
BELOW: Here is the version that makes #7 on my list, available at Wolfgang's Vault:
Artist: Dire Straits
Album: Live version available on bootlegs of the August 17, 1985 show in Houston, Texas. Original studio version from Dire Straits, 1978.
Written By: Mark Knopfler
This is a rather unique pick for my list, because this version was never officially released, although it is widely available on a popular bootleg. It was bootlegged so much because the show was broadcast nationally on the radio, so lots of tapes were made. Unlike my previous pick, where the studio version could have stood in at the same spot for the live version I officially picked, that is not so in this case. While I do love the studio version of this song, the live version that I picked takes it to an entirely different level. Is it within the rules for me to pick a bootleg for my list? Sure, I don't see why not. These are the 24 songs, regardless of format or availability.
I've discussed this particular song before, but a refresher. I was present at the creation of this version you can listen to below, as it is from the first concert that I ever attended. Summer night in Houston at the no longer existing Southern Star Amphitheater behind the no longer existing Astroworld. Perfect night, with the amusement park as the backdrop. You can hear the whole show (and many, many other legendary shows from many different artists at the website Wolfgang's Vault. May I also suggest the '78 Springsteen show that will absolutely knock your socks off.)
The track is a beautiful, fairly faithful rendition of the original (with Knopfler playing his national steel guitar) until about 6:25 in where one of the most gorgeous guitar solos ever blows the doors down. Mark Knopfler is my favorite guitarist, but this solo is actually played by the second Dire Straits guitarist at the time, Jack Sonni. Knopfler gave Sonni a solo or two per night on the Brothers in Arms tour, and the dude certainly made the most of this one! It is not particularly complicated or technically challenging, but it is just so right and soars to great heights. What a great first concert, eh?
BELOW: Here is the version that makes #7 on my list, available at Wolfgang's Vault:
Listen to more Dire Straits at Wolfgang's Vault.
BELOW: Bonus clip. Here's the original studio version, which is a gorgeous song on its own.Saturday, July 28, 2012
It Happens To the Best of Us
Taking a quick break from my list, check this out. I heard this a long time ago and it is so funny and contagious. I just found it on YouTube, so I figured I'd post. It is sort of famous, so some of you might have come across it already. Elvis is singing "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" in Vegas, and twists a line around to make a joke (showing how bored he was with the whole thing), and then cannot stop laughing. Things start falling apart about 45 seconds in. Notice the background singer keeps going. I love at 1:56 where Elvis goes, "sing it, baby." Anyway, it is pretty damn funny. (Ignore the visuals).
Song #8
Title: "With Or Without You" (live)
Artist: U2
Album: The version that I pick for this list is the one from the film 'Rattle and Hum,' although it does not appear on the album that accompanied the film. I've been able to get great bootlegs of all of the songs from the film, so I generally turn to this live version as my favorite. The original studio version would also appear about here on the list if this live version didn't exist, anyway. I just think the live version has just a bit more punch to it. The original song appeared on The Joshua Tree, 1987.
Written By: U2
If my last pick was a bit obscure, this pick definitely steers us back to the mainstream. Every once in awhile, the ignorant masses get it right. I have always felt that this is the most perfectly constructed song I've ever heard. The entire song is a crescendo of emotion and power, so when it does explode there near the end, the release is well earned and all the more potent. Producer Daniel Lanois said "It has tension and builds like one of those great Roy Orbison songs, where every section is unique and never repeats." He makes a good point. Structurally and how it perfectly builds tension throughout the song, its antecedent could be Orbison's glorious "Running Scared" (which also does not have a chorus).
BELOW: Here's the song from the film 'Rattle and Hum.' Enjoy Bono in all of his melodramatic glory...
Artist: U2
Album: The version that I pick for this list is the one from the film 'Rattle and Hum,' although it does not appear on the album that accompanied the film. I've been able to get great bootlegs of all of the songs from the film, so I generally turn to this live version as my favorite. The original studio version would also appear about here on the list if this live version didn't exist, anyway. I just think the live version has just a bit more punch to it. The original song appeared on The Joshua Tree, 1987.
Written By: U2
If my last pick was a bit obscure, this pick definitely steers us back to the mainstream. Every once in awhile, the ignorant masses get it right. I have always felt that this is the most perfectly constructed song I've ever heard. The entire song is a crescendo of emotion and power, so when it does explode there near the end, the release is well earned and all the more potent. Producer Daniel Lanois said "It has tension and builds like one of those great Roy Orbison songs, where every section is unique and never repeats." He makes a good point. Structurally and how it perfectly builds tension throughout the song, its antecedent could be Orbison's glorious "Running Scared" (which also does not have a chorus).
BELOW: Here's the song from the film 'Rattle and Hum.' Enjoy Bono in all of his melodramatic glory...
Friday, July 27, 2012
Song #9
Title: "Slim Slow Slider"
Artist: Van Morrison
Album: Astral Weeks, 1969
Written By: Van Morrison
This stark beauty closes Van's masterpiece, Astral Weeks. One of the more obscure tunes on this list, but that is part of the fun of a more subjective, personal list. Not the same old songs that appear on every Rolling Stone magazine list. Van sometimes goes through the motions, and he can get away with it because his cruise control is top notch when compared to many other popular artists, his talent is so immense. But when Van really throws himself into his music, he is untouchable. I don't think I've ever heard a song so beautiful from a popular artist. And that note on the bass at 1:30 ("you're out of reach") and again at 2:32 ("I know you're dyin', baby")...that is perfection.
BELOW: Bonus clip. You've got to check this clip out if you appreciate Van Morrison at all. This is a live version of "Slim Slow Slider" from his 2009 tour where he played Astral Weeks through in its entirety (It is available on disc too, I would recommend it). There is no way to recapture that stark magic from the original cut, so Van doesn't try to. Instead, he expands this stark three minute tune to a exciting eight minute jazz improvisation. I love at about 6:55, where he points to his piano player to solo. It is not a very friendly gesture, like "play, motherf*cker." I can't imagine Van is the easiest going dude to play for.
Artist: Van Morrison
Album: Astral Weeks, 1969
Written By: Van Morrison
This stark beauty closes Van's masterpiece, Astral Weeks. One of the more obscure tunes on this list, but that is part of the fun of a more subjective, personal list. Not the same old songs that appear on every Rolling Stone magazine list. Van sometimes goes through the motions, and he can get away with it because his cruise control is top notch when compared to many other popular artists, his talent is so immense. But when Van really throws himself into his music, he is untouchable. I don't think I've ever heard a song so beautiful from a popular artist. And that note on the bass at 1:30 ("you're out of reach") and again at 2:32 ("I know you're dyin', baby")...that is perfection.
BELOW: Bonus clip. You've got to check this clip out if you appreciate Van Morrison at all. This is a live version of "Slim Slow Slider" from his 2009 tour where he played Astral Weeks through in its entirety (It is available on disc too, I would recommend it). There is no way to recapture that stark magic from the original cut, so Van doesn't try to. Instead, he expands this stark three minute tune to a exciting eight minute jazz improvisation. I love at about 6:55, where he points to his piano player to solo. It is not a very friendly gesture, like "play, motherf*cker." I can't imagine Van is the easiest going dude to play for.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Song #10
Title: "Can't Find My Way Home"
Artist: Blind Faith
Album: Blind Faith, 1969
Written By: Steve Winwood
Blind Faith (Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Ric Grech) was one of the earliest "supergroups," and like many other subsequent supergroups, it failed to live up to its potential. They only released one album, and overall the record is pretty mediocre considering the talent involved, but this one song makes it all worthwhile. It is Winwood's masterpiece in a career of sporadic greatness. You don't get much simpler than two fingerpicked acoustic guitars and a voice, but when those two guitars are played by Winwood and Clapton and the voice is Winwood's in his prime, that is going to be something great to listen to. The song is beautiful, haunting and searching.
BELOW: Here are some stills set to "Can't Find My Way Home" from a movie that I love, the great underrated 80's road movie that is funny but also one of the best films about male friendship, 'Fandango.' "Can't Find My Way Home" is used over the closing credits of the actual film.
BELOW: Bonus clip. This is Winwood and Clapton in 2007 playing a nice electric version at the 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival. It is nowhere near the original, but it is a cool version nonetheless, and a different take on the tune.
Artist: Blind Faith
Album: Blind Faith, 1969
Written By: Steve Winwood
Blind Faith (Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Ric Grech) was one of the earliest "supergroups," and like many other subsequent supergroups, it failed to live up to its potential. They only released one album, and overall the record is pretty mediocre considering the talent involved, but this one song makes it all worthwhile. It is Winwood's masterpiece in a career of sporadic greatness. You don't get much simpler than two fingerpicked acoustic guitars and a voice, but when those two guitars are played by Winwood and Clapton and the voice is Winwood's in his prime, that is going to be something great to listen to. The song is beautiful, haunting and searching.
BELOW: Here are some stills set to "Can't Find My Way Home" from a movie that I love, the great underrated 80's road movie that is funny but also one of the best films about male friendship, 'Fandango.' "Can't Find My Way Home" is used over the closing credits of the actual film.
BELOW: Bonus clip. This is Winwood and Clapton in 2007 playing a nice electric version at the 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival. It is nowhere near the original, but it is a cool version nonetheless, and a different take on the tune.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Song #11
Title: "China Girl"
Artist: David Bowie
Album: Let's Dance, 1983
Written By: David Bowie and Iggy Pop
Lively discussion around here lately, that's great. Don't see why we shouldn't push forward. This first appeared on Iggy Pop's 1977 solo debut The Idiot, but I've always loved Bowie's slicker rendition. Imperialism never sounded so sexy, although some say the song is really about heroin. Contains what may be my favorite lyric in any rock song: "I'm feeling tragic like I'm Marlon Brando." So great. On top of all that, you've got greasy guitar lines from Stevie Ray Vaughan throughout. Alright Statler and Waldorf, fire away.
BELOW: Unfortunately, I could only find the single edit on YouTube, so you're missing about a minute from the album version (much of what was cut was Vaughan).
Artist: David Bowie
Album: Let's Dance, 1983
Written By: David Bowie and Iggy Pop
Lively discussion around here lately, that's great. Don't see why we shouldn't push forward. This first appeared on Iggy Pop's 1977 solo debut The Idiot, but I've always loved Bowie's slicker rendition. Imperialism never sounded so sexy, although some say the song is really about heroin. Contains what may be my favorite lyric in any rock song: "I'm feeling tragic like I'm Marlon Brando." So great. On top of all that, you've got greasy guitar lines from Stevie Ray Vaughan throughout. Alright Statler and Waldorf, fire away.
BELOW: Unfortunately, I could only find the single edit on YouTube, so you're missing about a minute from the album version (much of what was cut was Vaughan).
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