When I’m “trying to tell a stranger about rock and roll”, trying to explain just how wise and sophisticated it can be, I often refer to ‘Younger Generation’, an expectant father’s apprehensions about the daunting task awaiting him.
One of the best songs to come out of the world of rock.
Rock
090: The Cyrkle, ‘Red Rubber Ball’
1966–when Paul Simon mistook Jeff for Art and gave away that unforgettable, bouncy ‘Red Rubber Ball’.
Continue reading...080: Tim Ries w. Norah Jones, ‘Wild Horses’
A fetching beauty with a catchy rock song in a first-rate jazz context. What more could one ask for?
Saxophonist Tim Ries toured extensively with The Stones, who sponsored his very fine, very varied Rolling Stones Project.
106: Joni Mitchell, ‘Cactus Tree’
Most of the little I understand of the female psyche I’ve learned from Joni Mitchell.
Continue reading...176: Chuck Berry, ‘Too Much Monkey Business’ (Bob Dylan, ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’)
Who da daddy of rap?
Who da grandaddy?
074: Donovan, ‘House of Jansch’
Yeah, yeah, I know, hippie-dippie, limpid, Dylan wannabe, yadda-yadda. They know not of what they speak. Donovan Leitch is one fine artist, with an admirably muscular aesthetic.
Continue reading...070: Buddy Holly, ‘That’ll Be the Day’
Buddy Holly’s great song and the night The Grateful Dead backed me singing it. Yeah, for real.
Continue reading...056: James Taylor, ‘Secret O’ Life’
Thinking that James Taylor is ‘Fire and Rain’ is like thinking that The Beatles are ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ or Dylan is ‘Blowing in the Wind’.
There’s so, so much more.