Twisted Mix-Tape Tuesday: Remember These?

See All The Other Entries In Twisted Mix-Tape Tuesday Here!!!

The door is open wide and the wind is blowing through the house.  Papers are flying off the table and
landing half open and scattered throughout the living room.  The cats are running wild across the furniture as they seed to find the ghosts in the ceiling that they keep seeing, while my wife and I only can imagine.  

At least that's what is occurring in my mind.

Why?

Jen did it to us again!  Instead of giving us a theme or direction, she's stated that this week's Twisted Mix Tape Tuesday is a Dealer's Choice!  In other words, do whatever theme you desire.  OMG, the possibilities!  Which direction should I go?  What should I choose?  What would another person enjoy listening to?

And, what am I willing to use here instead of in another of my Wednesday postings on Raised On Radio?

I believe that every person that has ever been a disc jockey in radio has favorites that didn't quite make the normal playlist rotation.  These might have been songs that were too long, didn't fit the station image just right, or simply didn't appeal to the masses at the time.  Oh, some would have probably hit in later years, but the narrow minded program and music directors made decisions that hid some of these songs for years.

Now, my problem is twofold.  First, I must consider songs that today's audience might like.  Something that isn't so dated that people will turn it off after a few seconds and say, "Oh yeah, I heard a million like that on some oldies station!"  Second, I've got to be able to find these on Youtube in order to share them with you.

So, let us give this a shot.  Since I write from the seat of my pants and haven't investigated the availability of these yet, this may become a long evening.  Hopefully, it will be a good one for you.

First, a group that not many have heard of.  The first released their self titled album in 1968.  It did okay, especially locally in the Detroit area from where they were discovered.  In 1969, they release an album that did much better.  The album was called "Milestones" and the group was SRC.  On milestones, they found several songs that fit the FM format of the day, but instead, chose on releasing two songs that would never make the Top 40 Charts.  The first song was one of an child angel, sitting on a cloud in Heaven, looking down at humans on Earth.  Having had no childhood of his own, the angel proclaimed that he would forsake all of Heaven if he could just have a life of his own.  God was listening and granted his wish, but with the stipulation the angel would have no memory of Heaven.  The song was simply entitled, "The Angel Song."  

The bad thing is, there is no good video of this song.  A 2012 reunion of SRC on tour video exists, but the vocals are fuzzy and the music almost sounding as if someone with a cell phone recorded the event.  However don't fret.  This next song of theirs is worth a listen, too!  It's called, "Hall of the Mountain King / Bolero" and yes, it is the same as the classical music offering you might have heard in music appreciation class.  Did I say the same?  Well, it's the song, but done with electric guitars and instruments of the time.  Folks, this is the best rocking version of the song I've ever heard.  Don't stop until you've listened to the whole thing.  I know you'll be impressed!

Everybody's heard of the Doobie Brothers.  At least, anybody that's listened to real music, instead of the manufactured Pop of today.  Yes, the Doobie Brothers got their name as they were a biker bar band before becoming popular, and when they started playing, the doobies got lit up.  Patrick Simmons told me that in an interview decades ago.  If it's not true, don't blame me.

The Doobies had pop hit after pop hit.  My all time favorite song of theirs is "South City Midnight Lady" which shows a greater depth to their music than pounding out the standard beats.  However, even that song received good air play time.  So, in keeping with my theme, I give you another song that really demonstrated their abilities as complete musicians, "I Cheat The Hangman."

In 1973, Leon Russell toured the United States and created a double live album.  I was lucky enough to see the show at the Exhibition Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Leon was a classic musician, and had gained great notoriety touring with Joe Cocker on the Mad Dogs And Englishmen tour.  Earlier that year, he had released a song called "Tightrope" that lit up the charts and finally got him the attention he deserved.  Even in recent years, he collaborated with Elton John in creating an album.  Elton has stated he was in total awe of the man during the entire effort.  I say I learned how to speak Southern by listening and copying Leon's Texas accent, and believe it or not, that's the truth!  Still, the inner soul of the man comes out best in a slow song describing his earlier experience with Mr. Cocker.  Here's the title track,  "Ballad of Mad Dogs And Englishmen."

The double album of "Jesus Christ Superstar" came out while I was in high school.  It was one of the first rock operas done to a religious theme.  I can't tell you how condemned it was by small town churches throughout middle America.  I remember freaking people out in Latin Class as he and I would look at each other and sing, "What's the buzz, tell me what's happening" over and over.  Of course, the teacher would look at us and make one of her notoriously sarcastic threats, "I'm going to become a mad, raving, raging tiger and slash out with my claws and slice both of you two up if you don't stop that!"  Yeah, she was a cool hippie, too!

Yvonne Elliman, probably best known for her disco hit, "If I Can't Have You", performed a song as Mary Magdalene in this production that wasn't necessarily looked at for its religious association, but more for lovers during times that weren't exactly perfect.  Here's a song that was played fairly heavy back then, but seems to have been completely forgotten by radio today, "I Don't Know How To Love Him."

Let's travel back to 1973 again.  Tampa, Florida's baseball field (don't even think about asking me the name of it), was a concert that was more kick ass than ever anticipated.  J.Geils and his band were the headliners, Spooky Tooth was the middle, and some unknown band called White Witch was the opener.  White Witch?  Who the hell is White Witch?  Let me just say that White Witch was a kick ass band that never got the airplay it deserved.  Why?  Probably because of this song.  

This is a song that is still played at concerts today, either in the recorded music before the show, or as you're leaving the show.  I heard it leaving a Megadeth concert several years ago, and it immediately brought back memories that made me smile so huge my wife thought I was on something.  (I was, but that's another story.)  White Witch released two psychedelic albums that demonstrated much of their talent.  Sad things was, it was all over the place.  They could do anything.  So, I guess one could blame their failure as a band on a lack of focus.  Still "It's So Nice To Be Stoned" didn't help them getting airplay, as radio was somewhat afraid of playing that one, or having that one requested for airplay.  Just easier to eliminate any of the band's offerings I guess.  Enough talk.  Here's the classic, "It's So Nice To Be Stoned!"  Listen to the words in this one!  They will create a smile, guaranteed!

Radio has a way of destroying music.  It's called lets talk the artists into shortening the song.  Loggins & Messina released "Angry Eyes" in 1972 on their self titled album.  It was seven minutes and forty-two seconds long.  Most stations refused to play it.  So, Loggins & Messina shortened it.  To me, it ruined the song.  To them, it got people to listen to it, buy the albums, and hear the complete version.  To hear them play the full song in concert was bliss.  The quality of the musicians, the intensity of the music, and the lull of the rhythm pulled you into a world of Loggins & Messina that ended when their partnership did, and Kenny Loggins went his way into pop stardom.  Well, they got back together and are still kickin' sand in the face of walker with wheels music directors.  From 2012, this is Loggins & Messina with the full concert version of "Angry Eyes!"  Enjoy!

And that's it!  Gotta save some for future posts.  Hope you enjoyed these.  Please visit the rest of the great writers in this hop and check out their "Dealer's Choice" posts.  Yep, could be damn interesting to say the least.  So, leave here and go do it, but first, please leave a comment!  I'm going to listen to White Witch again and remember the good old days, or at least, what I remember of them.  Something blurred them somewhat.  Oh well, back to White Witch!!!!

Ciao!!!

Okay, okay, just in case you wanted to listen to "The Angel Song" by SRC, 

here's the video.  Again, I remind you, it's not the best, but the song if fantastic!!

Twisted Mix Tape Tuesday ... Beautiful Songs (You May Have Never Heard)

For months, I've been tempted to participate in Jen's Twisted Mix Tape Tuesday.  (Lord knows Jen and others have been on my case about doing it!)  However, I haven't done it because I'm known more for sarcastic comedy than my "musical" side.

However, for those of you that know me, you're aware I have quite a background in the music industry, of sorts, having played in a short lived band in the early 70's (we once opened for REO Speedwagon), as well as having spent many years as a radio disc jockey ... back when you had to pick your own music, create your own show, and develop a character that would draw all the "heads" and serious music lovers to your show.  

Besides all of that, age hasn't decreased my spirit to own every piece of music I can.  My cd collection has passed the 7,000 mark, I still have over 2,000 vinyl albums, and my digital collection is amassed at over 127,000 songs.   One might say I'm a music hoarder of sorts.  But, as I've validated to my wife for years, "Would you rather have me spend my money on music, or drink it away on a six pack a night?"  She agrees, music is a much better choice.

When I saw Jen's post for "Beautiful Music" this week, I knew I had to finally participate.  Why?  Because I think I finally have something to offer those that really like music.  I've selected five of my all time favorites, plus, just for giggles, I've added number six.  These are songs that you may never have heard, but are each haunting and beautiful either in the music they provide or the stories they tell.  I'll try to add some humor along the way, but I really want you to just listen to the songs and their stories if you will.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

#6  -  "Diamond Mine"  (Blue Rodeo)

If you ever smoked dope, this was the song you wanted to be high to.  If you never smoked dope, you'd still enjoy it if you had the patience to listen.  It starts slow, builds steadily, rocks like a mother in the middle, and brings you back down to catch your breath in the end.  I guess you might call it the perfect masturbation song!

So, get out your ointment, and rub slowly.  Build yourself up as you intensify the speed and concentration.  Let the waves pulsate as you reach the peak, and then, have a cigarette on me!

#5  -  "Why'd You Lie"  (Colin James)

As "Diamond Mine" was released in 1989, so was "Why'd You Lie."  It's a story of someone not being very faithful in a relationship, lying about it, and then trying to explain when caught.  It wasn't based on the Richard Nixon presidency, no matter how similar the story may be.

This song verges on Blues/Rock, while telling you a tale that will curl your hair, even if you've recently waxed.  The guitar licks will drive you insane if you let them, so I have to provide a warning, "This song may drive you crazy if you concentrate solely on the guitar licks."  Okay, you've been warned.  Go sue someone else!

#4  -  "What Am I Living For"  (Mark - Almond)

No, this isn't The Allman Brothers Band as so many have mistakenly thought in the past.  Instead, it's two talented songwriters that knew how to draw people into a tale of misery and woe by providing beautiful melodies and thought provoking lyrics.  Kind of like Frank Zappa in drag!

As we've all questioned ourselves at times, this song brings the full brunt of the seriousness of life, and the ironies of effort.  You cannot but love this song if you're a human being at all.  See, now, if you don't like it, I've got you!  (Don't you hate it when someone does that?)

#3  -  "White Bird"  (It's A Beautiful Day)

Bill Graham owned and operated two of the most well known rock clubs in the late 60's.  These were named the Fillmore East and the Fillmore West.  Rock acts of the "Psychedelic Era" performed almost nightly at these clubs, fine tuning their talents for the full scale concert halls that followed.  These clubs were also small enough to give them a "hometown" feeling of comfort for the artists as well as giving them some "homegrown" feelings before and after playing!  (Damn, watch the seeds, man, they're popping all over the place!)

It's A Beautiful Day was a band fronted by David LaFlame that graced the Fillmores on both coasts.  His female vocalist accompaniment rotated between his wife, girlfriends, ex-wife, girlfriends ... well, you get the picture.  "White Bird" was the group's biggest hit, and still remains a favorite Classic Rock Radio tune of today.  Listen, leave your golden cage, fly away, and if you don't return, remember the good times we almost had!

#2  -  "Moriah"  (Spooky Tooth)

In 1973, Orlando, Florida held a concert at an outdoor baseball park.  On the agenda was an opening group called White Witch (known for their song, "Let's Go Get Stoned"), the headliner was the J. Geils Band (who had just hit the airwaves with their big single, "Give It To Me"), and some unknown group in the middle called Spooky Tooth (which usually occurred when you'd smoked too much, got a bad case of the munchies, and gobbled down popcorn before it had cooked thoroughly).  

Spooky Tooth included an organ/vocalist by the name of Gary Wright.  Yep, Mr. Dreamweaver man himself!  However, don't believe that Gary never knew how to rock and roll.  Spooky Tooth was a kick ass rock band that carried the evening.  "Cotton Growing Man" was a favorite song of mine for decades, but this song, "Moriah" was haunting to no end.  One might even call it somewhat mystical in nature.  Give it a shot and you'll see what I mean!

#1  -  "Pretty Princess"  (Loggins & Messina)

Loggins & Messina was one of the few groups I would still pay big money to see today if they were to get back together.  No, Kenny Loggins wasn't always a pop icon shouting the theme from Caddyshack, "I'm Alright."  In fact, some of the best music you'll ever hear came from him and Jimmy Messina (who in no way resembles a groundhog).  

You want some real music?  Listen to the extended versions of "Vahevala", "Angry Eyes", and this one here, "Pretty Princess."  You're going to hear a blend of so many instruments and vocal harmonies, you'll wonder if they didn't overdub it 500 times.  I guarantee it, they sounded this good in concert, if not better.  

This song is about an afternoon affair that a wife has as her husband is away.  Again, slow to start, fast in the middle to a fever level, and then time to catch your breath at the end.  Fingers tired, yet?

***********

So, that's my little contribution to this Mix Tape Tuesday.  Hope you enjoyed it.  Of course, if you didn't scan and really listened to the music, you enjoyed it much better.  

Never thought you'd start smoking again, did you?