This entry was posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:16 am and is filed under Music. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Taylor ? uuurrrgghhhh, roll out the LC
Saw JT a few years ago on his Covers tour and he was complete rubbish, ranking up there with the worst shows of all time (Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Hank Williams Jr also vied for that honor).
My favorite JT song… and not to be all “gotcha”, but for the sake of accuracy, this is actually the title cut from his third album. First was the Apple album, “James Taylor” (’68). Next was the breakthrough “Sweet Baby James” (’70) and then “Mud Slide…” (’71). Sorry to hear he was “complete rubbish” in concert, but based on Hedley’s other mentions, I’ll have to give benefit of the doubt ’cause Diana Ross was one of the worst concerts I ever saw (what a diva!).
Diana Ross might be the grand prize winner with at least 3 costume changes in 90 minutes, asked for the houselights to be turned up so she could see who loved her and relied entirely on the back up musicians to hit the notes.
I saw JT at Meadowbrook which some major JT fans and they said it was the worst JT show that htey had ever seen. I had no point of reference as I was a JT Virgin but I will testify that the show was crap.
My Dear Hedley,
I think I would have chosen not to see Diana Ross in concert. She was always the diva so her concert comes as no surprise. I am sorry you didn’t hear JT at his prime!
The Best ? Talking Heads Stop Making Sense Tour, The Who at Charlton, Springsteen at the Hammersmith Odeon, Muse, McCartney Driving USA, Rod and the Faces at the Sutton, Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band at the RAH, The Eels at the Royal Oak, Los Lobos with Los Lonely Boys, Bowie….hard to pick.
Biggest disappointment….U2, maybe the later Clapton shows
Kat
I changed my whole approach to live shows and I refuse to go to 401K tours, so for example I am skipping the Springsteen show this Thursday.
Next two sets of tickets on the counter are Spiritualized (new CD released next week) who were $20 a ticket, and The Shins who were $40 a ticket.
Saw the excellent Beirut for a minimal charge, likewise the Gorillaz.
My best concerts have been 1) Midler, but only in the very early days. Actually, I’m not sure I consider her’s a “concert” (extravaganza?), but she defnitely put on the best show (alas, later shows in the 80s and 90s weren’t quite the free-for-alls of the 70s). 2) Springsteen — the hardest working man in show business (sorry, James Brown) who I’ve seen several times and he’s never failed to blow me away. Once in a club with 5 other people; another from the rafters of the Oakland Coliseum — yet, miraculously, the Oakland concert was just as intimate as the 5-person club show. Hedley, Bruce’s latest tour has been getting rave reviews, so you may be missing a good one. I’ve quit going to concerts, however. Audiences don’t seem to appreciate/respect performers any more and behave poorly, ruining just about every concert I’ve seen in the past 15 or so years. Sad. Ross is right near, if not at, the bottom of the list. 20 minutes or so were spent as she threw a fit about the band using an electric piano rather than the real thing. Ever heard of sound checks, Lady Di? PS. The new Spiritualized CD has gotten excellent reviews!
im6,
Back in the old days, I saw Judy Collins a couple of times, and she was amazing. I also saw Nanci Griffith twice and enjoyed both concerts, but Bette was totally amazing-extravangance is a perfect description. As I have long been a folk fan I have seen PP&M twice, Gordon Lightfoot, Eric Andersen and Gordon Bok. My concert
Thanks for reminding me of PP&M concerts. The first time I saw them was one of my earliest concerts and it was phenomenal. (This was before their first live album, so I had no idea there would be comedy — and such funny comedy at that.) It certainly made me realize that much of the joy of music needs to be experienced live. When I listen to PP&M, I don’t think “Oh, I’m listening to folk music.” To me they just sing (sang?) music… unnecessary (and impossible) to categorize. I haven’t seen a lot of folk shows, but the one that stands out is Joan Baez at Red Rocks. There couldn’t have been a more fitting venue. It was almost a religious experience… Joan’s heavenly voice surrounded by all that beauty.
im6,
Joan Baez is one singer I wish I’ve seen and Red Rocks is a perfect venue. Even listening to her records is a heavenly expoerience and the clear beauty of her voice shines clearly. PP&M were wonderful each time I saw them!
Im6, the new Spiritualized is streaming on NPR but I am waiting for the album next week. I have listened to Hey Jane which I real like. LAGWAFIS is a masterpiece by any measure. Thanks for chatting about Spiritualized.
Thanks for the heads-up re: the new Spiritualized, Hedley. As I wrote, I’d read good things about the upcoming CD, but now that I’ve listened to samples, I must admit to being more than a little disappointed. The only real exposure I’ve had with the group is LAGWAFIS, a wonderful example of a genre of music I’m partial to. I understand that artists want to expand and grow, but I guess I just don’t like where they’re expanding and growing. It just didn’t seem special and really lost the spaciness I so enjoy. Which bring me to ask if you’ve ever heard Sky Cries Mary? Very spacy with elements of “L&G…”, Cocteau Twins, even Jefferson Airplane. Not that I’m recommending them to you, but do recommend you surf around and see if you can find some samples. They do a wicked “2000 Light Years From Home.”
(sorry to hijack Coffee, Kat!)
Im6, while we are hijacking (take this blog to Cuba or else) did you listen to The Magnetic Fields “69 Love Songs” ?
very partial to MF, the Eels and the sporadic output of Beirut is very worthwhile. not terribly fond of the Cocteaus but I do tend to drift in and out of various bands.
I paid a whole $9.99 for the whole Spiritualized, so I’m not too much at risk. hopefully Best Buy gets it here on Tuesday
As we fly south to Cuba…. I’ve listened to some of Stephin Merrit’s work, including ’69 Love Songs,’ but have never really given it the attention if apparently deserves (I have a friend who raves about that one). Guess I’d better grab the caboose on that magnetic train and be the last one alive to become a convert. Thanks for the tip. I became a fan of Zach Condon & Beirut when ‘Gulag Orkestar’ first came out. So young! So talented! Don’t think anything he’s done since has been quite as good, but then the element of surprise I experienced with GO is now gone. It reminds me a bit of a group I absolutely love: Quadro Nuevo. They’re a German quartet who explore a world of sounds. Check them out: http://www.quadronuevo.de/en/quadro-nuevo-videos.phphttp://www.quadronuevo.de/en/quadro-nuevo-videos.php
(we’ll be landing in a few minutes)… Hi, Kat!
im6, let me grab some cigars before we turn this plane back to Miami
Saw Zack at the Royal Oak a couple of months ago and he was really good. The Rip tide is a bit uneven and I would agree with your comments regarding Gulag. I am messing around with the idea of buying the new Word Party “Arkeology” Its an interesting package, 5 discs for $34.99, hopefully I will catch some reviews
I would also mention if you can find any way to lay your hands on the Thin Lizzy at the BBC box set, which is now very hard to find, its absolutely terrific.
OK Kat, im6 and I now hand the controls back to you,
Not so fast, Hedley! You’re a World Party fan?!?! I’m a major major fan of Karl W and collect anything I can by him. I believe Arkeology comes out this week and can’t wait to get it. Been following him since his Waterboys days and see him any chance I can. Here’s a link to a recent interview: http://popdose.com/the-lost-popdose-interview-with-karl-wallinger-of-world-party/
NOW Kat can take over the controls (thank goodness it’s a Wednesday, so she may not be around to get annoyed with us!)
im6…of course,one of those under the radar artists. and we all know that KW had significant health challenges. Arkeology has been on my radar for a while but havent ordered it yet.
I hope in your collection you own The Eels “Blinking Lights”
Thanks Kat, could im6 and I get a snack while we fly this thing around?
Excuse me Kat, but I don’t think you are supposed to be on the flight deck, but while you are here, I will take a Corona and a couple of bags of peanuts.
Also, I don’t think that we are authorized to play Stookey on international/hijack flights so please go find the Cohen.
While I’ve enjoyed the conversation, I promise this is my last post (for now — at least on this thread)… Yes, I have ‘Blinking Lights’ and am also an Eels fan. Having said that, my favorite Everett album is his first solo, ‘A Man Called E.’ Pop perfection. And while I could probably go on all day and night with “you must hear” suggestions, I’ll bow out with “The Hour of Bewilderbeast” by Badly Drawn Boy (Damon Gough). We must exchange emails or meet up on Facebook, Hedley. Perhaps Kat can arrange that (having become a cherished friend I’ve never met, she has all my pertinent information).
im6, we need to take this 747 to Oakland County Airport, looks like I am getting some last minute tickets for Bruce. Need to avoid any “security” issues and get over to The Palace
April 10, 2012 at 11:17 am
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?tcus6ytjg5rmse5
April 10, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Taylor ? uuurrrgghhhh, roll out the LC
Saw JT a few years ago on his Covers tour and he was complete rubbish, ranking up there with the worst shows of all time (Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Hank Williams Jr also vied for that honor).
April 10, 2012 at 3:16 pm
My Dear Hedley,
This is from his first album, and I think JT was at his best then.
April 10, 2012 at 4:43 pm
My favorite JT song… and not to be all “gotcha”, but for the sake of accuracy, this is actually the title cut from his third album. First was the Apple album, “James Taylor” (’68). Next was the breakthrough “Sweet Baby James” (’70) and then “Mud Slide…” (’71). Sorry to hear he was “complete rubbish” in concert, but based on Hedley’s other mentions, I’ll have to give benefit of the doubt ’cause Diana Ross was one of the worst concerts I ever saw (what a diva!).
April 10, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Diana Ross might be the grand prize winner with at least 3 costume changes in 90 minutes, asked for the houselights to be turned up so she could see who loved her and relied entirely on the back up musicians to hit the notes.
I saw JT at Meadowbrook which some major JT fans and they said it was the worst JT show that htey had ever seen. I had no point of reference as I was a JT Virgin but I will testify that the show was crap.
April 10, 2012 at 5:07 pm
My Dear Hedley,
I think I would have chosen not to see Diana Ross in concert. She was always the diva so her concert comes as no surprise. I am sorry you didn’t hear JT at his prime!
April 10, 2012 at 5:06 pm
im6,
You are so right-how could I forget Sweet Baby James? I too am sorry to hear he was so bad in concert. I have been a JT fan for a long time.
The best concert I ever saw was Bette Midler!
April 10, 2012 at 5:39 pm
The Best ? Talking Heads Stop Making Sense Tour, The Who at Charlton, Springsteen at the Hammersmith Odeon, Muse, McCartney Driving USA, Rod and the Faces at the Sutton, Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band at the RAH, The Eels at the Royal Oak, Los Lobos with Los Lonely Boys, Bowie….hard to pick.
Biggest disappointment….U2, maybe the later Clapton shows
April 10, 2012 at 5:43 pm
My Dear Hedley,
I love in the boondocks where stars of the magnitude you mentioned do not visit so I have to be content with crumbs!
April 10, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Kat
I changed my whole approach to live shows and I refuse to go to 401K tours, so for example I am skipping the Springsteen show this Thursday.
Next two sets of tickets on the counter are Spiritualized (new CD released next week) who were $20 a ticket, and The Shins who were $40 a ticket.
Saw the excellent Beirut for a minimal charge, likewise the Gorillaz.
April 10, 2012 at 6:50 pm
My best concerts have been 1) Midler, but only in the very early days. Actually, I’m not sure I consider her’s a “concert” (extravaganza?), but she defnitely put on the best show (alas, later shows in the 80s and 90s weren’t quite the free-for-alls of the 70s). 2) Springsteen — the hardest working man in show business (sorry, James Brown) who I’ve seen several times and he’s never failed to blow me away. Once in a club with 5 other people; another from the rafters of the Oakland Coliseum — yet, miraculously, the Oakland concert was just as intimate as the 5-person club show. Hedley, Bruce’s latest tour has been getting rave reviews, so you may be missing a good one. I’ve quit going to concerts, however. Audiences don’t seem to appreciate/respect performers any more and behave poorly, ruining just about every concert I’ve seen in the past 15 or so years. Sad. Ross is right near, if not at, the bottom of the list. 20 minutes or so were spent as she threw a fit about the band using an electric piano rather than the real thing. Ever heard of sound checks, Lady Di? PS. The new Spiritualized CD has gotten excellent reviews!
April 10, 2012 at 7:22 pm
im6,
Back in the old days, I saw Judy Collins a couple of times, and she was amazing. I also saw Nanci Griffith twice and enjoyed both concerts, but Bette was totally amazing-extravangance is a perfect description. As I have long been a folk fan I have seen PP&M twice, Gordon Lightfoot, Eric Andersen and Gordon Bok. My concert
April 10, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Thanks for reminding me of PP&M concerts. The first time I saw them was one of my earliest concerts and it was phenomenal. (This was before their first live album, so I had no idea there would be comedy — and such funny comedy at that.) It certainly made me realize that much of the joy of music needs to be experienced live. When I listen to PP&M, I don’t think “Oh, I’m listening to folk music.” To me they just sing (sang?) music… unnecessary (and impossible) to categorize. I haven’t seen a lot of folk shows, but the one that stands out is Joan Baez at Red Rocks. There couldn’t have been a more fitting venue. It was almost a religious experience… Joan’s heavenly voice surrounded by all that beauty.
April 10, 2012 at 9:55 pm
im6,
Joan Baez is one singer I wish I’ve seen and Red Rocks is a perfect venue. Even listening to her records is a heavenly expoerience and the clear beauty of her voice shines clearly. PP&M were wonderful each time I saw them!
April 10, 2012 at 9:57 pm
Im6, the new Spiritualized is streaming on NPR but I am waiting for the album next week. I have listened to Hey Jane which I real like. LAGWAFIS is a masterpiece by any measure. Thanks for chatting about Spiritualized.
April 10, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Thanks for the heads-up re: the new Spiritualized, Hedley. As I wrote, I’d read good things about the upcoming CD, but now that I’ve listened to samples, I must admit to being more than a little disappointed. The only real exposure I’ve had with the group is LAGWAFIS, a wonderful example of a genre of music I’m partial to. I understand that artists want to expand and grow, but I guess I just don’t like where they’re expanding and growing. It just didn’t seem special and really lost the spaciness I so enjoy. Which bring me to ask if you’ve ever heard Sky Cries Mary? Very spacy with elements of “L&G…”, Cocteau Twins, even Jefferson Airplane. Not that I’m recommending them to you, but do recommend you surf around and see if you can find some samples. They do a wicked “2000 Light Years From Home.”
(sorry to hijack Coffee, Kat!)
April 11, 2012 at 7:00 am
Im6, while we are hijacking (take this blog to Cuba or else) did you listen to The Magnetic Fields “69 Love Songs” ?
very partial to MF, the Eels and the sporadic output of Beirut is very worthwhile. not terribly fond of the Cocteaus but I do tend to drift in and out of various bands.
I paid a whole $9.99 for the whole Spiritualized, so I’m not too much at risk. hopefully Best Buy gets it here on Tuesday
April 11, 2012 at 9:38 am
As we fly south to Cuba…. I’ve listened to some of Stephin Merrit’s work, including ’69 Love Songs,’ but have never really given it the attention if apparently deserves (I have a friend who raves about that one). Guess I’d better grab the caboose on that magnetic train and be the last one alive to become a convert. Thanks for the tip. I became a fan of Zach Condon & Beirut when ‘Gulag Orkestar’ first came out. So young! So talented! Don’t think anything he’s done since has been quite as good, but then the element of surprise I experienced with GO is now gone. It reminds me a bit of a group I absolutely love: Quadro Nuevo. They’re a German quartet who explore a world of sounds. Check them out: http://www.quadronuevo.de/en/quadro-nuevo-videos.phphttp://www.quadronuevo.de/en/quadro-nuevo-videos.php
(we’ll be landing in a few minutes)… Hi, Kat!
April 11, 2012 at 9:39 am
Oops! double posted the link for Quadro Nuevo. Should be:
http://www.quadronuevo.de/en/quadro-nuevo-videos.php
April 11, 2012 at 12:29 pm
im6, let me grab some cigars before we turn this plane back to Miami
Saw Zack at the Royal Oak a couple of months ago and he was really good. The Rip tide is a bit uneven and I would agree with your comments regarding Gulag. I am messing around with the idea of buying the new Word Party “Arkeology” Its an interesting package, 5 discs for $34.99, hopefully I will catch some reviews
I would also mention if you can find any way to lay your hands on the Thin Lizzy at the BBC box set, which is now very hard to find, its absolutely terrific.
OK Kat, im6 and I now hand the controls back to you,
April 11, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Not so fast, Hedley! You’re a World Party fan?!?! I’m a major major fan of Karl W and collect anything I can by him. I believe Arkeology comes out this week and can’t wait to get it. Been following him since his Waterboys days and see him any chance I can. Here’s a link to a recent interview: http://popdose.com/the-lost-popdose-interview-with-karl-wallinger-of-world-party/
NOW Kat can take over the controls (thank goodness it’s a Wednesday, so she may not be around to get annoyed with us!)
April 11, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Gentlemen,
You did not hijack Coffee! I am more than happy to share the controls! Chat away!!!
April 11, 2012 at 4:47 pm
im6…of course,one of those under the radar artists. and we all know that KW had significant health challenges. Arkeology has been on my radar for a while but havent ordered it yet.
I hope in your collection you own The Eels “Blinking Lights”
Thanks Kat, could im6 and I get a snack while we fly this thing around?
April 11, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Gentlemen,
Would you care for a drink? Pretzels or peanuts to go along with that drink of yours?
April 11, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Excuse me Kat, but I don’t think you are supposed to be on the flight deck, but while you are here, I will take a Corona and a couple of bags of peanuts.
Also, I don’t think that we are authorized to play Stookey on international/hijack flights so please go find the Cohen.
April 11, 2012 at 7:29 pm
My Dear Hedley,
That would be a perfect time to play Cohen-you are a captive audience! Sorry, no alcohol on the flight deck!
April 11, 2012 at 9:16 pm
While I’ve enjoyed the conversation, I promise this is my last post (for now — at least on this thread)… Yes, I have ‘Blinking Lights’ and am also an Eels fan. Having said that, my favorite Everett album is his first solo, ‘A Man Called E.’ Pop perfection. And while I could probably go on all day and night with “you must hear” suggestions, I’ll bow out with “The Hour of Bewilderbeast” by Badly Drawn Boy (Damon Gough). We must exchange emails or meet up on Facebook, Hedley. Perhaps Kat can arrange that (having become a cherished friend I’ve never met, she has all my pertinent information).
Hijacking averted. All passengers safe!
April 11, 2012 at 10:00 pm
im6,
I will send your e-mail to Hedley and yours to him. Should you need a forum again, Coffee is always open!
April 11, 2012 at 10:21 pm
you’re a peach!
April 12, 2012 at 10:25 am
im6, we need to take this 747 to Oakland County Airport, looks like I am getting some last minute tickets for Bruce. Need to avoid any “security” issues and get over to The Palace