HAIL, HAIL ROCK AND ROLL...

I was going through some of my father's old stuff the other day and I came across a copy of "Hail, Hail Rock and Roll."
This is a documentary about one of the Kings of Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry.
I was amazed at how many people that were influenced by the man. There were interviews with Little Richard, Keith Richards, Bo Diddley, Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Lee Lewis, to name a few.
There were performances with Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Julian Lennon and Robert Cray...
My father hipped me to Chuck years ago. He used to sing "Too Much Monkey Business" to me and as I grew up I fell in love with his ways with words, his guitar playing and his "duck walk."
And the songs! "School Days", "Little Queenie", "Nadine", "Johnny B. Good", and the classic 'Maybellene."
The documentary is a classic and if you get a chance to view it, do.
Reprinted from 7/30/2008

AC/DC..."U Shook Me All Night Long"...

I am a big fan of rock music and I have been a fan of AC/DC for years. My favorite LP?
"Back In Black." (Duh!...)
From the opening cut "Hell's Bells", to "Shoot to Thrill" to my all-time favorite "You Shook Me All Night Long", the album is what rock and roll is all about.
When The band has released a new LP called "Black Ice", and it is as great as "Black." 
  Every song will get your head to bopping and the guitar work is incredible.
  Rock on brothers...rock on...
  (updated from 10/27/08)

The Fifth Dimension...

I was watching Dave the other night and at the end there was a group of actors from the Broadway musical "Hair."
They performed "Aquarius" and "Let The Sun Shine In.
I immediately thought of the Fifth Dimension.
Growing up in yje '70's they were a very popular group and they put their unique stamp on the world of music with tunes like "Up, Up, and Away", "One Less Bell To Answer", "'Wedding Bell Blues", and "Stoned Soul picnic."
The two lead singers, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr (who are married, by the way) eventually went on to record on their own and enjoyed success as well.
There are several greatest hits collections available on good 'ol Amazon.com.
(Originally published 5/6/09)

Ah...The Name Is Bootsy, Baby...

You guys know that I am a huge fan of Prince, but in the late '70s and early 80s, my music of choice tended to veer toward the original funk side with a bassist named Bootsy Collins.
Bootsy was an original. His tunes such as "Bootzilla", "I'd Rather Be With You", "Can't Stay Away", 'She Jam"...Classics.
Oh my God,  and those are just a drop in the bucket.
There never was and I believe never will be a bass player that has meant so much to music.
  I saw him appear on "Letterman a few months back as a guest artist, and he was fantastic...he even let Dave wear his trademark top hat.
  Priceless.
If you ever get a chance to see his story on "TV One's "Unsung", check it out.
  (Updated from Oct. 2010)

"Emancipation."..

Prince released a three album set in 1996 called "Emancipation" and I recently (yes, like last week) listened to the entire recording.
I had heard that it was a "so-so" album but let me now say that is quickly becoming one of my favorites by the Purple One.
I may be wrong, but I think this is the first album that Prince covered songs by other artists,,,there is "One Of Us", by Joan Osbourne, and "Betcha By Golly Wow", by the Stylistics." He also covers "I Can't Make You Love Me", by Bonnie Raitt.
The original cuts include "Soul Sanctuary", "Jam of the Year", the title cut, "Holy River", "Face Down" and my favorite cut "Some body's Somebody."
It is a thoroughly enjoyable lp and you can find it at amazon.com for under $2.00
It is worthy of a spot in your collection.
 (Reprint from 2010)

Natalie Cole...

Back in the mid-70s, Natalie Cole ruled.
  With songs like "This Will Be", "Sophisticated Lady", "Our Love", and "Be Thankful", to name a few she was the Queen of radio and had the hottest concerts in the nation.
  Well, Natalie had a song called, "I'm Catching Hell (Living Here Alone)"...and I heard it again the other day and it still sounds haunting and emotional and sad after all these years.  Though this song was featured on a studio album, the best version is on her "Natalie Live!" LP.
  If you have never heard it, do  it right now.
  It will change your world.

Bob Marley...

Reggae genius Bob Marley died  at the tender age of 36 in 1981.
  He left behind a treasure trove of music and I have been listening to a great album of his greatest hits.
  There is a song called "Three Little Birds" which contain my mantra for life..."Don't worry 'bout a thing, cause every little things gonna be alright,,,"
  Words to live by, right?
  There's also "Is This Love", and " I Shot The Sheriff", and "Jamming" and my all time favorite (that still brings tears to my eyes) "No Woman No Cry."
  The album is called "Bob Marley and the Wailers: Legend" and you can purchase it on amazon.com.
  A friend of mine at a place I used to work (Packaging Unlimited) gave this to me as a Xmas gift years ago and I still cherish it.
  Music at it's best...