Monday, July 31, 2017

July 1967: Albert King released the Born Under a Bad Sign album

First posted November 13, 2008. Last updated September 10, 2018.

Born Under a Bad Sign

Albert King

Recorded: March 3, 1966 to June 9, 1967

Released: July 1967

Sales (in millions):
US: 0.5
UK: --
IFPI: --
World (estimated): 0.5

Peak:
US: --
UK: --
Canada: --
Australia: --

Quotable: “One of the very greatest electric blues albums of all time” – Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Genre: blues

Album Tracks:

Born Under a Bad Sign (8/26/67, #49 RB)
Crosscut Saw (1/7/67, #34 RB)
Kansas City
Oh, Pretty Woman
Down Don’t Bother Me
The Hunter
I Almost Lost My Mind
Personal Manager
Laundromat Blues (6/26/66, #29 RB)
As the Years Go Passing By
The Very Thought of You

Notes: In 1998, Sundazed Records reissued the album with two additional bonus tracks, both written by Albert King. Those tracks are the rare mono single B-sides Funk-Shun and Overall Junction, which originally appeared on the Stax singles ‘Laundromat Blues’ and ‘Oh, Pretty Woman,’ respectively.” ^WK

Singles/Hit Songs:

Click here for the chart codes for singles/hit songs.

Review:

“Albert King recorded a lot in the early ‘60s, including some classic sides, but they never quite hit the mark. They never gained a large audience, nor did they really capture the ferocity of his single-string leads. Then he signed with Stax in 1966 and recorded a number of sessions with the house band, Booker T. & the MG’s, and everything just clicked.” ^STE They gave King “crossover appeal” ^WK with their “sleek, soulful sound,” ^WK “providing an excellent contrast to his tightly wound lead guitar, allowing to him to unleash a torrent of blistering guitar runs that were profoundly influential, not just in blues, but in rock & roll. ^STE Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan have acknowledged how King influenced them. ^WK

Born Under a Bad Sign collected singles released in 1966 and 1967 as well as additional studio cuts. ^WK “The concentration of singles gives the album a consistency – these were songs devised to get attention – but, years later, it’s astounding how strong this catalog of songs is: Born Under a Bad Sign, Crosscut Saw, Oh Pretty Woman, The Hunter, Personal Manager, and Laundromat Blues form the very foundation of Albert King’s musical identity and legacy.” ^STE

“The songs are exceptional and the performances are rich, from King’s dynamic playing to the Southern funk of the MG’s. It was immediately influential at the time and, over the years, it has only grown in stature as one of the very greatest electric blues albums of all time.” ^STE “It was the great divide of modern blues, the point at which the music was rescued from slipping into derivative obscurity.” ^WK

Review Source(s):

^STE Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
^WK Wikipedia

Awards:

Related DMDB Link(s):

Saturday, July 29, 2017

50 years ago: The Doors hit #1 with “Light My Fire”

Light My Fire

The Doors

Writer(s): John Densmore, Robbie Krieger, Ray Manzarek, Jim Morrison (see lyrics here)

Released: April 1967

First Charted: May 27, 1967

Peak: 1³ US, 1¹ CB, 1¹ HR, 1 CL, 7 UK, 2 CN, 16 AU, 1 DF (Click for codes to singles charts.)

Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, -- UK, 1.0 world (includes US + UK)

Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 36.75 video, 177.17 streaming

Awards:

Click on award for more details.

About the Song:

The song that “positively dripped with sexual desire” ^TC was a fitting launch for the Doors and helped establish their frontman, Jim Morrison, as one of rock’s most legendary sex symbols. Ironically, though, it was guitarist Robbie Krieger who had more to do with creating the song than Morrison. This was the first song Krieger ever wrote, although the band helped. ^RS500 Krieger explains: “Ray had the idea for the opening part, which was the real hook. Jim helped me out on some of the lyrics...and the beat was John’s idea.” ^FB

The song had more than just sex. Its blatant reference to drug use with the line “We couldn’t get much higher” got the band in trouble with the Ed Sullivan Show. The band had promised to replace the word “higher” when performing the song on a live television broadcast, but sang it anyway, getting them permanently banned from the show. ^AMG

The group wasn’t thinking of the song as a single when they created the version that runs near seven minutes on LP. ^FB However, the song was whittled down to less than three minutes for radio consumption. After the song hit #1, though, many radio stations opted for the longer version, which today remains mainstay of album rock radio. ^FB

Proving its power beyond the psychedelic and sexual revolutions of the sixties with which the song became synonymous, ^AMG the song also garnered José Feliciano a Grammy in 1969 for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance of his flamenco version of the song. More than two decades later, when Oliver Stone’s 1991 film biopic The Doors ^WK rekindled interest in the band, the song trounced its original #49 peak on the UK charts by landing all the way up at #7. The UK also gave Amii Stewart a #5 hit with the song in 1979 and Will Young took it to #1 in 2002.

Resources:

^AMG All Music Guide review by Lindsay Planer
^FB Fred Bronson (2003). The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (5th edition). Billboard Books: New York, NY. Page 227.
^TC Toby Creswell (2005). 1001 Songs: The Great Songs of All Time. Thunder’s Mouth Press: New York, NY. Page 848.
^RS500 Rolling Stone (4/7/2011). “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”
^WK Wikipedia

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

50 Reasons to Still Listen to "New" Music

image from SeanAyy.com

I am continuously frustrated by claims that today’s new music sucks or that rock and roll is dead. Such proclamations are often spouted by people so stuck on their favorites from 25 years ago that they are afraid to let anything new seep through. In response to a recent Facebook post from a friend who said he “quit following any kind of new artists in the late ‘90s,” I put together this list of 50 reasons to still listen to “new” music (i.e. albums released by acts who formed since 2000):

1. Ryan Adams “Heartbreaker” (2000)
2. Adele “21” (2011)
3. Alabama Shakes “Sound & Color” (2015)
4. Animal Collective “Merriweather Post Pavilion” (2009)
5. Arcade Fire “Funeral” (2004)
6. Arctic Monkeys “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” (2006)
7. The Black Keys “Brothers” (2010)
8. Bloc Party “Silent Alarm” (2005)
9. Bon Iver “For Emma, Forever Ago” (2008)
10. Bright Eyes “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning” (2005)

11. Coldplay “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (2002)
12. Lana Del Rey “Born to Die” (2012)
13. Duffy “Rockferry” (2008)
14. Florence + the Machine “Lungs” (2009)
15. Fleet Foxes “Fleet Foxes” (2008)
16. Franz Ferdinand “Franz Ferdinand” (2004)
17. Gorillaz “Demon Days” (2005)
18. Interpol “Turn on the Bright Lights” (2002)
19. Keane “Hopes and Fears” (2004)
20. Alicia Keys “Songs in A Minor” (2001)

21. The Killers “Hot Fuss” (2004)
22. Kings of Leon “Only by the Night” (2008)
23. Lady Gaga “The Fame” (2008)
24. Kaiser Chiefs “Employment” (2005)
25. Kendrick Lamar “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015)
26. LCD Soundsystem “Sound of Silver” (2007)
27. The Libertines “Up the Bracket” (2002)
28. Linkin Park “Hybrid Theory” (2000)
29. M.I.A. “Kala” (2007)
30. Mika “Life in Cartoon Motion” (2007)

31. Mumford & Sons “Babel” 2012)
32. Kacey Musgraves “Same Trailer Different Park” (2013)
33. My Morning Jacket “Z” (2005)
34. The National “High Violet” (2010)
35. Frank Ocean “Channel Orange” (2012)
36. Pink “M!ssundaztood” (2001)
37. Scissor Sisters “Scissor Sisters” (2004)
38. The Shins “Chutes Too Narrow” (2003)
39. Sam Smith “In the Lonely Hour” (2014)
40. Streets “A Grand Don’t Come for Free” (2004)

41. The Strokes “Is This It” (2001)
42. Sufjan Stevens “Illiois” (2005)
43. TV on the Radio “Dear Science” (2008)
44. Vampire Weekend “Vampire Weekend” (2008)
45. The Vines “Highly Evolved” (2002)
46. The War on Drugs “Lost in the Dream” (2014)
47. Kanye West “The College Dropout” (2004)
48. Amy Winehouse “Back to Black” (2006)
49. The XX “XX” (2009)
50. Yeah Yeah Yeahs “Fever to Tell” (2003)

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Eagles et al: Top 70 Songs

1972 lineup: l to r: Bernie Leadon, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey

1994 lineup: l to r: Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder

Happy birthday, Don Henley! Born on July 22, 1947, he turned 70 this year. He is known both for his solo career and as a singer and drummer with the Eagles. In honor of his birthday, here are the top 70 songs by the Eagles, including contributions from each individual member (Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Don Felder, Randy Meisner, and Bernie Leadon).

1. Eagles…Hotel California (1976)
2. Eagles…Take It Easy (1972)
3. Don Henley…The Boys of Summer (1984)
4. Eagles…Lyin’ Eyes (1975)
5. Eagles…Desperado (1973)
6. Eagles…Best of My Love (1974)
7. Don Henley…The End of the Innocence (1989)
8. Eagles…One of These Nights (1975)
9. Eagles…Take It to the Limit (1975)
10. Eagles…Heartache Tonight (1979)

11. Eagles...New Kid in Town (1976)
12. Eagles…Life in the Fast Lane (1976)
13. Don Henley…The Heart of the Matter (1989)
14. Joe Walsh…Rocky Mountain Way (1973)
15. Eagles…I Can’t Tell You Why (1979)
16. Don Henley with Stevie Nicks…Leather and Lace (1981)
17. Joe Walsh…Life’s Been Good (1978)
18. Don Henley with Patty Smyth…Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough (1992)
19. Eagles…The Long Run (1979)
20. Don Henley…Dirty Laundry (1982)

21. Eagles…Peaceful, Easy Feeling (1972)
22. Eagles…Tequila Sunrise (1973)
23. James Gang (featuring Joe Walsh)…Walk Away (1971)
24. Eagles…Witchy Woman (1972)
25. Eagles…Seven Bridges Road (live) (1980)
26. Eagles…Already Gone (1974)
27. Firefall (with Timothy B. Schmit on background vocals)…Just Remember I Love You (1977)
28. Joe Walsh…All Night Long (1980)
29. Glenn Frey…Smuggler’s Blues (1984)
30. James Gang (with Joe Walsh on vocals)…Funk #49 (1970)

31. Don Henley…Sunset Grill (1984)
32. Glenn Frey…The Heat Is On (1984)
33. Glenn Frey…You Belong to the City (1985)
34. Don Henley…All She Wants to Do Is Dance (1984)
35. Don Henley...Not Enough Love in the World (1984)
36. Joe Walsh..A Life of Illusion (1981)
37. Eagles…Please Come Home for Christmas (1978)
38. Eagles…Get Over It (1994)
39. Don Henley…The Last Worthless Evening (1989)
40. Glenn Frey…The One You Love (1982)

41. Randy Meisner…Hearts on Fire (1980)
42. Eagles…Victim of Love (1976)
43. Glenn Frey…True Love (1988)
44. Don Felder…Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride) (1981)
45. Eagles…The Last Resort (1986)
46. Don Henley…New York Minute (1989)
47. Eagles…Love Will Keep Us Alive (1994)
48. Glenn Frey…Sexy Girl (1984)
49. Don Henley…I Can’t Stand Still (1982)
50. Randy Meisner…Deep Inside My Heart (1980)

51. Don Henley…Taking You Home (2000)
52. Don Henley…Through Your Hands (1996)
53. Glenn Frey…I Found Somebody (1982)
54. Eagles…James Dean (1974)
55. Eagles…Hole in the World (2003)
56. Poco (with Timothy B. Schmit on vocals)…Keep on Tryin’ (1975)
57. Don Henley…How Bad Do You Want It? (1989)
58. Eagles…In the City (1979)
59. Glenn Frey…Part of You, Part of Me (1991)
60. Randy Meisner…Never Been in Love (1982)

61. Glenn Frey…All Those Lies (1982)
62. Eagles…Learn to Be Still (1994)
63. Timothy B. Schmit…Boys Night Out (1987)
64. Eagles…Outlaw Man (1973)
65. Joe Walsh…Things (1981)
66. Joe Walsh…Rivers of the Hidden Funk (1981)
67. Eagles…How Long (2007)
68. Joe Walsh…Space Age Whiz Kids (1983)
69. Don Henley…Johnny Can’t Read (1982)
70. Eagles…Those Shoes (1979)

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Linda Ronstadt: Top 30 Songs

image from vista.today

Born July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona, Linda Ronstadt established herself as a diverse recording artist with a cover-laden repertoire which dipped into pop, rock, adult contemporary, country, Latin, big band, and standards. She put her stamp on songs by Chuck Berry, the Eagles, the Hollies, Buddy Holly, Martha & the Vandellas, the Miracles, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, the Righteous Brothers, the Rolling Stones, Sam & Dave, Neil Young, and Warren Zevon. She often recorded with other artists including Emmylou Harris, James Ingram, Aaron Neville, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dolly Parton, Nelson Riddle, and J.D. Souther. In celebration of her birthday, DMDB presents her top 30 songs.

The Top 30 Linda Ronstadt Songs

Blue Bayou

1. Blue Bayou (1977)
2. Don’t Know Much (with Aaron Neville, 1989)
3. You’re No Good (1974)
4. Somewhere Out There (with James Ingram, 1986)
5. Hurt So Bad (1980)
6. When Will I Be Loved (1975)
7. Different Drum (with the Stone Poneys, 1967)
8. Heat Wave (1975)
9. It’s So Easy (1977)
10. The Tracks of My Tears (1975)
11. Ooh Baby Baby (1978)
12. An American Dream (with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 1979)
13. That’ll Be the Day (1976)
14. Long, Long Time (1970)
15. Back in the U.S.A. (1978)

16. How Do I Make You (1980)
17. Poor, Poor Pitiful Me (1978)
18. All My Life (with Aaron Neville, (1990)
19. Tumbling Dice (1978)
20. Just One Look (1979)
21. I Can’t Let Go (1980)
22. Love Has No Pride (1973)
23. Get Closer (1982)
24. Love Is a Rose (1975)
25. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore (1975)
26. Desperado (1973)
27. Someone to Lay Down Beside Me (1976)
28. I Knew You When (1982)
29. When the Morning Comes (with Hoyt Axton, 1974)
30. She’s a Very Lovely Woman (1971)

Awards:

Resources and Related Links:

Linda Ronstadt’s DMDB Music Maker Encyclopedia entry

50 years ago: Van Morrison charted with “Brown-Eyed Girl”

Brown-Eyed Girl

Van Morrison

Writer(s): Van Morrison (see lyrics here)

First Charted: June 24, 1967

Peak: 10 US, 8 CB, 7 HR, 1 CL, 60 UK, 13 CN (Click for codes to singles charts.)

Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US + UK)

Airplay/Streaming (in millions): 8.0 radio, 99.82 video, 527.59 streaming

Awards: (Click on award for more details).

About the Song:

In the mid-’60s, Van Morrison had brief fame with Irish R&B band Them with hits like “Gloria,” “Here Comes the Night,” and “Baby Please Don’t Go.” However, by 1966 he was a 21-year-old has been living back at home with his parents. ^BBC Bert Berns, Them’s American producer and the owner of Bang Records, still believed in Morrison and flew him to New York for some recording sessions in March 1967. ^BBC After signing a contract which, according to biographer Clinton Heylin, Morrison probably still regrets, ^WK Van recorded eight songs intended for use as four singles. ^WK

Hit records weren’t at all what Morrison was interested in and consequently most of what he recorded for Bang was decidedly uncommercial. ^TB Hits, however, were exactly what Berns had in mind and he was determined to fashion a hit out of “Van’s introspective and personal material.” ^BBC

He found it with “Brown-Eyed Girl,” the song now generally considered to be Morrison’s signature song. ^WK In the history of rock music, teen lovemaking has possibly never been “more perfectly captured or more lovingly celebrated.” ^PW It is, though, more than just a song about sex and youth; it is also “very wonderfully a song about singing.” ^PW

Van sings the “infectious pop melody with such effervescence” ^MA it is difficult to grasp that the “gloomy...genius” ^MA despised its success. However, as he told Rolling Stone in 1970, “It put me in some of the worst joints I ever worked...It just put me in some awkward positions. Like lip-syncing to the record on a television show. I can’t lip-sync.” ^RS500

His next time out, Morrison effectively shut the door on mainstream success with Astral Weeks, a critically-acclaimed, but “deeply personal acoustic song cycle that sold practically nothing.” ^RS500