tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83171018225316512412024-03-16T01:51:50.212+00:00SOUNDTRACK4LIFE: THE B-SIDESSoundtrack4Life: The B-Sides
Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.comBlogger3201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-8499754684622942052024-03-16T01:46:00.000+00:002024-03-16T01:46:32.938+00:00The S4L Interview: Mike Aquilina<p>To follow on from the big post about <b>Dion</b> I thought it would be really good to get a perspective on the songwriting of <b>Mr DiMucci</b> and there's probably no one better to ask about that than <b>Mike Aquilina</b>, who just happens to be the Co-writer of many of <b>Dion</b>'s songs since 2011. I'm grateful to <b>Mike</b>
for taking some time out of his day to do this interview. There's some
links throughout the interview that will lead you to some music, <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">click on them</span></b> to enjoy the sound of <b>Dion</b>.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDCHO5csBQaznxN3FU4Sy_pgcktOLjq1vSHv_X3kaYT8FpNoiKmQjwhxw79VQvHgigdjUuGTzFHx3cISl1shFHeFPNA3bmlTNoRyMmD2I94_JDtmA2K3pn_GpsB0XBAdkdgnLNCWBCRSvTNScYLPONV1BBa8uxouwzaw7tAK9NtfebjwXjzkc8-lUJ3s/s1062/mikeA2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="796" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDCHO5csBQaznxN3FU4Sy_pgcktOLjq1vSHv_X3kaYT8FpNoiKmQjwhxw79VQvHgigdjUuGTzFHx3cISl1shFHeFPNA3bmlTNoRyMmD2I94_JDtmA2K3pn_GpsB0XBAdkdgnLNCWBCRSvTNScYLPONV1BBa8uxouwzaw7tAK9NtfebjwXjzkc8-lUJ3s/w480-h640/mikeA2.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>I've
been browsing your website and biography on Wikipedia and even from a
casual glance the title Songwriter doesn't really stand out. So before
we get to that c'mon, and don't be shy, and let us know what your daily
profession is.</b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i>I'm
a freelance writer, and that's what I've been doing since 1996. Before
that, going back to 1983, I had writing jobs in newspapers, tech,
advertising, marketing. As a freelancer I've taken on all sorts of work,
from ad copy to television scripts. But it's all writing. Songwriting
is writing.</i></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>You
have written a lot of books and it's quite interesting gazing through
the list on Amazon because there in the middle of all these books on
various aspects of Catholic History is Dion: The Wanderer Talks Truth
(stories, humor & music)! Are people surprised that you have written
a book with one of Rock 'n Roll's great legends?</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WfUQ8JWSL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="504" height="640" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WfUQ8JWSL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="403" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i>They are! I often boast that I'm the only guy in Catholic media who's had <b>Lou Reed</b> write a foreword to one of my books. </i><p></p><p><i>I'm known to my friends as a rather extreme nerd, so I often play up the incongruity for comic effect.</i></p><p><i>Even <b>Dion</b> makes fun of me for it. He calls me "<b>Clark Kent</b>,"
because I can disappear into a phone booth and come out with a song
sung from the perspective of a man having an alcoholic blackout.</i><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS05l83F-BsRqaXP-vAQceT6a3yWyWAmnuZTMINYUKhkAevckHSac4kAzWOT8gsviBCoU1ldVf2ihxjfq6KQ2_MFvBjjL2siNAdYAx8ydMjIIuVtI83DKGzMwefDxRe3hOcpV8_5134hgOY2DG3rWPmGAt2jDj6cUBnJCe4raOqi3YMYdsVAwX4J84lf0/s1880/mikeanddion2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1880" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS05l83F-BsRqaXP-vAQceT6a3yWyWAmnuZTMINYUKhkAevckHSac4kAzWOT8gsviBCoU1ldVf2ihxjfq6KQ2_MFvBjjL2siNAdYAx8ydMjIIuVtI83DKGzMwefDxRe3hOcpV8_5134hgOY2DG3rWPmGAt2jDj6cUBnJCe4raOqi3YMYdsVAwX4J84lf0/w640-h426/mikeanddion2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>I'm
interested how and when you first met Dion? Was it when you teamed up
to write the book? Were you aware of who he was and his place in the
history of Rock 'n Roll music or was it at first "just another job"?</b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i>I met <b>Dion</b>
years before the book, closer to the turn of the century. We were both
on a religious pilgrimage in Italy, visiting the tombs of Peter and
Paul, the sites associated with St. Francis of Assisi, and eating a lot
of pasta and gelato together. We hit it off and stayed in touch after we
got back home. We have many common interests — the Bible, early Church
history, rock and roll music, Italian food, and the meaning of life.<br /><br /><b>Dion</b>
is an early-morning walker, and when he walks he thinks, and often when
he thinks he wants to talk. So we spent a lot of time on the phone, and
we got to know each other very well. He also lives pretty close to my
brother, so I was able to visit him when I was in town.<br /><br />When he
was asked to write a memoir, he got me to collaborate. That was around
2011. I was thrilled to do it. It was certainly different from anything
else I'd done. And by then I considered him one of my closest friends.
He's like a brother to me. In fact, he's like a brother to my siblings.
By now they probably prefer him to me.</i><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>A
question I'm sure the readers of this blog will find fascinating is how
a Catholic Hiistorian, author, speaker, journalist ends up becoming a
Co-songwriter for Dion DiMucci? Did you tell him that you were into
writing poetry and songwriting? Did you just turn up on his doorstep one
day and say, <i>"Hey Dion</i></b><i>,</i><b><i> I've written a couple of songs that you might want to record"</i>? I know that might sound daft but I'm genuinely interested how the whole thing came about.</b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i><b>Dion</b> had been writing for decades with <b>Bill Tuohy</b>, but Bill's health was failing. So <b>Dion</b> made the decision to stop doing original music and just do covers and tributes.<br /><br />One
day, though, on a whim, he called and left a message on my answering
machine. He recited a line and then repeated it, and then said: "I want
to sing that line in a song, and you're gonna write that song." And he
hung up.<br /><br />I saw what he was doing. He was daring me to write a song. It's Italian-American machismo. I had to prove myself.<br /><br />By then I'd done a lot of writing with him — his book and some other small things. I guess he saw potential in all that.</i><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>Do you recall the first song you co-wrote with Dion, was it one that ended up on the 'Tank Full of Blues'</b> album, which I think was the first time your name pops up on the songwriting credits on any of his albums?<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYrSJZYC4t0PjAHxPu-HdD-CWujLNbA9gZ_0pq3lJi1pIJs9MCuCwKomZOYukig0syjwI-tLyQaAyZ9xVYabuUN-vlzaWoO9GCbMX-Ng-U4_plP_XkGQeaRwVHdZsJvvC0GlNYh3QQIosQmXHFEoyR58cazvSxe3oq0eGuCf2A67P12JiObkVcmG7iqQ/s600/tankfullofblues.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="600" height="621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYrSJZYC4t0PjAHxPu-HdD-CWujLNbA9gZ_0pq3lJi1pIJs9MCuCwKomZOYukig0syjwI-tLyQaAyZ9xVYabuUN-vlzaWoO9GCbMX-Ng-U4_plP_XkGQeaRwVHdZsJvvC0GlNYh3QQIosQmXHFEoyR58cazvSxe3oq0eGuCf2A67P12JiObkVcmG7iqQ/w640-h621/tankfullofblues.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i>It was </i><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/AkAulyNPVVY?si=Qh0Ur4f7SriBmqdq">"I Read It in the Rolling Stone,"</a></span></b><i> which was our first single from <b>TANK FULL OF BLUES</b>. The title was the line he had recited into my answering machine.<br /><br />It worked out well. <b>Rolling Stone </b>magazine
took notice. We didn't make it to the proverbial cover, but we were
featured on page 3. I couldn't buy five copies for my sainted mother
because the other thing on page 3 was a nice young woman who was wearing
nothing but her tattoos and a gigantic snake.<br /><br /><b>Jann Wenner</b> sent <b>Dion</b> an email saying that our tune was now his favorite song that namedrops his magazine. So I guess that puts us ahead of <b>Dr. John</b>, <b>Joni Mitchell</b>, and the <b>Rolling Stones</b> on at least one chart.</i><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>I
have known and know quite a number of songwriters who also write with
other folks who are usually in the music business and so forgive me for
sounding a bit basic here, how does the whole thing of co-writing a song
happen when one of the writers is not a full time musician? Can you
pick a song from the many you have co-written with Dion and give us an
insight into how it came together? Does it happen the same way every
time or is each song unique in its creation?<br /></b><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i>I
think of our songs as an expression of our friendship. We've known each
other a long time. I know his life, I know his memories and
experiences. I know his concerns for the future. Songwriting has become
just another avenue we take in our conversations.<br /><br />But there's no one-and-only way we write. There's no process. Sometimes we start with a line of lyric, as we did in <b>"Rolling Stone." </b>Sometimes
we start with a melody. Sometimes one of us will come up with a melody
and lyric that are almost finished, and we'll just touch it up together.
We tend to work fast. We like to ride the momentum of that first
creative moment. And I have to admit the initial impulse is usually <b>Dion'</b>s. His creative energy is astonishing.</i><span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>You
have co-written with Dion now on five albums, is there a level of trust
that goes into writing with someone, like you know how he might be
thinking or feeling about the subject of the song and so you don't, for
want of a better phrase, "cross any lines"? Does he challenge you to
write better?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i>Absolutely.
The fields where I do most of my work are history and theology. I've
published poems that are in my voice, and sometimes I wax cerebral. If
I'm writing a song and I slip into that kind of talk, <b>Dion</b>'s standard response is: <b>"We don't say that in the Bronx."</b><br /><br />Listen,
I love writing songs with him, but he's the one who's going to sing the
song, and it has to be in his voice. By that I mean his literary voice,
his performer's persona — the guy who sings </i><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/SbYa7NBYyRc?si=JIVD7kDQ5zVBlUby">"<b>The Wanderer"</b></a></span><i> and </i><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/nFch8vH81ks?si=-bT9K9flTTFgLLB5">"Runaround Sue."</a></span></b><i><b> </b>I'm not there to indulge my own inclinations. But, really, I love those constraints, and I love <b>Dion</b>, and I love the on-stage character he inhabits.<br /><br />It
helps that our friendship predates our professional relationship by
many years. I can anticipate his reactions while I'm writing a song. If I
type the word "erstwhile" or "albeit," I know immediately I should back
up.</i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_bgbuXNv_l2Pt5nkpw1n9XcP5_Dz3L0zpC8Bc1zc3r9x0hUrqOPwyvdB6w_qlZEo6xOZPotBKQ9AtDCgKsyxgM4dvOC_WSkwOK4F76JD3nkWrLORuFjDaCZcB_a5YGqlWkiSNkP3Qfm_wdIj4mO0IxslIFYeC65nm2K4OMD0oG1DF11-S8qqfwioOeg/s1294/mikeanddion4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="972" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_bgbuXNv_l2Pt5nkpw1n9XcP5_Dz3L0zpC8Bc1zc3r9x0hUrqOPwyvdB6w_qlZEo6xOZPotBKQ9AtDCgKsyxgM4dvOC_WSkwOK4F76JD3nkWrLORuFjDaCZcB_a5YGqlWkiSNkP3Qfm_wdIj4mO0IxslIFYeC65nm2K4OMD0oG1DF11-S8qqfwioOeg/w480-h640/mikeanddion4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b>Now,
this is a part you might struggle to answer (or maybe not if you are
extremely confident), can you name five songs that you have co-written
with Dion that you think are your finest?</b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i>I tried. I can't. I'll give you nine, in no particular order:</i><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9mvWFlOXC6U?si=SD4s3eP7tLfelaFS">I'm Your Gangster Of Love</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/IDkRZ6ZJ54Q?si=NIgBmI4PUl69Rh7w">Can't Go Back To Memphis</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/bpsVSLUOCGA?si=nu5xY02MwCeIbmS-">New York Is My Home</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Yf0yXjXoTmw?si=ED-R7hFBcUkBBx05">Blues Comin' On</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/e6ynStoc60c?si=AACJhcHs0qRCTZmD">Can’t Start Over Again</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/pA2AyRi7MuA?si=6h4-_M4ITq6BXBnO">Song For Sam Cooke (Here In America)</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/DIKljThxmrc?si=GWKCqjwUbppgpvW9">There Was A Time</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/cUSMkdZKo6I?si=L8d3CNBcffRWNGda">Angel In The Alleyways</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/tBngYKf3TKg?si=2QRh5WSDu5lrrjGC">An American Hero</a></span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL6x9avPfZn72_aeZ3PjByOTq-ZRWL_jBoO1yYvl6GKNhPCj4TGxfvyF8wqIX9P0Fb1gGi4Kfj-5IHzRSQSaqXWOdTfAqc71-VIM0rT1TCeUFW8xzdIZMKuwb1_iQKyGNrLMW2JiF3ItTpdhyp7p-C7WgmTdTdtFHWfDuHxkrRWAIetRkK2Nlfnail-8/s2048/mikeanddion3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL6x9avPfZn72_aeZ3PjByOTq-ZRWL_jBoO1yYvl6GKNhPCj4TGxfvyF8wqIX9P0Fb1gGi4Kfj-5IHzRSQSaqXWOdTfAqc71-VIM0rT1TCeUFW8xzdIZMKuwb1_iQKyGNrLMW2JiF3ItTpdhyp7p-C7WgmTdTdtFHWfDuHxkrRWAIetRkK2Nlfnail-8/w640-h480/mikeanddion3.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b>S4L:</b> <b>A
thing a like to do with everyone who I interview on Soundtrack4Life is
to ask my guests to name a number of songs or albums that you would say
are part of your very own Soundtrack4Life</b>?<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Mike:</span></b> <i><b>Dion</b>'s </i><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/N7DzzveN-6o?si=kja14Bhts55C3szX">"The Night Stood Still,"</a></span></b><i> from his 1989 album </i><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l9psWHhE9AwNWqShaktMNFGavtC4xpFOU&si=3STJQuWm1Alf7nff">YO FRANKIE!</a></span></b><i>, still captures the feelings of love I have for my wife of thirty-nine years. It also happens to be my wife's favorite <b>Dion </b>song.<br /><br /><b>John Michael Talbot</b>'s music is a big part of the soundtrack to my spiritual life. I cannot hear or sing </i><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/D2X11zZuvDw?si=72Y3wzr1tHdpQTNO">"Holy Is His Name"</a></span></b><i>
without weeping. Recently I led the retreat at John's monastery, and
he'd walk into my conferences with his guitar, and I just knew I'd be a
puddle before the hour had passed.</i><br /><br />I appreciate you giving your time to doing this<b> Mike</b>, many thanks and as you will have noticed I borrowed a few of your pictures from your FB page. Hope that's okay?<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HdmmtITfEcw_qm2-1xfPJ2ZWF9UDfu3uUDDtxN1GmDeadK5iibpDQ2lpnYutw3vqXmwKJo4EG9hLHdHwShkYqbZkCmc87u6rG8fve-gC-4t5Kcv7iR0trHHJRHhugZvK3z5a9m4ArhYliXoXK8rUqokPEfXcBge5teFyaHIRwuPZHbsK5pHXoyfPdNs/s578/mikeA1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="544" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HdmmtITfEcw_qm2-1xfPJ2ZWF9UDfu3uUDDtxN1GmDeadK5iibpDQ2lpnYutw3vqXmwKJo4EG9hLHdHwShkYqbZkCmc87u6rG8fve-gC-4t5Kcv7iR0trHHJRHhugZvK3z5a9m4ArhYliXoXK8rUqokPEfXcBge5teFyaHIRwuPZHbsK5pHXoyfPdNs/w602-h640/mikeA1.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><br /><br /><p> </p>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-62162222945633461642024-03-15T23:27:00.001+00:002024-03-16T01:51:17.301+00:00Dion DiMucci - The King of the New York Streets Into The 21st Century<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhqr0LAi_Ac4DIq1G_Cu0DQEe0s_z5LbELuIRf9Mz5Pqvn49zMTNZ1pkB9bTTpNPZGwVAjWDHJ61lelgIwSSB2MwLDhhtlCP3RcGq18CfspuUUAthIz0psAZEbEvM2_8bcx2Ln8P1XwWJ3nOqx-03qKkgEAYdU-vHZlwGDcQekgHI0tMQXUXseIGMklE/s600/diondimucci.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhqr0LAi_Ac4DIq1G_Cu0DQEe0s_z5LbELuIRf9Mz5Pqvn49zMTNZ1pkB9bTTpNPZGwVAjWDHJ61lelgIwSSB2MwLDhhtlCP3RcGq18CfspuUUAthIz0psAZEbEvM2_8bcx2Ln8P1XwWJ3nOqx-03qKkgEAYdU-vHZlwGDcQekgHI0tMQXUXseIGMklE/w640-h640/diondimucci.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I hadn't intended that this would be a big post spotlighting the whole career of <b>Dion</b> but that's how it turned out. I've spent the last three days listening to every album by <b>Dion and The Belmonts</b> and then <b>Dion</b>'s Solo albums through all phases of his almost seven decade career. I got a bit overly excited as I listened and thought why not share this music because there's bound to be folk out there who have never heard of <b>Dion DiMucci</b> (I'm being realistic when I say that) and I can't think of a better way to rectify that than by sharing as much of the music as I can. I grew up listening to him and there's rarely been a moment in my life that his music has not been there.</div><div> <br /></div><div>Before getting to the <b>21st Century</b> a brief musical history of<b> Dion DiMucci </b>in the <b>20th Century</b> is
worth mentioning seeing that he has enjoyed a long career in music
dating back to 1957 and he's released albums and singles in pretty much every decade
since (40 albums and numerous singles).<b> </b>There's lots of<b> <span style="color: #ffa400;">links to the music </span></b>so click on them to enjoy.<b> </b>Pretty much every album released has <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">a link</span></b> so there's a lot of music to get through. Hope you enjoy it.<b><br /></b><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://i.discogs.com/SbWSmsIxJpm8vINEkTZENF1Y_qGWG5RUoCvfpDT_iuo/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:481/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTcxMTcy/My0xMTg3MzkxMTY3/LmpwZWc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://i.discogs.com/SbWSmsIxJpm8vINEkTZENF1Y_qGWG5RUoCvfpDT_iuo/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:481/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTcxMTcy/My0xMTg3MzkxMTY3/LmpwZWc.jpeg" width="321" /></a></b></div><b>Dion DiMucci</b> released his first ever record way back in 1957 ("<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/TNGM_-Lbchk?si=9hzl_HDytS0wpJNr">The Chosen Few</a></span></b>" credited to<b> Dion and The Timberlanes</b>) and within a short space of time he recruited some friends who became <b>The Belmonts</b> (named after their neighbourhood, Belmont in the Bronx). Two singles were released on the Mohawk label ("<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/riLpZYIyOWA?si=BdhF1pqZiSYUibyP">Santa Margarita</a></span></b>" and "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jKZ3SjFkysQ?si=KpvO_S5r9tehd7zZ">Tag Along</a></span></b>") but never troubled the charts. The breakthrough came in 1958 when "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/oe-EfpIzdsw?si=Ax2Rb2vGbkWNcos_">I Wonder Why</a></span></b>", released on <b>Laurie Records</b>, charted at #22, followed by "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/EgrBiu7qSpI?si=RcWg59IRrVwlTGgW">No One Knows</a></span></b>" (#19) and "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-leiCh1P3NQ?si=mu4m7ZPWilt1yJLy">Don't Pity Me</a></span></b>" (#40). Other hits would follow like "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/bVfi_hcqc68?si=Wfk4D-9qKcMbhP4i">Teenager In Love</a></span></b>" (1959 #5) and "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/oUwBfwtvssw?si=1wwUe4emUo0Bl4HO">Where or When</a></span></b>" (1960 #3). <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/LV05KSzQBT8ovPMcTLOYKL9bESMLnZyY6b9kPG8LS1Q/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUxMzI5/MS0xNjEwODUwODY0/LTMyMDguanBlZw.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="600" height="395" src="https://i.discogs.com/LV05KSzQBT8ovPMcTLOYKL9bESMLnZyY6b9kPG8LS1Q/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:593/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUxMzI5/MS0xNjEwODUwODY0/LTMyMDguanBlZw.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>1959 saw the release of their debut album '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nGTqkUxuGTRnBPWnehsOXfRGfR_GuSZTc&si=j7dQK6Co8v8hta6k">Presenting Dion and The Belmonts</a></span></b>'. Other <b>Dion and The Belmonts</b> albums were '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mD0jvatSx46UoLcgFmTiuczqMKZHMcbYM&si=SDAoAyfwXMWNTZTP">Wish Upon A Star</a></span></b>' (1960), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rKYV71sCppU?si=icHkwavCpFbZydU0">Together Again</a></span></b>' (1967) and '<span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7lWgyfkWxJoQI3Xh1l1ytCJqz8noVxVy&si=7KPMi8-err_OBmLC"><b>Reunion -</b> <b>Live at Madison Square Garden 1972</b></a></span><i>' (1973)<br /></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/Nqz04Uun-KD9iW-sJxn_nkh7MkaYE5-HVrKkXC7YMqk/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTMyNTEw/MS0xNjQ3OTU2NjYz/LTg0NjguanBlZw.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://i.discogs.com/Nqz04Uun-KD9iW-sJxn_nkh7MkaYE5-HVrKkXC7YMqk/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTMyNTEw/MS0xNjQ3OTU2NjYz/LTg0NjguanBlZw.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>By 1960 <b>Dion</b>
had gone solo and began consistently to have a chart presence for a few years (though
not all were Top 40). A wee glimpse at some of those will give you a wee
taster: "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/WKj0UZqvhF4?si=WRHl7mDHnfBREhDD">Lonely Teenager</a></span></b>" (1960 #12), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ik57HLn0Nm0?si=KdTCZ3o0FME5ssyv">Runaround Sue</a></span></b>" (1961 #1), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rXqWCeB8Vto?si=i1hFJkJvROfWHKNX">The Wanderer</a></span></b>" (1961 #2), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/O1Xi9zU4OIg?si=iH9zD7PMyZK1GUh3">The Majestic</a></span></b>" (1961 #36), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/_HCNyPVQywA?si=dFua_iaUB0InwJ_x">Lovers Who Wander</a></span></b>" (1962 #3), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/PaYcLBB4Klo?si=6-9KyNQmDxwA-pUG">(I Was) Born To Cry</a></span></b>" (1962 #42), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/KeqmH1kE1CM?si=ZYLqpg5JFc29ykZI">Little Diane</a></span></b>" (1962 #8), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Q3DhJpZrPxg?si=ZHF4H6kGeptBfM6_">Love Came To Me</a></span></b>" (1962 #10), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dNUHgdnvZfQ?si=6Kl1G1zCYacA2h3H">Ruby Baby</a></span></b>" (1962 #2), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/_-i8Y0D2MRA?si=w4XZJeAFaRxb_d33">Donna The Prima Donna</a></span></b>" (1963 #6), "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/VqJGPQLJjzI?si=q43A9_yTYRb0alOS">Drip Drop</a></span></b>" (1962 #6). After 1964 he wouldn't grace the singles charts again until 1968 when he released "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/CGB263WibIU?si=DyDXCfKBLeJW0mus">Abraham, Martin and John</a></span></b>" (#4), a song that became a hit for <b>Smokey Robinson and The Miracles</b> and probably the most well known version by <b>Marvin Gaye</b>.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/eG87fKqILI89h1ccziZRrMAuahMEBA5LL7I1EzwYmW0/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:594/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTg3OTMy/NjEtMTQ2ODg3NzA5/OS00NjkyLmpwZWc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://i.discogs.com/eG87fKqILI89h1ccziZRrMAuahMEBA5LL7I1EzwYmW0/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:594/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTg3OTMy/NjEtMTQ2ODg3NzA5/OS00NjkyLmpwZWc.jpeg" width="397" /></a></div><b> Dion</b>'s 1960's albums include the Solo Debut '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnz28n84AN8kO5dArnL71AWLg6R4YdG1M&si=dqiIeG0nd2ktIX0p">Runaround Sue</a></span></b>' (1961), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLUTKrEQ55BaXk_etwCjr01jT8_e0S9bX&si=JbLnCxcMIfBg1eSu">Alone With Dion</a></span></b>' (1961), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLUTKrEQ55BapQfKuruhxZpJceJQETUSE&si=cCHuTPrAwQcslFDj">Lovers Who Wander</a></span></b>' (1962), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqLObM6ZIYKfABut5dQ3Uzly_6rpUjsVL&si=xSwcxH9_9PcPWFNp">Dion Sings To Sandy</a></span></b>' (1963), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Ra18CWyykWc?si=IXv2AfCpmkwHvm6s">Ruby Baby</a></span></b>' (1963), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLUTKrEQ55BY0OlEfp-X_ZEcUZxSBGlZd&si=T7jzRpNyAQN6_il-">Donna The Prima Donna</a></span></b>' (1963), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mOK96Hsgdyrq3naLC8dr0gfNHtZm8BTDQ&si=dXcYPBiLbq3oxF2Y">Love Came To Me</a></span></b>' (1963), '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzGotn8LeP0fZsKzMDvv1-Q_uveYrPW_h&si=Dz5yeSC9-uNeJoWv">Dion</a></span></b>' (1968) and '<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mot39pFR1IMZ_pHXPFoCu0eSA5GkKBcZU&si=O0V3Nzc5J2sGET2q">Wonder Where I'm Bound</a></span></b>' (1969).<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/2MQsEoOeWH3dOjeRz_pgNExtVv4s-WTV3YEHin20z54/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE2MzA4/NDEtMTM1ODg4ODc2/OC03MDI0LmpwZWc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://i.discogs.com/2MQsEoOeWH3dOjeRz_pgNExtVv4s-WTV3YEHin20z54/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE2MzA4/NDEtMTM1ODg4ODc2/OC03MDI0LmpwZWc.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> In the 1970s <b>Dion</b> would release albums that were a bit more contemplative: <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dwB0VLLouwU?si=eT7ujGaqM_OIxqIa">Sit Down Old Friend</a></span></b> (1970), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/lKzCf1XEMsQ?si=t8zhGJpLVIX6q-BS">You're Not Alone</a></span></b> (1971), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/UzD-alUEpzU?si=MKc21402jkp08hai">Sanctuary</a></span></b> (1971), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/U6dU_-4kd7o?si=JVPp1PYGXEj9fHdG">Born To With You</a></span></b> (1975), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wERbH3PkK-Y?si=wNBQRG8vcMOE4jRs">Streetheart </a> </span></b>(1976), and <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m0UzXGn6okENhRhpvny2ChZdlU9N9v0zo&si=dao3c7kKwEJfs9vD">Return Of The Wanderer </a></span></b>(1978). Out of these <b>'Born To Be With You'</b> is one of standouts. It was produced by <b>Phil Spector</b> and although it was shelved until 1975 and sort of disowned by <b>Dion</b>, it has been cited as an an influential album by <b>Bobby Gillesepie</b> of <b>Primal Scream</b> and others. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/WDujdsif6IwNinHruPIAG3zVvEpVwuRO3n9Yj4YYst8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:594/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTc3MjMz/NTMtMTQ5NDg5OTA3/OS0zMzI0LmpwZWc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://i.discogs.com/WDujdsif6IwNinHruPIAG3zVvEpVwuRO3n9Yj4YYst8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:594/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTc3MjMz/NTMtMTQ5NDg5OTA3/OS0zMzI0LmpwZWc.jpeg" width="396" /></a></div>From 1980 through to 1986 <b>Dion</b> recorded six <b>Gospel</b> Orientated albums: <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/eW2Wnl6JGs0?si=69IeszINy343_MC0">Inside Job</a></span></b> (1980), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Th2NwsyZuRs?si=GzT0yCheWZJuyXrW">Only Jesus</a></span></b> (1981), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nkhCoRDS6xbRaoG_8DcbyaMS9t36Pk_wM&si=F8A3S9irX-SE4si4">I Put Away My Idols</a></span></b> (1983),<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/mvPIv1Pg_eg?si=s341c5OfPT35g2pj"> Seasons</a></span></b> (1984), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k9vDTUw_ovMnb483-RTgqDt9o29WA-Y2I&si=QgUwYHjBq-43QG45">Kingdom in the Streets</a></span></b> (1985) and<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kB3vcnh4BPaBvElBLV3IPY9nfXpaFmFFU&si=wND3YPn9BXLhbeMJ"> Velvet & Steel</a></span></b> (1986). <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/fHyTlBQAN4V20QyEmKv7ltTZBReChRHYumPvig00Fxs/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:573/w:581/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEzMjgz/NTItMTI5OTkwNDY4/OS5qcGVn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="581" height="394" src="https://i.discogs.com/fHyTlBQAN4V20QyEmKv7ltTZBReChRHYumPvig00Fxs/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:573/w:581/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEzMjgz/NTItMTI5OTkwNDY4/OS5qcGVn.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>By 1989 he was back in the <b>Rock 'n' Roll</b> world celebrating his induction into the <b>Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</b> and one of his best albums in years, <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l9psWHhE9AwNWqShaktMNFGavtC4xpFOU&si=5ktiLINHuq4Dw8g6">Yo Frankie </a></span></b>(1989). It was produced by <b>Dave Edmunds</b> and featured the likes of <b>Edmunds</b> on guitar, <b>Bryan Adams</b>, <b>k.d. lang</b>,<b> Lou Reed</b>, <b>Paul Simon</b> and <b>Patty Smyth</b>. Of all <b>Dion</b>'s releases <b>Yo Frankie</b> is one of my most favourite ones. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/rnm6SiL050CZw8og4P2Avl_3sTnQhSx46cvt9Z0WLsE/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:596/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUyMTg1/MDktMTY5ODU5NzAw/OS0yMTU1LmpwZWc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="596" height="400" src="https://i.discogs.com/rnm6SiL050CZw8og4P2Avl_3sTnQhSx46cvt9Z0WLsE/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:596/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTUyMTg1/MDktMTY5ODU5NzAw/OS0yMTU1LmpwZWc.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div>Three more albums followed in the nineties, a previously unreleased <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nGtwYBrGU0pdEXUKQezQUeK4TWSCwKVUI&si=mM-OXrmh1dbXMz2o">Fire In The Night</a></span></b> (which was originally due for release in 1979 but shelved until 1990 and issued by <b>ACE</b>), the exceptional <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l4cHv2vH9SKToDhrqTx3GB5wbJDJk6KrY&si=vOc5_Be3323MG8cg">Dream on Fire</a></span></b> (1992) which kicks off with an amazing <b>Doo Wop </b>version of <b>Bruce Springsteen</b>'s "<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QhsESOmJ_18?si=_pisYDkWkhKknXtf">If I Should Fall Behind</a></span></b>" (a lot of folks have covered <b>Springsteen</b> over the years and I view this as one the best covers out of all of them!) and <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lcbrLtdYqMjKDVrwTnx2QTR8TP3wFq8Ys&si=lHkqvQaX9B7XC2a-">Rock 'n Roll Christmas</a></span></b> (1993), which I'm not keen on...but I don't like a lot of Christmas albums anyway.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVlg78kF8FjbW5yzrYh0ht3sKdBOdE6fqwEI-Lwtl5865tiKca7xMDmNEtGUZJMWDTpyEWep35mma2ELJSycfPCxbTKeFJE4IBIw_9kZUQEDbcv5R6uRYk6cunQ99ZVjuHky4LVJb0TPyL04EURzs9gs6S2x62FtShq5DnL8spNInnb299AlDxflPscI/s960/diondimucci.2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="636" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVlg78kF8FjbW5yzrYh0ht3sKdBOdE6fqwEI-Lwtl5865tiKca7xMDmNEtGUZJMWDTpyEWep35mma2ELJSycfPCxbTKeFJE4IBIw_9kZUQEDbcv5R6uRYk6cunQ99ZVjuHky4LVJb0TPyL04EURzs9gs6S2x62FtShq5DnL8spNInnb299AlDxflPscI/w424-h640/diondimucci.2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Now we reach the <b>21st Century</b>.
Fourteen albums have been released over the course of 24 years, a few
of which are older recordings but I'm including them in this section as
well.<b> Dion</b> was heading towards his 61st birthday as the year 2000
rolled around and this year he will turn 85 in July. He's making some
of the best music of his life, as I hope you will see and
hear when we get up to date. There are<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"> links for every album</span></b> so <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">click on them</span></b> to enjoy the music.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf1BGd6geV3hpyNKEYunw8V4Zo8bAYRCk2Xs2-4DQubVFfnbacRlt1cvj2d6-3tno5cOQIxhUBhEpWWChGSYscEo_b7Siz8q-6il0CWeu4lJ6hHniM2WobawIp0h3caTjMmS8zMqMZECpg9xO3pRDq20-ribllWEEkosXym0-vtAQtqABrST2HCGPE2M/s599/dejanu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="591" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf1BGd6geV3hpyNKEYunw8V4Zo8bAYRCk2Xs2-4DQubVFfnbacRlt1cvj2d6-3tno5cOQIxhUBhEpWWChGSYscEo_b7Siz8q-6il0CWeu4lJ6hHniM2WobawIp0h3caTjMmS8zMqMZECpg9xO3pRDq20-ribllWEEkosXym0-vtAQtqABrST2HCGPE2M/w395-h400/dejanu.jpg" width="395" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l0JIPRcTyLihT1t4rA9AyrL4WThKuUbRs&si=YcXY1u2Rp3bXjr3y">Déjà Nu</a></span></b><br /><b>Collectables (US)/Ace (UK)<br />2000</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><i>"<b>Déjà Nu </b>has eleven songs which could be right out of the late fifties or
early sixties, <b>Dion</b> has intentionally kept the production technique to a
bare minimum to capture the original spirit of the songs that made him
famous like <b>Runaround Sue </b>or <b>The Wanderer.</b>.. yes it's a modern recording, and yes he uses modern equipment but he
has a feel for the "oldies sound" without using the "remember the old
days" lyrics and sentiments you hear so often from his contemporaries.
It oozes class and <b>that's something you always get from a Dion album</b> -
CLASS!"</i> - <b>Gordon Watson</b> for <b>Doo Wop Magazine</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnMy0YU6LMbr1X-pZsX1V8NPlW1M7jOPOzgE0XWr0W1Lu7waXTdn6OO8OAusER3Pp9arPypkJZABkVoTxntpV2A-mydrfDOxxGttkFN0lD8rvS4-3qCV0c1iiI93Ttvowup3CzU1KuSr37LbitNm3APaDtmhA08Yy99HuagJwmIi43NI7J3Kl-piyN24/s599/newmasters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="599" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnMy0YU6LMbr1X-pZsX1V8NPlW1M7jOPOzgE0XWr0W1Lu7waXTdn6OO8OAusER3Pp9arPypkJZABkVoTxntpV2A-mydrfDOxxGttkFN0lD8rvS4-3qCV0c1iiI93Ttvowup3CzU1KuSr37LbitNm3APaDtmhA08Yy99HuagJwmIi43NI7J3Kl-piyN24/w400-h399/newmasters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n6Ykb10YvUB61LK51SonR_G3hZ-Z-DIKQ&si=Pb9pjurW--4ODzLw">New Masters</a></span><br />Collectables<br />2003</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Dion </b>and his music represent a special time and place... a moment when a song could mean so much and a singer could sum up what it means to be young, in love and on top of the world. Today, <b>Dion</b>'s songs grow more important and valuable to his fans, himself and to a whole new generation of believers. <b>'New Masters' </b>contains all-new versions of <b>Dion</b>'s classic hits, a few tributes to other pioneers of rock's first generation, and some brand new songs including a beautiful ballad <b>Dion</b> composed for his wife (<b>"Behind Susan's Eyes</b>") and a stunning response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th (<b>"Come Heal This Land"</b>).</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>"Among the parade of great talent from the dawn of the rock era, <b>Dion</b>
alone has remained a creative force, a street poet giving voice to all
that makes our hearts light and sets our spirits free."</i> - <b>David Scott</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iUM0JgNDgLrtY76uUqIPrpcH8PUN3HXcRZb8xXcYrnHyFSiQmipKpMWyKmda3UFWrq_9fCzHjtwVVV_Gja-QsZ7o52yd80IpmRLqbaUL_fBfJ83bQQ4pzWHeIZncuvecdRDqMyzBeFZ9wq5xYft1psuk3r-B11AQfVL-hy1MMq-pwZSexUB0uk71K-w/s599/dionnyc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="599" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iUM0JgNDgLrtY76uUqIPrpcH8PUN3HXcRZb8xXcYrnHyFSiQmipKpMWyKmda3UFWrq_9fCzHjtwVVV_Gja-QsZ7o52yd80IpmRLqbaUL_fBfJ83bQQ4pzWHeIZncuvecdRDqMyzBeFZ9wq5xYft1psuk3r-B11AQfVL-hy1MMq-pwZSexUB0uk71K-w/w400-h398/dionnyc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/uWyMWe7FN2c?si=LlqqKk3JnHwcJqaN">Dion and Friends Live New York City</a></span><br />Collectables<br />2005</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>Recorded in 1987 but only released in 2005<b>. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">The encore on this one is<b>"Runaround Sue," </b>which includes a host of special guests including<b> Paul Shaffer, Little Steven, Felix Cavaliere, </b>and<b> Darlene Love.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8iXgFAyTfAcUZFbxeERqmvLiFEXl4FSaiaSgq7k3M5fHF1W-C0t58WylYELwOAXHC5BLOYJdoO1xKtnP32bwXUITfCwAUrmKKal1BvU3hzXmZOhKE8f09_L_1tQt1GFq8Tjvu6AB_AIIBMlV0WE8T7uOWIMdo1ibAtTi3Aa6yRwsrjWOmhyphenhyphenXWqY0PLY/s599/bronxinblue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="599" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8iXgFAyTfAcUZFbxeERqmvLiFEXl4FSaiaSgq7k3M5fHF1W-C0t58WylYELwOAXHC5BLOYJdoO1xKtnP32bwXUITfCwAUrmKKal1BvU3hzXmZOhKE8f09_L_1tQt1GFq8Tjvu6AB_AIIBMlV0WE8T7uOWIMdo1ibAtTi3Aa6yRwsrjWOmhyphenhyphenXWqY0PLY/w400-h356/bronxinblue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kFwmiT7xlZPvvWpGjS2mWMWGG5jc0YS-s&si=oL1Z5Y8CPppdQVt_">Bronx In Blue</a></span><br />Razor & Tie/Dimensional Recordings<br />2006 </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>As doo-wop giant Dion points out in the liner notes to Bronx in Blue, there was no rock & roll back when he was growing up in New York, and so it was the Southern sounds of the blues and country coming over the radio that set him off on his brilliant musical career. On Bronx, the former Belmonts frontman delivers deeply felt, stripped-down takes on some of his favorite songs from the likes of Robert Johnson ("Walkin' Blues," "Travelin' Riverside Blues" and "Crossroads"), Jimmy Reed ("Baby, What You Want Me to Do") and Howlin' Wolf ("How Many More Years"). Accompanied only by his acoustic guitar and a little percussion, Dion delivers stunning versions of Hank Williams' "Honky Tonk Blues" and Jimmie Rodgers' "You're the One.</i>" - David Wild </b>for<b> Rolling Stone<br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/dptMcfEyMqT6_EYzVwUW9eB6ZbEALTXl_4ey3vsLMzg/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:527/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTI4NDkw/NDItMTU5MTg2Nzc4/OS0xOTM2LmpwZWc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="599" height="352" src="https://i.discogs.com/dptMcfEyMqT6_EYzVwUW9eB6ZbEALTXl_4ey3vsLMzg/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:527/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTI4NDkw/NDItMTU5MTg2Nzc4/OS0xOTM2LmpwZWc.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l6dsjTC-n96m9vMfElp-9OQ1QjBId0Lgk&si=5RSMgF6oKSa9l4Sd">Son of Skip James</a></span><br />Verve Forecast<br />6th November 2007</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>The album<b> <i>"does not fall short when it comes to ass-kicking"</i> - Tony Sclafani </b>of<b> PopMatters <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHpdWJFRwfR661S1yHzFLzLQSJ3nYg4fhVEI7widY1AgzxHEmJUuHphyphenhyphenPNn11ipPlhdc73ZtMV2OBKUcNMspkYW3a6lPB8VLfBWdEQ7gVXGM5aQeKgqDVL2Y9Grs-qNfluls_LmKa6K-24Ii_fMHDQQzpjoMQ6RoSsZj09DuJYbFdYljq_6Sj7MtL1mQ/s600/heroes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHpdWJFRwfR661S1yHzFLzLQSJ3nYg4fhVEI7widY1AgzxHEmJUuHphyphenhyphenPNn11ipPlhdc73ZtMV2OBKUcNMspkYW3a6lPB8VLfBWdEQ7gVXGM5aQeKgqDVL2Y9Grs-qNfluls_LmKa6K-24Ii_fMHDQQzpjoMQ6RoSsZj09DuJYbFdYljq_6Sj7MtL1mQ/w400-h400/heroes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mJiwu7BND80um-LI-aQswU0RIjHH8zYrI&si=tfgkpcWahJ7uFXFE">Heroes: Giants Of Early Guitar Rock</a></span><br />Saguaro Road Records<br />2008</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>On the album<b> Heroes: Giants of Early Guitar Rock, Dion s</b>hares some of the songs of his own Heroes<b> - Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Ritchie Valens, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Johnny Cash, the Everly Brothers</b> and more.<b> </b>All the artists represented are in the<b> Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuiHy9DK9gIC7KCh6Scsv4aVzySDN8KpLK_oTqWRY3sVp1pLS_50m_9wh8pTowQTdKq7ukm3XcuXsVZJj8izOdv1qL4npk1eH4CuSY9MUd0ttlRhXxBLfSHz2jbX_kQiV5nMv_JPDptyjdFo9lux_sTXVvM2cBXSSi9-4CYKeSomGpgIzhMK9g2YBPcU/s600/bronxblues2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuiHy9DK9gIC7KCh6Scsv4aVzySDN8KpLK_oTqWRY3sVp1pLS_50m_9wh8pTowQTdKq7ukm3XcuXsVZJj8izOdv1qL4npk1eH4CuSY9MUd0ttlRhXxBLfSHz2jbX_kQiV5nMv_JPDptyjdFo9lux_sTXVvM2cBXSSi9-4CYKeSomGpgIzhMK9g2YBPcU/w400-h398/bronxblues2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kwNRBIgesn8FHmQA1svpQlK_YfEDQjDro&si=sQgACj3feTvtQT-M">Bronx Blues: The Columbia Recordings (1962-1965)</a></span><br />Columbia<br />1991/2010 Reissue</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Rock ‘n’ roll started as rebellious music. It had an attitude, and in that attitude was a lot of stuff: anger, frustration, joy and that whole sense of really shakin’ things up.<br />When it first exploded, it happened in a whole lot of different places at once. In Lubbock, Tex., it was Buddy Holly. In the San Fernando Valley, it was Ritchie Valens. And the brand of it that I made comes from where I come from. That’s why they call it the Bronx blues." </i>- Dion <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXq5quiDBKLX3aK9qnxs6e2ev-QLY9TbQLYbWYs90GHlQHlNgd4jsRsgtbW8yaldMHySa1W_5QDtOPhSHV2xZiCIJ0j9XZCiLHXLYRwJbxVh1wowtoB5nWpJmlQPKfSjLnGEfMNxDmpHj49Qq3JG3vqmcAh086ophnYBpQojvZWRvd2LMKdGArqGTbKY/s600/tankfullofblues.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXq5quiDBKLX3aK9qnxs6e2ev-QLY9TbQLYbWYs90GHlQHlNgd4jsRsgtbW8yaldMHySa1W_5QDtOPhSHV2xZiCIJ0j9XZCiLHXLYRwJbxVh1wowtoB5nWpJmlQPKfSjLnGEfMNxDmpHj49Qq3JG3vqmcAh086ophnYBpQojvZWRvd2LMKdGArqGTbKY/w400-h388/tankfullofblues.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lhq63_jmOQWkU6llrch2gI9qUBPsTT7EY&si=sl0e8QMSKouPnvpS">Tank Full of Blues</a></span><br />Blue Horizon<br />2011</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><i>"<b>Tank Full of Blues</b> is a stunning musical statement delivered by an artist who has lived and breathed the blues for decades... Throughout <b>Tank Full of Blues</b>, <b>Dion</b>’s powerful vocals are matched by his fierce, unbridled guitarplay and an uncanny songwriting sense. Those who dismiss <b>Dion</b> as yesterday’s news display their own ignorance, as <b>Tank Full of Blues</b> is one of the most soulful blues albums that you’ll hear this year…or any other." </i><b>- Blues Review<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImGnDcWRBeB2N7Q5Kd7JALjvirhpUQou2d4zR9NPt-bka9SN0YaW_XcMVfjn3BL_CouGtx-516iENe0Eg-HacjpkhSPq6FhpUMSLz4qNQxjf3YnCQDl9U38D4Gco3D7yDpuYZzW_df2ZUjodRFPIMXWGM7fca30fmHDaX-fqiz_xuM_zt8lCMpRMhSgQ/s600/bitterend71.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImGnDcWRBeB2N7Q5Kd7JALjvirhpUQou2d4zR9NPt-bka9SN0YaW_XcMVfjn3BL_CouGtx-516iENe0Eg-HacjpkhSPq6FhpUMSLz4qNQxjf3YnCQDl9U38D4Gco3D7yDpuYZzW_df2ZUjodRFPIMXWGM7fca30fmHDaX-fqiz_xuM_zt8lCMpRMhSgQ/w400-h400/bitterend71.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nJtEB8urIN6eLeIPO7rhXPx0GpnXBXUfM&si=cJa0GsjMUhPkvSjz">Recorded Live At The Bitter End, August 1971</a></span><br />Omnivore Recordings (US)/Ace (UK)<br />2015</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"There’s a boldness and confidence on these voice-and-guitar performances (well-mastered by <b>Duncan Cowell</b> for crisp sound throughout), as well as an innate gentility and searching quality that makes Dion’s connection with the audience palpable...With seventeen tracks touching on folk, blues, rock and roll, and pop from a national treasure of American music, <b>Dion</b>: Recorded Live at the <b>Bitter End</b>, August 1971 is one of the year’s happiest vault finds."</i><b> - Joe Marchese for The Second Disc April 9th 2015 <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7z4TU7UMg885C6HnbHo9OzTYOczO7_FF8PfRn0So_bHD5lK3HW7mVwQWhByCLO7-3B8tKCTvNJzClGWVRuDPSIgErVvsbuPSm1Z7vR0UP5nF3VMvWPdSMoM5sfOIPvME59pkoykg7TrUQRzL0HFgylUF32IypbyDE0vZZAEkUW4VZnMga6nketqPALKY/s600/newyorkismyhome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7z4TU7UMg885C6HnbHo9OzTYOczO7_FF8PfRn0So_bHD5lK3HW7mVwQWhByCLO7-3B8tKCTvNJzClGWVRuDPSIgErVvsbuPSm1Z7vR0UP5nF3VMvWPdSMoM5sfOIPvME59pkoykg7TrUQRzL0HFgylUF32IypbyDE0vZZAEkUW4VZnMga6nketqPALKY/w400-h400/newyorkismyhome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nsQcxbDnGB9SM1ja0Pl1CaT7fJHBGn6hQ&si=Hyk4xXj9hZxqYpxg">New York Is My Home</a></span><br />Instant Records<br />12th February 2016 <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <i>"All hail Dion, the real link between Frank Sinatra and rock 'n' roll."</i> - Bruce Springsteen<br /><br /><i>"Dion comes from a time when so-so singers couldn't cut it - they either never got heard or got exposed quick and got out of the way. To have it, you really had to have it, no smoke and mirrors then - not a minute to spare - rough and ready - glorious and grand - grieving with heartache and feeling too much but still with the always "better not try it" attitude."</i> - Bob Dylan </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/9_JOfygZ-uAcUtJzyHFdcSnrNT9BmcCxxhEPl5UiZT8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:597/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwMjkw/MDU2LTE1MDA2Njk4/OTAtMTczMi5qcGVn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="600" height="398" src="https://i.discogs.com/9_JOfygZ-uAcUtJzyHFdcSnrNT9BmcCxxhEPl5UiZT8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:597/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwMjkw/MDU2LTE1MDA2Njk4/OTAtMTczMi5qcGVn.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nbfSHZAk3pqUYys4xkpnuavX5LHQQrWuU&si=lHFLrk7eON_Wu0k-">Kickin' Child (The Lost Album 1965)</a></span><br />Norton Records<br />2017</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><i>"Sonically, these remasters are full of life and a youthful, vibrant crispness that make you wonder why it took 50 years for the bulk of them to make an appearance. The version of <b>Dylan</b>’s <b>It’s All Over Now Baby Blue </b>(also recorded in 1965) is stunning and shimmering. And even if the title track is a little too <b>Dylan</b> sounding,<b> Dion</b> has every right to recreate a style he was reportedly at the crossroads of inspiring."</i><b> - Hal Horowitz for American Songwriter</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH17N-p4cdOP9oC_mGewNlpBCDMGR9bv1cgmGmFfDvfW0kzRdi9_jVTlV4HS_cgeP-GL-gfDeM5r7fHielZKN6MlTtUqCygrYePJd7LF24TOfPcDLdLTHMQR_N7-3EeLL-ReraohG8op3lx9MueLF1iRofn40xOF9PDE1UWcGFS_7NCdOePoGWLxS5qNk/s600/01%20Blues%20with%20Friends.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH17N-p4cdOP9oC_mGewNlpBCDMGR9bv1cgmGmFfDvfW0kzRdi9_jVTlV4HS_cgeP-GL-gfDeM5r7fHielZKN6MlTtUqCygrYePJd7LF24TOfPcDLdLTHMQR_N7-3EeLL-ReraohG8op3lx9MueLF1iRofn40xOF9PDE1UWcGFS_7NCdOePoGWLxS5qNk/w400-h400/01%20Blues%20with%20Friends.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nEpPQpwAb1vMqNbO9klW9BzVk_DPswTKs&si=eYgOeenqB48-MgkF">Blues With Friends</a></span><br />Keeping The Blues Alive Records<br />5th June 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Coming off my last album I was productive, and I ended up with a great batch of songs. I ran one by Joe Bonamassa, who said right away he wanted to play on it. And that’s how this album came about. Joe inspired me to invite others. I had songs that were strong and told good stories.<br />I wanted the best musicians alive like Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Van Morrison and more to take them in unexpected directions. Wayne Hood, my producer, brought out the best of them. We have amazing songs and great guitars"</i> – Dion </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />1 Blues Comin' On - With Joe Bonamassa<br />2 Kickin' Child - With Joe Menza<br />3 Uptown Number 7 - With Brian Setzer<br />4 Can't Start Over Again -With Jeff Beck<br />5 My Baby Loves To Boogie - With John Hammond<br />6 I Got Nothin' - With Van Morrison & Joe Louis Walker<br />7 Stumbling Blues - With Jimmy* And Jerry Vivino<br />8 Bam Bang Boom - With Billy Gibbons<br />9 I Got The Cure - With Sonny Landreth<br />10 Song For Sam Cooke (Here In America) - With Paul Simon<br />11 What If I Told You - With Samantha Fish<br />12 Told You Once In August - With John Hammond* & Rory Block<br />13 Way Down (I Won't Cry No More) - With Stevie Van Zandt<br />14 Hymn To Him - With Patti Scialfa & Bruce Springsteen</b><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3nuKV8_z5xBmfQswNvBIYOzEi3hhu9KIOlpRFcbS-_rBaL6iLpmcXVELuRCfKUw2McNcUFYqz6IDOGu5j_0SWXgWvikW5ga_NQRCZk9kfmjkauvHrSBx44vdbgWzZmJVqO0SPvT8jlw8GLMO0wacWRNE2rpW9Tdo2Wz7KLsz8Fmv3LAKKcEp8kvuDVg/s600/02%20Stomping%20Grpound.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3nuKV8_z5xBmfQswNvBIYOzEi3hhu9KIOlpRFcbS-_rBaL6iLpmcXVELuRCfKUw2McNcUFYqz6IDOGu5j_0SWXgWvikW5ga_NQRCZk9kfmjkauvHrSBx44vdbgWzZmJVqO0SPvT8jlw8GLMO0wacWRNE2rpW9Tdo2Wz7KLsz8Fmv3LAKKcEp8kvuDVg/w400-h400/02%20Stomping%20Grpound.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mafjtdzBFznXcNzRJvMwq4Jkjn6aMJgY0&si=76ZtRMgGQpHwPwX8">Stomping Ground</a></span><br />Keeping The Blues Alive Records<br />5th November 2021</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Many collaborative albums fall into the trap of fighting tooth and nail to find marketable gimmickry that might appeal to the masses, or bring an older artist back into the spotlight. On Stomping Ground it feels like the goal is to create some classic, high-quality tunes for the sake of the music itself. It might not be the most original of concepts, but it is one of the best examples of serious musicians coming together to make an album whose varied strengths reveal themselves with each subsequent listening."</i>- Willie Witten for Blues Rock Review</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />1 Take It Back - With Joe Bonamassa<br />2 Hey Diddle Diddle - With G.E. Smith<br />3 Dancing Girl - With Mark Knopfler<br />4 If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll - With Eric Clapton<br />5 There Was A time - With Peter Frampton<br />6 Cryin' Shame - With Sonny Landreth<br />7 The Night Is Young - With Joe Menza & Wayne Hood<br />8 That's What The Doctor Said - With Steve Conn<br />9 My Stomping Ground - With Billy F Gibbons<br />10 Angel In The Alleyways - With Patti Scialfa & Bruce Springsteen<br />11 I've Got To Get To You - With Boz Scaggs, Joe Menza & Mike Menza<br />12 Red House - With Keb' Mo'<br />13 I Got My Eyes On You Baby - With Marcia Ball & Jimmy Vivino<br />14 I've Been Watching - With Rickie Lee Jones & Wayne Hood</b><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysdiQ3nhUOWu2Kp8xC0aTZlxI4HS1ARrHEOkpR5ElF0HZQon6_Fwf_OmU40_da0_4kSCtPoSKKyF7VivHeRiat4Mcqel6MR4XNYX6c1X3rKSNsUVD97W6wvtLF4tpdCGslJq6cBexFyK199TLQHVMbhVzB4HIF4YjFpRzZ3hLuOKuJp-2a98Q9oQtufk/s600/03%20Girl%20Friends.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysdiQ3nhUOWu2Kp8xC0aTZlxI4HS1ARrHEOkpR5ElF0HZQon6_Fwf_OmU40_da0_4kSCtPoSKKyF7VivHeRiat4Mcqel6MR4XNYX6c1X3rKSNsUVD97W6wvtLF4tpdCGslJq6cBexFyK199TLQHVMbhVzB4HIF4YjFpRzZ3hLuOKuJp-2a98Q9oQtufk/w400-h400/03%20Girl%20Friends.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nWnQnGTV6fyEZB_pkGXJeyO_dlM-u6wJw&si=AHPxtkqsy2B06Awi">Girl Friends</a></span><br />Keeping The Blues Alive Records<br />8th March 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b><i>Legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer <b>Dion</b> delivers a new album that transcends generations: <b>Girl Friends</b>. His latest from <b>KTBA Records</b> sees him collaborating with a stellar lineup of female artists including the soulful <b>Susan Tedeschi</b>, powerhouse <b>Shemekia Copeland</b>, icon <b>Carlene Carter</b>, virtuoso <b>Joanne Shaw Taylor</b>, and the versatile <b>Maggie Rose</b>, among others. <b>Dion</b>'s timeless voice, and the distinct styles of these acclaimed artists, create a fusion celebrating the rich tapestry of American music.</i><b><br /><br />1 Soul Force - Featuring Susan Tedeschi<br />2 I Aim To Please - Featuring Danielle Nicole<br />3 Stop Drop And Roll - Featuring Valerie Tyson<br />4 Do Ladies Get The Blues - Featuring Christine Ohlman & Debbie Davies<br />5 An American Hero - Featuring Carlene Carter<br />6 Don't You Want A Man Like Me - Featuring Rory Block<br />7 Sugar Daddy - Featuring Christine Ohlman<br />8 Endless Highway - Featuring Randy Fishenfeld<br />9 I Got Wise - Featuring Maggie Rose<br />10 Hey Suzy - Featuring Sue Foley<br />11 Mama Said - Featuring Shemekia Copeland<br />12 Just Like That - Featuring Joanne Shaw Taylor</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Between the <b>'Tank Full of Blues</b> ' album and '<b>Girl Friends'</b> <b>Dion</b> had a new Co-writer by his side, <b>Mike Aquilina</b>. The next post here on <b>Soundtrack4Life</b> I'll be interviewing <b>Mike Aquilina</b> about his role as a Co-writer with<b> Dion</b>. Be prepared to be a little surprised by <b>Mike</b> because songwriting is not his sole profession. <b><br /></b></div><p></p></div></div>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-71023061160973341652024-03-12T16:20:00.000+00:002024-03-12T16:20:14.845+00:00December - The S4L Interview<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFqitEXmyCFQhttnRBjOar1SUpIlFeaNGMW9ksBt6G5AXrb6SgYq8XXEp4rTXEYwk6bYAsVWHz0pDbjdpxSZVlkcfgkLY126hMlid3ANaooaD4kpki9lfjtHU-cMekw5Fxy9KMT8cNDx2FY6luUGEzp-ATH0r9lIlHijCBDkdQ3d-dW9JQKa0CtCqB_U/s2048/decemberband2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFqitEXmyCFQhttnRBjOar1SUpIlFeaNGMW9ksBt6G5AXrb6SgYq8XXEp4rTXEYwk6bYAsVWHz0pDbjdpxSZVlkcfgkLY126hMlid3ANaooaD4kpki9lfjtHU-cMekw5Fxy9KMT8cNDx2FY6luUGEzp-ATH0r9lIlHijCBDkdQ3d-dW9JQKa0CtCqB_U/w640-h360/decemberband2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I have been wanting to try and get an interview with Glasgow based band <b>December</b> for ages but for one reason or another I never followed through with it. With the relaunching of the blog after a hiatus, one of my first thoughts was to contact <b>December</b> and see if they would be interested in doing an interview for <b>Soundtrack4Life</b>. I am so grateful to them for taking some time out of their busy schedule and spending it answering some questions about their life as a band, their influences, the songwriting process they have and more besides.<p></p><p>Before we get underway let me introduce you to the band:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsGh-sMKCQ0-yVuCwAsUWJyh5KIbY9fCH3sArwD6Ddx5w2XVHTAntkIJJb5mcA_CA9kO5nLgSH_0tfiEG2G0woZO8EEjekdJmOQR2vejWIw2TfuVvVBGwsabr7pljE8bWjmV62QDl8EKWSYugnPa2paZU5yam6aSXQtwUwnRdN0V7siNO3sRmMqeBtv0/s1242/decemberband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsGh-sMKCQ0-yVuCwAsUWJyh5KIbY9fCH3sArwD6Ddx5w2XVHTAntkIJJb5mcA_CA9kO5nLgSH_0tfiEG2G0woZO8EEjekdJmOQR2vejWIw2TfuVvVBGwsabr7pljE8bWjmV62QDl8EKWSYugnPa2paZU5yam6aSXQtwUwnRdN0V7siNO3sRmMqeBtv0/w640-h640/decemberband.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Scott:</b> guitars <br /><b>Ails:</b> vocals <br /><b>Paul:</b> guitars and harmonica <br /><b>Graeme:</b> drums</div><div style="text-align: center;">All the links as to where<b> December</b> can be found on <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/decemberband">Social Media (Click Here)</a></span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">S4L:</span></b> <b>How long have you been together as a band? Any tales about your first live performances good or bad that have stuck with you?<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Ails:</b></span> <i>So we’ve been in a version of this band since 1993. We’ve been in an out of record deals along the way and now run things independently. We’ve spent half our lives touring the UK. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Our <b>highlights</b> have come more recently when we played the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/4cXY19ufQCc?si=Avd3FedcDPP2fwHU">U240 (click to see full set)</a></span></b> event in Dublin in 2016. That was a fan organised celebration of<b> U2’s 40th birthday</b> and it led to a whole series of opportunities for us and to gigs in Brazil and Japan amongst others. <b> </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Lowlights</b> have been many as it can be hard going in the music industry. A major low was when our new manager (who had signed us to his record company just a month before) couldn’t afford his own hotel room in London and pretended to be drunk pulling out a blockbuster video card to pay; needless to say we stepped in and covered his room but we parted company soon after!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">S4L:</span></b> <b>Did you set out as a band to do a lot of cover versions or had you always, once you felt were capable that you would begin writing your own material? Or was it the other way around that you wanted to write your own songs but somehow you got gripped by interpreting other people's songs in your own unique way and your own stuff was put on the back burner?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Scott:</span></b> <i>We used to hate covers and we were suspicious of anyone who dared to cover <b>U2</b> in particular. We kind of fell into it in 2017 when someone suggested to cover a <b>U2</b> track. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>We are primarily songwriters and an original material band. 4 albums of original material in the last 8 years isn’t too bad! But people buy into our covers more than they do the originals and we decided to lean into that a bit. Covers have allowed us to be very productive through our sponsored songs initiative and it is an amazing thing to cover the bands we admire.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_vviOcQp6kMDj3ZcnvAZmJDG6tOKz6XA4CdkgZ6Kt5UjnlpXAfyZ8SbY9KvFvOouuYT3Jcgjv8vkJT-V_gN4Inz_9slJqB37ELUjUFl0ypUu4xezYS8QCSca2X0sGtNBLrVDmPxp8IOcW6yM0PbHYPAe_ZAeZDQIy7tJYsF_FA1dDvy9ixWFmRB0McQ/s2048/december%20i%20will%20not%20run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_vviOcQp6kMDj3ZcnvAZmJDG6tOKz6XA4CdkgZ6Kt5UjnlpXAfyZ8SbY9KvFvOouuYT3Jcgjv8vkJT-V_gN4Inz_9slJqB37ELUjUFl0ypUu4xezYS8QCSca2X0sGtNBLrVDmPxp8IOcW6yM0PbHYPAe_ZAeZDQIy7tJYsF_FA1dDvy9ixWFmRB0McQ/w640-h640/december%20i%20will%20not%20run.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I Will Not Run</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1st September 2023</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Digital Release </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mpa5aTchYiUH5wIYBJIdPkFJP-Y8cZutU&si=rVBhVkK0o6iu45wf">Listen To The Album Here</a></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">S4L:</span></b> <b>I really love your latest album </b>(see above),<b> which is mostly your own songs, and I'm fascinated by how you wrote many of the songs. I don't know a lot bands that would sit and listen to a lifestory from a fan and then go and write a song about it. Can you maybe share one of those stories that is close to your heart and how the song came into being?<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4XkHUXNwwjudEBlGgp29NxE8a5ybeWvdjRGhlPxDPBNU3XjbPa-5mTBqb58zNy14WSK-NZxErRtJd43M2C-qBJY2x_Z-p7kw9nktILvRVKXcUs1D2FsEODhRtE6W2q4j-yiXzprsjaUcOjTKC2x7bsVptkWPuyhmbbVuWf1estcouXtIqSOTE8bMRV0/s2048/december%20with%20christopher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4XkHUXNwwjudEBlGgp29NxE8a5ybeWvdjRGhlPxDPBNU3XjbPa-5mTBqb58zNy14WSK-NZxErRtJd43M2C-qBJY2x_Z-p7kw9nktILvRVKXcUs1D2FsEODhRtE6W2q4j-yiXzprsjaUcOjTKC2x7bsVptkWPuyhmbbVuWf1estcouXtIqSOTE8bMRV0/w640-h480/december%20with%20christopher.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Scott:</span></b> <i>There’s a song called <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/F5zsiwfPH_Q?si=WPphJhX1A-h70FTU">I See You In Valour</a></span></b> on our album that is <b>Christopher’s story</b>. Christopher, </i>(pictured above)<i> was born with a serious condition that means he will always be in a wheelchair and he faces challenges every day that most of us would really struggle with. We see him every day showing courage in the hardest of times. We’ve never seen him in a bad mood or unkind even though he must have low moments. The song pictures him as a soldier and the imagery was chosen deliberately with that in mind</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">S4L:</span></b> <b>We seem to have an affection for similar artists (<span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/vmlthoBWRac?si=1pmffQ_oh8uEADDk">U2</a></span>, <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/8SBoi6Ir_4c?si=KXF6J28FiHbkN2mp">The Alarm</a></span>, <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OepQ7N8kbRo?si=4CpnLGRf1sR89ZTN">Big Country</a></span>, <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/vkwEsM1bT2o?si=0I3JYw20ixRITmLH">JAMC</a></span> and <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Y09nsTgiJDc?si=RLY_AlG1XQX9yGap">Springsteen</a></span>) and I'm always struck by your choices of cover songs. With your U2 covers for instance, you haven't always gone for the big hit U2 song but the B-side or an album track. Has that been intentional on your part? I quite enjoyed your latest one,"<span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BSTJNaAu478?si=d3zIuqp4uJxIPl23">Rejoice</a></span>" and "<span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/uyJsC40Rn9Y?si=yRabUoTg9_nSj-m7">Exit</a></span>", which is a favourite U2 track of mine</b>.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Paul:</span></b> <i>To be honest we’ve really just gone for songs we like. We like the hits too but there is something more interesting in bringing something new to a lesser known album track. We are particularly into <b>U2’s October</b> and <b>The Unforgettable Fire</b> albums and when you add it up we have covered quite a lot of the songs from these works</i>. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">S4L: </span>One of the first videos I saw of yours was "<span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/WhQhK_RtJ3w?si=zjuwzGHWGIc6EG2O">In A Big Country</a></span>" and found myself stunned by the sheer beauty of it. I have to say that in the videos that followed I've always been impressed by the imagery you use. Are you all involved in that creative process or is there just one of you who is "the gifted one" when it comes to that side of things? I also noted that you don't appear a lot in your videos, Are you an "International Band of Mystery" that prefers the music do the talking?</b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Scott:</span></b> <i>I guess I take the lead on the visuals and we are lucky to have some amazing visual artists who work with us: <b>BK Garceau</b> in Los Angeles, <b>David Barry</b> formerly of Hawaii now in Las Vegas and <b>Johnny Vanderlyle</b> of Hamilton, Scotland. They each bring a unique sensibility to the videos and we trust them completely. So it is easy to let go of a bit of control and to see what they come up with. As to your second question, a couple of things: first we’ve never been that comfortable with seeing ourselves in video, also sometimes we think it’s a more creative choice to leave the band out. There are a few videos out there with us playing or making cameo appearances but it’s a fair observation that we tend to avoid it where possible!</i> <br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: red;">S4L:</span></b> <b>I watched a couple of live sets that you have on your <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@decemberband1985/videos">YouTube channel</a></span> and they were pretty cool seeing you in action. I know you do a lot of studio work as a band so is it a thrill to get out and play live? I believe you were recently playing in Las Vegas, how did that go? I'm guessing you took time to see U2 at their residency while you were there? </b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ails:</span></b> <i>It’s great to play live for sure. The songs always take on a different dimension when you play them in public. We tend to be more studio based and a bit more choosy about gigs these days and we only do the ones that we think we will be really enjoyable and add to our experience. </i><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_G_OqleI1hyphenhyphenK4Nk80pCs63yRwPhUbERFsStJtY2bQDK1kT_dhkQWiJ1IT_Z3mIeplBJVqyFtnzhhaHlOzP8jf_9tZYYSkgXKuWsMgFZzxBS-SetIWwZHaBHQy-g94-Ihjo9BKLhcpiOzLeMXh4qQo5UKC8XZHGy0R-iMoxdfJc0htxpB6c5PkhWcc5zQ/s2040/decemberlasvegas2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2040" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_G_OqleI1hyphenhyphenK4Nk80pCs63yRwPhUbERFsStJtY2bQDK1kT_dhkQWiJ1IT_Z3mIeplBJVqyFtnzhhaHlOzP8jf_9tZYYSkgXKuWsMgFZzxBS-SetIWwZHaBHQy-g94-Ihjo9BKLhcpiOzLeMXh4qQo5UKC8XZHGy0R-iMoxdfJc0htxpB6c5PkhWcc5zQ/w640-h482/decemberlasvegas2023.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(<b>December</b> at the <b>Hard Rock Cafe</b> in Las Vegas - photo from their FB page) <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Ails: </span></b><i>Vegas was awesome. We played a very loud Irish bar courtesy of a very generous band called <b>The Black Donnellys</b> who allowed us to support them and then the next day in the <b>Hard Rock</b> where our gig was streamed onto the Las Vegas strip outside - it was unreal. And yes we caught the <b>U2</b> show. It was ok...No it was amazing, like nothing anyone has seen before! <b>Bono</b> said they’d bring a cathedral to the desert and that’s exactly what they did. We love them for their ambition, their music and their heart</i>.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">S4L</span></b>: <b>Is there any artist that you would really love to cover in the future but are maybe a bit warying of doing so for one reason or another?</b><b><span style="color: #800180;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Ails:</span></b> <i><b>Maria McKee/Lone Justice</b> or <b>Sinead O’Connor</b>. They’re almost impossible to do justice to because of how good they are vocally. </i><br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">S4L:</span></b> <b>If I were to ask you what your three favourite December Originals or Cover Songs were, what would they be?</b><br /><b><span style="color: #800180;">Scott:</span></b> <i>Ok I think the band would probably agree with this but let’s see:</i><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Originals</b>:<br /><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/6gDz-VWc4nM?si=hB32Z8aeWI_QqQnD">Alison Stewart </a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/16Km3rcyBKA?si=I51GsMbFF_WmwEh5">Mike Scott </a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Ld-3aoKbRI4?si=-gSovp_ws3Pnu-RN">God is not a man</a></span> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Covers: </b><br /><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/WhQhK_RtJ3w?si=3QsbkwvS60vJiJyx">In a Big Country - Big Country</a></span> </b><br /><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/fwemJ3oCayU?si=DpDeJFfhXwDwGCrk">A Sort of Homecoming - U2 </a></span></b><br /><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Wy-QbdIQm4E?si=C765VUYYZE3jOr16">The First Time</a></span></b> (<i><b>Ails</b> favourite of our <b>U2 </b>covers</i>) <br /></div><br /><b><span style="color: red;">S4L: </span>Between you as a band could you come up with a 10 song playlist that would perfectly describe your own Soundtrack4Life</b>?<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Scott:</span><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>U2 <br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dKWb4xuxnmk?si=i3-xvr1dgX8pK0DP">Bad</a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ujNeHIo7oTE?si=D6hEEDO_hyjFWQ3g">With or Without You </a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/e3-5YC_oHjE?si=FhEMxxprs-slEau8">I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For</a></span> <br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ot-5qt-T-YQ?si=D-uIEDxO-vnHpuWy">A Sort of Homecoming </a></span> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bruce Springsteen <br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/f0RNWwXcQiU?si=GBxI3FqmsMePXRVi">Stolen Car </a></span><br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/tLeZ7EolBDE?si=2-URKk7CRKRr3PGX">No Surrender</a></span> <br /><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Wu4_zVxmufY?si=ioso9V4zz6LmxkAZ">Born To Run </a><br /></span>The Silencers -<span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/DDJ6ovmk3Ck?si=AwCVNc7BsePXt3Nu"> Walk With The Night</a></span> <br />Lone Justice - <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jvo9MbTkUbE?si=aKIF8vmzC8KtjtOC">Shelter</a></span> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Big Dish - <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/32pRZ2v0RVY?si=x8DA3Ze2WikDZqUN">Life</a></span></b><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">***********<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">A huge thank you to <b>December</b> for doing this. To finish up here's just a few other links for Tracks/Videos by the band that are worth checking out:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Originals:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/JxjFca_M9-s?si=Kk8KH8nkdUje7Hn-"> Danielle</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/UHxSe39PLNU?si=JhwowmimtXDv3loD">North Wales</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2TP5Gs_xYEg?si=HlRZLM50lFKasPcg">Apostles and Prophets</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BqdDXONTM44?si=id1-U9SyW9SM9NNi">I Was The Lion</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/gttEdiD6dGc?si=cCPWFa4t5a0N3vZv">George Jones (with JJ Gilmour)</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Xok3dI26ZMo?si=seypNGhHE8Sy4e9d">Battle For Your Sacred Heart</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/8GRjyqI2Hx0?si=edWLUSbnVfTqESfo">Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Covers: <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/j3jcxNDbGF4?si=V7DhvamDV4UHJb31">When I Look At The World</a></span> (U2)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QC-Z_Qcq1E8?si=emSOE2PlXocqrrdf">Tougher Than The Rest</a></span> (Bruce Springsteen)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/yXcJclEjABw?si=oDjuykdP4tLyQ62L">Belfast </a></span>(Energy Orchard)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Ym3WKlUlqik?si=2QboCRXfBlvOW_le">Maggie</a></span> (BA Robertson)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dOyZggjo7AQ?si=yYowCdvHN6cCkiGq">God Part II</a></span> (U2) </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-39628029660001000822024-03-07T23:27:00.000+00:002024-03-07T23:27:46.221+00:00Bruce Springsteen - The Compilations<p>With <b>Sony</b> just announcing this week a "new" <b>'Best of Bruce Springsteen' </b>album and it not being so warmly received by a number of Bruce fans (almost every <b>Springsteen </b>group I am a part of on <b>Facebook</b> there were many expressing their displeasure about the news). A lot of the Music Media announced that <b>Springsteen</b> himself was the source of the news, whereas on <b>Springsteen</b>'s own website the announcement was credited to <b>Sony</b>. Remember that on December 16, 2021, <b>Springsteen</b> sold the masters of his entire catalog and the coinciding music publishing rights to <b>Sony Music</b> for $500 million. So, my take on the release of this new compilation is <b>Sony</b> wanting to claw back some of the money spent and maybe too much breath is being wasted on calling out <b>Springsteen</b> himself as the instigator of <i>"a cash grab"</i>! I guess as well with the <b>2024 Tour</b> being underway by the time this album is released it's another revenue stream while they await the second volume of <b>'Only The Strong Survive'</b> or a <b>'Tracks 2'</b> or even the much spoken about <b>'Born In The U.S.A.'</b> boxset.<br /><br />What I'll try and do in this post is look at the Compilations that have been released including the first <b>'Greatest Hits' </b>album back in 1995. Although the <b>'Tracks' </b>set and<b> '18 Tracks' </b>are considered "compilations" they are not really considered as a<b> 'Best of'</b>. I will include <b>'Chapter and Verse' </b>(2016) because I think it sort of does fit the mould of a <b>'Best of'</b>. We will do it in reverse order of release and along the way point out the benefits or even the poor points of a particular compilation (hopefully not too much negativity).<br /><br />I will also try and add as <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">many links</span></b> as possible without too much repetition. Click on them to listen to the Music.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt1u4DvhD_1l-m2zQgDAiwBOAd9ZLkdJnNv53Zsn3f6BpzRj3dc_wCiFq_6uLWb6l-RLrq9Q2iT46g1PDVdB2esYf7BGUyqXGLLJ-Fvlt6dbxkl2YM2El91NYs18EMBrmMc_ieLAjoC9oHK_gkEZiYz_Ec4pYqj4nh_TNNnM38uHxqhckt50GsGOGafo/s1500/springsteen-bestof-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt1u4DvhD_1l-m2zQgDAiwBOAd9ZLkdJnNv53Zsn3f6BpzRj3dc_wCiFq_6uLWb6l-RLrq9Q2iT46g1PDVdB2esYf7BGUyqXGLLJ-Fvlt6dbxkl2YM2El91NYs18EMBrmMc_ieLAjoC9oHK_gkEZiYz_Ec4pYqj4nh_TNNnM38uHxqhckt50GsGOGafo/w640-h640/springsteen-bestof-cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Best of Bruce Springsteen 1973-2020<br />Columbia<br />Released 19th April 2024<br />Formats: 18 Track 2LP Set and CD, 31 Track Digital Edition</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>Side A</b><br /> 1 -<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Bw_sYSOBepk?si=JQVn06I2-y2ao_Ff"> Growin’ Up</a></span></b><br /> 2 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/JuVKhS13eKY?si=fnxrnejmaEnwru9D">Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)</a></span></b><br /> 3 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Wu4_zVxmufY?si=r8o9l12h6VGZ31tW">Born To Run</a></span></b><br /> 4 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/W2X0Gf9jfz8?si=QGH62R-E3yQ7-vFJ">Thunder Road</a></span></b><br /><br /><b>Side B</b><br /> 1 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/o5IZuuzUa04?si=8GGiDVQo1VLh5nOZ">Badlands</a></span></b><br /> 2 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/boJhWtw-6Gg?si=zjT3TC9PyCCA3w2L">Hungry Heart</a></span></b><br /> 3- <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/M3eu1gW-bQ8?si=AOVAzqzollek2vE-">Atlantic City</a></span></b><br /> 4 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/129kuDCQtHs?si=5K5l_whsKS2sFepy">Dancing in the Dark</a></span></b><br /> 5 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/EPhWR4d3FJQ?si=qaMx4dMDpoVyz__v">Born in the U.S.A.</a></span></b><br /><br /><b>Side C</b><br /> 1 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/idnJnjV_8rg?si=iwlu8LHPnKZZPvoH">Brilliant Disguise</a></span></b><br /> 2 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/85cNRQo1m3A?si=2HEsuT6aiZNwg7gh">Human Touch</a></span></b><br /> 3 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/tKdk97y2Wjg?si=bxI6E6SI6tassJA1">Streets of Philadelphia</a></span></b><br /> 4 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/fkv9UpDZPXk?si=J64SxZjQ2hgkj3B2">The Ghost of Tom Joad</a></span></b><br /><br /><b>Side D</b><br /> 1 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/KgsmQpvY17s?si=R0UnGXjLqfNXgS_E">Secret Garden</a></span></b><br /> 2 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/r5_8gpiSotI?si=K6zE1-0wQaWE7rfW">The Rising</a></span></b><br /> 3 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/oU1ylbJ-V7U?si=v7cZalPXNhK3rKec">Girls In Their Summer Clothes</a></span></b><br /> 4 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/icJjlg5e6l8?si=O964BwWNJLIakSl4">Hello Sunshine</a></span></b><br /> 5 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/AQyLEz0qy-g?si=UfuC_TL3KfS_Gez5">Letter To You</a></span></b> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPUMI0rio1Yi-7AiEAovLRWqrwD5_TTFAB5dWTUHsTflaq1u7JZSeaHgMRA_8NAm1LxlZLx4lGeoY0LxqhSCL6oQTc89-OLldCBZp8ocHPTHuD02wur-zZhUJx7oKAD3m3g_XJDMJ-5m9TKPxu1D4um1yjYOAtwBB8QxT_fm2WNjcLw3rI9Ax5XBimcs/s1080/springsteen-bestof-cover%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPUMI0rio1Yi-7AiEAovLRWqrwD5_TTFAB5dWTUHsTflaq1u7JZSeaHgMRA_8NAm1LxlZLx4lGeoY0LxqhSCL6oQTc89-OLldCBZp8ocHPTHuD02wur-zZhUJx7oKAD3m3g_XJDMJ-5m9TKPxu1D4um1yjYOAtwBB8QxT_fm2WNjcLw3rI9Ax5XBimcs/w400-h400/springsteen-bestof-cover%20back.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Best of Bruce Springsteen - Deluxe Digital Edition </b></div><p style="text-align: center;">1 - Growin’ Up<br />2 -<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/hFEeqfqoTSY?si=dVI9EaKJQf7ej7LJ"> Spirit In The Night</a></span></b><br />3 - Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)<br />4 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/EiGfB0QBTV4?si=7pFvVTahKwxvvH_2">4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)</a></span></b><br />5 - Born To Run<br />6 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/LOkQsVJV8ts?si=-FcnpWxO0NEDuQ3I">Tenth Avenue Freeze Out</a></span></b><br />7 - Thunder Road<br />8 - Badlands<br />9 -<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/UzjkWdRqWFo?si=8iRN1Quvo7cbmdFp"> Prove It All Night</a></span></b><br />10 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/y7BUXRsTbvI?si=onMxwQkApnCegIIE">The River</a></span></b><br />11 - Hungry Heart<br />12 - Atlantic City<br />13 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/6vQpW9XRiyM?si=vXfz9w-1ixVW0nIg">Glory Days</a></span></b><br />14 - Dancing in the Dark<br />15 - Born in the U.S.A<br />16 - Brilliant Disguise<br />17 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9XQX-zRVK-w?si=Uitn0CNnQ9QPApQ1">Tougher Than The Rest</a></span></b><br />18 - Human Touch<br />19 -<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/qKOjKKj_TPo?si=OepO0F99ESNPexig"> If I Should Fall Behind</a></span></b><br />20 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ni7oQq0ouUo?si=VKBXQz-C1Pmr9YoS">Living Proof</a></span></b><br />21 - Streets of Philadelphia<br />22 - The Ghost of Tom Joad<br />23 - Secret Garden<br />24 - The Rising<br />25 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/pnMqsziGMVI?si=GMX3GElxlSKO_TrE">Long Time Comin’</a></span></b><br />26 - Girls In Their Summer Clothes<br />27 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/6egqJ29RnpI?si=jJs4YZPW9AaFPdHO">The Wrestler</a></span></b><br />28 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/M3Bz0d2xm7U?si=dS3CSCp4ErVEQ5qs">We Take Care Of Our Own</a></span></b><br />29 - Hello Sunshine<br />30 - <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Lo5QNcFioZ4?si=D5V49DLqL3QWJQii">Ghosts</a></span></b><br />31 - Letter To You</p><p style="text-align: left;"> I realise when the label are trying to scan through a career that has spanned 50 years that the choices they make for a new compilation are going to be difficult and not necessarily appealing to all listners and that's clearly the case with <b>'The Best of Bruce Springsteen'</b>. The Vinyl version, whilst containing many of Springsteen's most iconic songs, sort of grinds to a halt come Side D. Yes, <b>"The Rising"</b> and possibly <b>"Letter To You" </b>should be there but the absence of a track like <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/iywFZqtPlhU?si=vs9KugJaVWjLu2U1">"A Long Walk Home"</a></span></b> or even <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/MtrOYsNCPmg?si=nK1Xb-8V4r_H3tqy">"Radio Nowhere"</a></span></b> representing the <b>'Magic'</b> period is a terrible mistake (and even worse they are not even included on the Expanded Digital version!). Also the fact that not a single song from one of most successful albums in <b>'Wrecking Ball'</b> is included on the Vinyl release is a terrible misjudgement on part of the label (they do include one track on the Digital version but that doesn't appease me). The other glaring absence from both versions is anything from <b>The Seeger Sessions</b> period. The <b>'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions</b>' album was a #3 album both sides of The Atlantic and the fact that they couldn't come up with even one song to include on the Digital version is laughable. If I had a choice<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ibbOhr8t5pQ?si=SgzTE6HcFxhk_3T0"> "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live"</a></span></b> or <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-LEDnDLdyvc?si=FJeVnOfTk57fleMz">"American Land"</a></span></b> would have been on it.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fA2NAUM0Ggn2Qzb2P_vhw7gw7r_vk4IM8W8HT3BOcYQIfnh-O_jp4eNxWCY8dqk2nX7b4I8wwAww32QUSVgL5DArutaeY59vyYIjINXf7PdtybIBrpjuIxOn3lINndPdob754sM_8zdtSBSmDoA0Ell_PQIaoAHVjBzSj05NVU2o54u0cB33JyBNyDE/s599/chapter%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="599" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fA2NAUM0Ggn2Qzb2P_vhw7gw7r_vk4IM8W8HT3BOcYQIfnh-O_jp4eNxWCY8dqk2nX7b4I8wwAww32QUSVgL5DArutaeY59vyYIjINXf7PdtybIBrpjuIxOn3lINndPdob754sM_8zdtSBSmDoA0Ell_PQIaoAHVjBzSj05NVU2o54u0cB33JyBNyDE/w400-h366/chapter%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_knar_COIQJmNAfQMAjQ5PLi7SwhH710Xc&si=c5ExQN5Giu0YZgIM">Chapter and Verse</a></span></b><br /><b>Columbia</b><br /><b>23rd September 2016</b><br /><b>US Charts #5</b><br /><b>UK Charts #2</b><br /> <br />1 The Castiles – Baby I (previously unreleased)<br />2 The Castiles – You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover (previously unreleased)<br />3 Steel Mill – He's Guilty (The Judge Song) (previously unreleased)<br />4 The Bruce Springsteen Band – The Ballad Of Jesse James previously unreleased<br />5 Bruce Springsteen – Henry Boy (previously unreleased)<br />6 Bruce Springsteen – Growin' Up<br />7 Bruce Springsteen – 4th Of July, Asbury Park<br />8 Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run<br />9 Bruce Springsteen – Badlands<br />10 Bruce Springsteen – The River<br />11 Bruce Springsteen – My Father's House<br />12 Bruce Springsteen – Born In The U.S.A.<br />13 Bruce Springsteen – Brilliant Disguise<br />14 Bruce Springsteen – Living Proof<br />15 Bruce Springsteen – The Ghost Of Tom Joad<br />16 Bruce Springsteen – The Rising<br />17 Bruce Springsteen – Long Time Comin'<br />18 Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball<br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvS02RNBadYrkS1ytMqXEPgspL_or3Y4QSBrh9VhXcqG0oSn7ye1fYGoCKoRonCz9u9eJscr7QJXEGssUwHAdzKK9Fv_P0O2rWwqMSwV9sJXmOQYLkJbKqLCqmC1qhCo4U6Sbe3QFHZER3Ff-_JDbgSoNf_o9IjYfRCwAm2z6jdCG7g2uH0lTzVIal8/s600/chapter%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="600" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvS02RNBadYrkS1ytMqXEPgspL_or3Y4QSBrh9VhXcqG0oSn7ye1fYGoCKoRonCz9u9eJscr7QJXEGssUwHAdzKK9Fv_P0O2rWwqMSwV9sJXmOQYLkJbKqLCqmC1qhCo4U6Sbe3QFHZER3Ff-_JDbgSoNf_o9IjYfRCwAm2z6jdCG7g2uH0lTzVIal8/w400-h364/chapter%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This one was released as a companion piece to <b>Springsteen</b>'s autobiography <b>'Born To Run'</b> and in a way it's a great album because <b>Bruce</b> hand picked all the songs that almost seem like a chapter of his story. Every album is represented by a song but the thing that makes this album such a good compilation is the inclusion of the opening five previously unreleased songs. Firstly, two songs from Bruce's first band <b>The Castiles</b> from 1966. Although they only lasted a couple of years and not many would have heard anything but these two songs it was a good insight into what<b> Springsteen</b> would go on to become. Then in 1968 <b>Springsteen</b> formed <b>Child</b> who later changed their name to <b>Steel Mill</b>. I have few <b>Steel Mill <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/IAVb-p4-r3w?si=3L-Q67SbhHen429O">bootlegs</a></span></b>. In these early days <b>Springsteen</b> was already playing with future <b>E Street Band</b> members like <b>Steve Van Zandt</b>, <b>Danny Federici</b> and <b>Vini Lopez</b>.<b>"He's Guilty (The Judge Song)" </b>was recorded for <b>Bill Graham</b> in 1970 and the band rejected the offer of a contract from him. During the early 1970s <b>Springsteen,</b> <b>Lopez,</b> <b>Federici </b>and <b>Van Zandt </b>would go on to play together in several short-lived bands based out of the<b> Upstage</b>. These included <b>Bruce Springsteen & The Friendly Enemies</b>,<b> <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa69gujpD7g&pp=ygUXdGhlIHN1bmRhbmNlIGJsdWVzIGJhbmQ%3D">The Sundance Blues Band</a></span></b>, <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/DSyDgUy7dZo?si=anCQccg0I7RsLvos">Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom</a></span></b>, which once opened for the <b>Allman Brothers </b>at the <b>Sunshine Inn</b> in <b>Asbury Park</b>, and <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVrMhE1hvYw&pp=ygUfdGhlIGJydWNlIHNwcmluZ3N0ZWVuIGJhbmQgMTk3Mg%3D%3D">The Bruce Springsteen Band</a></span></b>, which often played at the <b>Student Prince</b> in <b>Asbury Park</b>. These bands eventually evolved into <b>the E Street Band</b>. I like the jump from playing with the bands to just him and his guitar on the next couple of songs and then begins the journey as a major label signed atist. A perfectly crafted album, mainly due to <b>Springsteen</b> himself picking the songs.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA0rwhFt2Ifgag-YGRBKtR4Fne3hlSY3qmdgzDurJOvyGVRAmNSVDMtE2g9JnWyQCFvykmN6SHfOyxpwILc7ONir5z-eEEZDhCM59WONfHUIipSZqmtCGuBQ6Jw29FcJAYk3TZWeHH05yIPcQZkjHq8Zpn3MGM0BlAzNcxNC2qGEzHGboXBtCDE6v4JM/s600/springsteen%20collection%2073-2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA0rwhFt2Ifgag-YGRBKtR4Fne3hlSY3qmdgzDurJOvyGVRAmNSVDMtE2g9JnWyQCFvykmN6SHfOyxpwILc7ONir5z-eEEZDhCM59WONfHUIipSZqmtCGuBQ6Jw29FcJAYk3TZWeHH05yIPcQZkjHq8Zpn3MGM0BlAzNcxNC2qGEzHGboXBtCDE6v4JM/w400-h358/springsteen%20collection%2073-2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Collection: 1973–2012</span></b><br /><b>Columbia<br />8th March 2013 (Australian Limited Tour Edition )<br />15th April 2013 (Europe)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rymO-Lswx0iX19N6nD5q2OSCGf4q2sRIze5lA_bQRpc34ztCisIx7y-QHxiThx9Q67GeWqq-NMz-8HDoTb26GqRXmzBgijPESywHfNNvrYY5xMK8aF2lxcCPymU2N9NnWLrvCipvmCco3KOKSnlWZLoyj4zJ4VuFgfmYmEOiocQO9LgCouGfnWB9V6M/s600/springsteen%20collection%2073-2012.back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rymO-Lswx0iX19N6nD5q2OSCGf4q2sRIze5lA_bQRpc34ztCisIx7y-QHxiThx9Q67GeWqq-NMz-8HDoTb26GqRXmzBgijPESywHfNNvrYY5xMK8aF2lxcCPymU2N9NnWLrvCipvmCco3KOKSnlWZLoyj4zJ4VuFgfmYmEOiocQO9LgCouGfnWB9V6M/w400-h358/springsteen%20collection%2073-2012.back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I must admit that this is one I didn't purchase. As an avid fan I would often go out of my way to get a "new" Springsteen record but I just couldn't part with the cash on this one. I got a little excited at first when I saw in the title the word "Collection", drumming up all kind of crazy ideas exactly what it might be <b>BUT</b>, and a <b>BIG BUT</b> (calm down <b>Sir Mix-A-Lot</b>! 😅 ) indeed, once I saw it was only 18 tracks and nothing to even tease you into maybe buying it, even two tracks (<b>"Badlands"</b> and <b>"The Promised Land"</b>) newly remastered for this compilation couldn't tempt me! Infact, I would actually question the legitimacy of that claim as the album had actually been remastered in 2010 for the <b>'The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town' </b>boxset and that remaster didn't make the album sound better (I still listen to the original version)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.discogs.com/igdBDhlxHiRoLkHYrrhV880lO8N_VCAemi64f0lm6eI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:591/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTc4MTE4/NjktMTQ5ODExMTI4/NC0yMjc3LmpwZWc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="600" height="394" src="https://i.discogs.com/igdBDhlxHiRoLkHYrrhV880lO8N_VCAemi64f0lm6eI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:591/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTc4MTE4/NjktMTQ5ODExMTI4/NC0yMjc3LmpwZWc.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Greatest Hits (American Edition)<br />Columbia<br />13th January 2009<br />Wal-Mart Exclusive<br />US Charts #43</b><br />1 ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)<br />2 BORN TO RUN <br />3 THUNDER ROAD <br />4 DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN <br />5 BADLANDS <br />6 HUNGRY HEART<br />7 GLORY DAYS <br />8 DANCING IN THE DARK <br />9 BORN IN THE U.S.A. <br />10 THE RISING <br />11 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/SAMkFVJ-ews?si=gDRPDytL1lDLSozf">LONESOME DAY</a></span></b><br />12 RADIO NOWHERE</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bruce</b> took a lot of heat for this one being a <b>"Wal-Mart Exclusive"</b> with criticism coming from the media and with <b>Wal-Mart</b> being known as very Anti-Union it seemed to go against everything <b>Springsteen</b> had stood for in support of Unions and workers rights previously. A writer for the <b>Huffington Post</b>, <b>Tony Sachs</b>, pronounced the release one of the <i><b>"top five boneheaded music industry moves"</b></i> of the year. <b>Jon Landau</b> tried his best to paint a good justification for it but the last word went to <b>Bruce</b> saying that they <b><i>"dropped the ball"</i></b> with the association with <b>Wal-Mart</b>, and attributed it to insufficient vetting due to too many activities going on. There were no new songs included on it!<br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMi7yrYN4z6vmDe_Kd7lsmWRfXSxs-oZHuIh_pwkCCxRI0heV7OUR2ROTcPPCSKZYg3iOEl73-nbBzgE1kj6dm9CApK7ntLc16lWRJQEiY8LcDrkW4m3KS_3CQZ1SRy1Q_4VVkM2f3SFGaF8qPNFlSI7LF_EWm9XWIeq1uSDAIzcyD_Nuz3OsDWX6vuo/s512/greatest%20hits%2009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="512" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMi7yrYN4z6vmDe_Kd7lsmWRfXSxs-oZHuIh_pwkCCxRI0heV7OUR2ROTcPPCSKZYg3iOEl73-nbBzgE1kj6dm9CApK7ntLc16lWRJQEiY8LcDrkW4m3KS_3CQZ1SRy1Q_4VVkM2f3SFGaF8qPNFlSI7LF_EWm9XWIeq1uSDAIzcyD_Nuz3OsDWX6vuo/w400-h345/greatest%20hits%2009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Greatest Hits (European Limited Tour Edition)<br />Columbia<br />1st June 2009<br />UK Charts #3</b><br />1 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/xPy82OO6vRg?si=pJtf0e1YKX1UgvjP">BLINDED BY THE LIGHT</a></span></b><br />2 ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)<br />3 BORN TO RUN<br />4 THUNDER ROAD<br />5 BADLANDS<br />6 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/0LpdEyGhNxM?si=20QGOWsQiLj0UcXR">DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN</a></span></b><br />7 HUNGRY HEART<br />8 THE RIVER<br />9 BORN IN THE U.S.A.<br />10<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/lrpXArn3hII?si=U4AQufzm8V_XCEG9"> I'M ON FIRE</a></span></b><br />11 GLORY DAYS<br />12 DANCING IN THE DARK<br />13 THE RISING<br />14 LONESOME DAY<br />15 RADIO NOWHERE<br />16 LONG WALK HOME<br />17<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Hwn4MTbI4k4?si=JL_JNqVBS66WIQWc"> BECAUSE THE NIGHT (Live)</a></span></b><br />18 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/bKGARHZ9iIg?si=w8KPY-oKb4Whomj6">FIRE (Live)</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p>Six months after shambolic American release came a <b>European Limited Tour Edition</b>. I have never actually seen a physical copy of this (just spotted copies on Discogs for £1, so maybe I might get it). I have no idea how "Limited" it was and interestingly considering it was a "Tour Edition" there wasn't a single track from the <b>Working On A Dream</b> album that they were touring in support of, you'd expect at least one. The European version had been extended to 18 songs and if we are being honest here, the record label were playing with the truth a bit calling it <b>"Greatest Hits</b>" as apart from 6 that actually reached the Top 30 in the UK and another 6 that were in the lower reaches of the Charts that means a third of album were not really <b>"Greatest Hits"</b> at all, good songs yes, but not hits!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN00BLTPTZAxkxL1cv59tBrCYW3-H_8CziA_tZPIOZ_xxyfAjCswSSiaNrq-r9FQ8_4ktomWIB0FA1Bao7i2Ov9SnyIzxwqhhaGUPoWJa_jONUNpWlDMx4LWPGkUHJuKI-DgxsscoR4cp3uPf1QP3fnAioo_TiALHpGxDF_XdOPAHwx4xIySdl6V7ZiU/s600/essential.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="600" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN00BLTPTZAxkxL1cv59tBrCYW3-H_8CziA_tZPIOZ_xxyfAjCswSSiaNrq-r9FQ8_4ktomWIB0FA1Bao7i2Ov9SnyIzxwqhhaGUPoWJa_jONUNpWlDMx4LWPGkUHJuKI-DgxsscoR4cp3uPf1QP3fnAioo_TiALHpGxDF_XdOPAHwx4xIySdl6V7ZiU/w400-h339/essential.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Essential Bruce Springsteen 3CD*<br />Columbia<br />11th November 2003<br />US Charts #14<br />UK Charts #28</b><br /><b>Disc 1</b><br />1-1 Blinded By The Light 5:04<br />1-2<span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rdP3y4k2KKU?si=mDwtWbYpx77fqv_z"> <b>For You</b></a></span> 4:40<br />1-3 Spirit In The Night 5:00<br />1-4 4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) 5:37<br />1-5 Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) 7:04<br />1-6 Thunder Road 4:51<br />1-7 Born To Run 4:32<br />1-8 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/CYWlZbHeadY?si=-0Tre_6IRKg_aTl8">Jungleland</a></span></b> 9:36<br />1-9 Badlands 4:04<br />1-10 Darkness On The Edge Of Town 4:31<br />1-11 The Promised Land 4:31<br />1-12 The River 5:00<br />1-13 Hungry Heart 3:20<br />1-14 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/PS_7U952gOM?si=8BSrTEQUfQHhj_M0">Nebraska </a></span></b> 4:29<br />1-15 Atlantic City 3:56<br /><b>Disc 2</b><br />2-1 Born In The U.S.A. 4:42<br />2-2 Glory Days 4:17<br />2-3 Dancing In The Dark 4:03<br />2-4 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/quV6Ui-2izQ?si=MfkuseqCuxRBQeDA">Tunnel Of Love</a></span></b> 5:12<br />2-5 Brilliant Disguise 4:15<br />2-6 Human Touch 6:31<br />2-7 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/zCUtMy8FMds?si=BuI0Gvos1UNo8Qa9"> Living Proof </a></span></b>4:48<br />2-8 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/PSP8nvY_Mkg?si=Hz3L4RPOLDdBHMfp"> Lucky Town </a></span></b> 3:28<br />2-9 Streets Of Philadelphia 3:18<br />2-10 The Ghost Of Tom Joad 4:23<br />2-11 The Rising 4:49<br />2-12 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/xn5miwWs6MI?si=RZ3cADTa9Wzhtk7d">Mary's Place</a></span></b> 6:01<br />2-13 Lonesome Day 4:07<br />2-14 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/4t13XV3C9W0?si=Ge1iEnyH14IC7kN2">American Skin (41 Shots) (Live) </a></span></b> 7:52<br />2-15 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/txlCP-x0djw?si=W9rUF7YawNTaBGO0">Land Of Hope And Dreams (Live)</a></span></b> 9:22<br /><b>Disc 3 Bonus Disc </b> <br />3-1 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ro5__9aIOVE?si=Hcy3tW4qeSyQLGPM">From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come) </a></span></b> 2:42<br />3-2 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Aw4gWPl_YP4?si=e0xJ4BanUzb4N98S">The Big Payback</a></span></b> 1:58<br />3-3 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/SZDRGo3euZo?si=DFTVxsR8RZAtNgmQ">Held Up Without A Gun (Live)</a></span></b> 1:21<br />3-4 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-IjAQtMZl8M?si=I-BGt0qaTf1c8-hq">Trapped (Live)</a></span></b> 5:10<br />3-5 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/j6Z2l9iBMkQ?si=yx5HbR8sLc9lmHNb">None But The Brave</a></span></b> 5:35<br />3-6 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/G-YK-FZIK2o?si=k5tFNcxfzR-EYrny">Missing </a></span></b> 5:04<br />3-7 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9yDxEatVQoE?si=l0Q77bySTl7p3mo5">Lift Me Up</a></span></b> 5:16<br />3-8 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/quWs4rY-ekc?si=ufQ5RIzIU8MDAgKY">Viva Las Vegas </a></span></b> 3:10<br />3-9 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/yltKgMyWLH0?si=uZUZaP2fpawMsNoF">County Fair </a></span></b> 4:50<br />3-10 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/qmliFFBFQAQ?si=Utg7vnvqDEGCS4zU">Code Of Silence (Live)</a></span></b> 4:33<br />3-11 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/h1dzvNwbrM0?si=MQU9xJ5jBw4oNuHZ">Dead Man Walkin</a></span></b>' 2:43<br />3-12 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/I_jJ4mUSxh0?si=P33wvJxDouWSaTA1">Countin' On A Miracle (Acoustic)</a></span></b> 5:00</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I like what<b> Bruce </b>had to say about the 2003 version, <b><i>"We saw a lot of new faces on our recent tour and we put this collection together with them in mind. We selected material from over the full span of our recorded work...The idea was to present a little bit of what each album has to offer."</i></b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm going to say that both versions of '<b>The Essential Bruce Springsteen' </b>are probably worth getting hold of and would be a great introduction for someone new to <b>Springsteen</b>'s music (these days people just stream it on one platform or another) from some of the earlier works and right up to the 2014<b> 'High Hopes</b>' album (if you get the 2015 version). The 3CD version from 2003 is worth finding for the Bonus Disc which has a mix of songs from various Soundtracks, B-sides, multi-artist album projects, outtakes and live material. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66hDGjL9OTyW0wxtNtlwOo9ZNU076YiQEJTRuHqYErgRRtdfVL1pxGkXaNk0ejNz8-15D_lmSn7N1Yyv9uTMBfTRXTgbMSHpZrCbWAsB0DUVqPD__Skv64S9LzzqqUYWQd7SmHGZjpfTh09qElBStRgecVkBegQqSEIo8fYv96EBAbCC3uyyBr1DUUJE/s600/essential%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="600" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66hDGjL9OTyW0wxtNtlwOo9ZNU076YiQEJTRuHqYErgRRtdfVL1pxGkXaNk0ejNz8-15D_lmSn7N1Yyv9uTMBfTRXTgbMSHpZrCbWAsB0DUVqPD__Skv64S9LzzqqUYWQd7SmHGZjpfTh09qElBStRgecVkBegQqSEIo8fYv96EBAbCC3uyyBr1DUUJE/w400-h314/essential%20back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />*A Newer Version of <b>The Essential Bruce Springsteen</b> was released 15th October 2015 with a different tracklist. I'll add <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">links</span></b> for the tracks that I haven't previously.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Disc 1</b><br />1-1 Growin' Up<br />1-2 Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)<br />1-3 4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)<br />1-4 Thunder Road<br />1-5 Born To Run<br />1-6 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/g5mxxU2R2sc?si=kBkzny6dDHR_MC2e">Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out</a></span></b><br />1-7 Badlands<br />1-8 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/yakI3ZVXadM?si=saI9k8aNcGgdwc9y">The Promised Land</a></span></b><br />1-9 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ZvAaviGi0Xs?si=98KwNIEAGKwx5Dct">Prove It All Night</a></span></b><br />1-10 The River<br />1-11 Hungry Heart<br />1-12 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/2cPjKtcQDpk?si=SYzyFTYs5j5a_RG7">The Ties That Bind</a></span></b><br />1-13 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/88JizHg8TR4?si=ZCoRZ2nGZ-1d4nfH">Out In The Street</a></span></b><br />1-14 Atlantic City<br />1-15 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/f8UAvl-CAgM?si=2Uk57c5b7V5El99I">Johnny 99</a></span></b><br />1-16 Glory Days<br />1-17 Born In The U.S.A.<br />1-18 Dancing In The Dark<br /><b>Disc 2</b><br />2-1 Tougher Than The Rest<br />2-2 Brilliant Disguise<br />2-3 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/MkFQHScyti0?si=WDf8r-DN6M4R73ks">One Step Up</a></span></b><br />2-4 Human Touch (Single Edit.)<br />2-5 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/CJZn3xgInxU?si=3_jQVZ1DdW6j8NWN">Better Days</a></span></b><br />2-6 If I Should Fall Behind<br />2-7 Streets Of Philadelphia<br />2-8 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Vad9VjVgJ7o?si=-Dbuq1E0gYJXQ1A0">Murder Incorporated</a></span></b><br />2-9 The Ghost Of Tom Joad<br />2-10 The Rising<br />2-11 Lonesome Day<br />2-12 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/0rZ-WkwTQMs?si=U_YVqN5P_SueS7u9">Devils & Dust</a></span></b><br />2-13 Long Time Comin'<br />2-14 Radio Nowhere<br />2-15 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/R3ZMfPXgd_M?si=j4NIHtHaZsnG9bnl">Working On A Dream</a></span></b><br />2-16 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/gO7vFDfhDHw?si=rftX-yL1tA10Oonf">My Lucky Day</a></span></b><br />2-17 The Wrestler<br />2-18 We Take Care Of Our Own<br />2-19 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ClXShk2vCkQ?si=_RZ9E5YmWva9kytc">Hunter Of Invisible Game</a></span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GFpzvDoicc3jBQNlfGrREtX6UiQ11VjKkOp4N7b7efWCb1Sebjq1fd0EViiyexuApc-m_suOUHw-U0GEQfO0eXciMe6b7wXEawikaloLH8C_uRIzspKjOveRmX-UXKqOzXTsGPE70yevGJEBiWY88h5ZecvVjRASS7MT8t5YeZBVeAHgJ3SRX1wHjFQ/s894/springsteen%20greatest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="894" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GFpzvDoicc3jBQNlfGrREtX6UiQ11VjKkOp4N7b7efWCb1Sebjq1fd0EViiyexuApc-m_suOUHw-U0GEQfO0eXciMe6b7wXEawikaloLH8C_uRIzspKjOveRmX-UXKqOzXTsGPE70yevGJEBiWY88h5ZecvVjRASS7MT8t5YeZBVeAHgJ3SRX1wHjFQ/w640-h640/springsteen%20greatest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Greatest Hits</b><br /><b>Columbia </b><br /><b>27th February 1995</b><br /><b>US Chart #1</b><br /><b>UK Chart #1</b><br /><br />1 Born To Run<br />2 Thunder Road<br />3 Badlands<br />4 The River<br />5 Hungry Heart<br />6 Atlantic City<br />7 Dancing In The Dark<br />8 Born In The U.S.A.<br />9 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dqjPH-Ipkd0?si=uxd7tI_NbKsKLQ9p">My Hometown (Early fade-out)</a></span></b><br />10 Glory Days (Early fade-out)<br />11 Brilliant Disguise<br />12 Human Touch (Edited Radio Version)<br />13 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/HugiAjcBGAY?si=F1uCNF5nuBQpqDWt">Better Days (Edited Version)</a></span></b><br />14 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/1Z0jSNaIc4Q?si=UvqQl0BRMmsaSvVF">Streets Of Philadelphia (Single Edit)</a></span></b><br />15 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Secret Garden</span></b>*<br />16 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/oshU-C5zTWE?si=mYA9JJ4aiYCO4Ikw">Murder Incorporated</a></span></b>*<br />17 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YAuIPCem2uk?si=7LXF0QNusgd_83Lq">Blood Brothers</a></span></b>*<br />18 <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/fGcgH2sogYM?si=NYjR1Nw9EjoPFsnP">This Hard Land</a></span></b>*</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">* New songs <br /></div><div> </div><div>We arrive at the first <b>'Greatest Hits' </b>from <b>Mr Bruce Springsteen</b> to end this post. </div><div> </div><div>Let me bore you with some statistics courtesy of the page on Wikipedia for this album:</div><div>In the States the album debuted at number one on the<b> Billboard 200</b> the week of March 18, 1995, with more than 250,000 copies sold, it remained on the chart for 43 weeks. As of March, 2009 it has sold over 4,092,000 copies in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan. It was certified six times platinum by the RIAA on May 25, 2022, for shipments of 6,000,000.<br /><br />In the United Kingdom the album entered at number one on March 11, 1995, and topped the chart for two non consecutive weeks. It was present on the chart for 134 weeks. It was certified four times platinum by the BPI on March 21, 2014, denoting shipments of 1,200,000 units. It was number one in a further 16 countries!<br /></div><div> </div><div>The album wasn't universally loved by the Music Critics, but remember they get free copies sent to them whilst the rest of us go out and spend our hard earned cash (and by the look at the numbers above quite a few million folks bought it and continued to buy for ages). </div><div><br /></div><div>Excuse me a moment as I go all "fanboy" about why I absolutely treasure this album. I was totally estatic when it was released because of <b>one song</b>! Yep, I mainly bought it for just one new recording of a song I had been listening to on a pretty rubbish cassette since 1984 (I still have that cassette today) , of course it was nice that there were three other new songs (another of which had also been on the same cassette and recorded around a similar time in 1982 as part of the <b>Born in the U.S.A. Sessions</b>), but only one had captivated me for more than a decade. That song was <b>"This Hard Land".</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Almost two years before the <b>'Greatest Hits'</b> album was released I went see<b> Bruce</b> play at the <b>SECC</b> in Glasgow and he played <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/VxG_aB_lg0s?si=VxgfwmERxaedCne5">an acoustic version</a></span></b> of it! Up until 2018 he has played the song live 272 times, but back then, in 1993 he had only ever played it once on 23rd March 1993 at the <b>Count Basie Theatre</b> in <b>Red Bank, New Jersey</b>, eight days later he's standing on a stage in the city where I lived and he's playing it for only the second time live ever...<b><i>"gonna do this for all the, uh ….fanatics out there"</i></b>. Wow, that was a moment I won't forget in a hurry! I would have to wait another until 1995 for a newly recorded version and then a further three years for the <b>'Tracks'</b> set to be released to finally get the version of <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/mWCqBgfTT_A?si=EAN2Z7pm58Q4lx3K">"This Hard Land"</a></span></b> I had been listening to on cassette for 14 years!<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Oh, there's also a few actual hit singles as well as a few popular album tracks for good measure and some newly recorded songs...did I mention <b>"This Hard Land"</b> yet? 😉</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not always a fan of Compilations and if there's one thing that drives me nuts it's when a band/artist has maybe only had one or two albums released and yet there's loads of Compilations (<b>Buddy Holly</b> is a good example here, 3 albums released but 29 Compilations!). I hope that <b>Sony</b> don't go too crazy with <b>Springsteen</b>'s back catalog in the years to come. I'm not totally convinced we need this new one coming out in April but that's the music business for you!<br /></div>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-81653590669184908842024-02-27T11:23:00.000+00:002024-02-27T11:23:02.414+00:001985 - The Waterboys<p>
It's only the end of February and I think I've already discovered the possible Boxset of the Year!</p><p><b>Mike Scott</b> of <b>The Waterboys</b> really knows how to put together a set focusing on a particular album in the history of his band. You only have to look at the brilliant <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mlnrim_PKW4tL1MEgz7K370sul9fzlxHs&si=pjZDHjq0HWfi76T7">Fisherman's Box</a></span></b> (2013) - 121 Tracks, 80 of which had never been released before - to see how true that is. This time around the spotlight shines on what I consider to the best album they have ever made, <b>'This Is The Sea'</b>.</p><p>The 6CD set tells the story of the making of their third studio album over the course of a mammoth 95 songs, 64 of which are previously unreleased home recordings, early demos, alternate versions, outtakes, live recordings, and tv/radio sessions and ending with the remastered version of the '<b>This Is The Sea'</b> album.</p><p>I listened to the set on <b>Amazon Music</b> yesterday as I don't have the £70+ pounds for the Limited Edition version and will wait until April for the cheaper version to be released (with only 3000 copies worldwide I doubt I would have got a copy even if I had the money as it's already sold out in a few places I checked).</p><p>The <b>'This Is The Sea'</b> album was the last to feature <b>Karl Wallinger</b> (who departed to form <b>World Party</b>) and the first to include violinist<b> Steve Wickham</b>.Other musicians who played a part in the recording of the album include <b>Pete Thomas</b> (<b>Elvis Costello and The Attractions</b>), <b>Lu Edmonds</b> (who has a fairly diverse musical CV from <b>The Damned</b>, <b>The Edge</b>, <b>The Mekons</b>, <b>Kirsty MacColl</b> and <b>Public Image Ltd</b>, to name but a few), <b>Matthew Seligman</b> (<b>Thompson Twin</b>s and <b>Thomas Dolby</b>) and session drummer <b>Chris Whitten</b> (who has played on hits by<b> Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians</b>, <b>Julian Cope</b> and <b>Paul McCartney</b>).</p><p>I don't know about you, but I am such a musical nerd that I love discovering the back stories of how an album or a single came to be made, especially if it's a record that I like. This set confirms my utter nerdiness! Little gems arise that you can barely contain yourself, like for instance <b>Tom Verlaine (Television)</b> playing lead guitar on a fast version of<b> "This Is The Sea"</b>. My inner geek is strangely warmed! 😀</p><p>Some folks over the years have moaned that the 80s totally sucked when it came to music (I've never understood how anyone ever comes to that position as I could name many excellent singles and albums from that decade that have stood the test of time more than forty years later) but I point to <b>"This Is The Sea"</b> as just one of many examples of how untrue that complaint is.</p><p>I have included the playlist below for the complete Boxset below (thanks to <b>YouTube</b>) for your listening pleasure.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCT5QUMPhfyyph-Uza0zNV0RLfxxr700fMAWXdrQU3qxrzYX-F4eQ-zq19oLoC7JQIL9bIQRKvUC9urmsUXUr_MWUKjGfvDOHkCpdfbTTZxXloiveQn3Ye_eLZ6WpX3_JCfjLxVvmb9elJVHAdzT1TWfkJ29mNIfrPaCguHGsDGhNLxx6aZWorOq8ic0/s1500/1985_waterboys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1318" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCT5QUMPhfyyph-Uza0zNV0RLfxxr700fMAWXdrQU3qxrzYX-F4eQ-zq19oLoC7JQIL9bIQRKvUC9urmsUXUr_MWUKjGfvDOHkCpdfbTTZxXloiveQn3Ye_eLZ6WpX3_JCfjLxVvmb9elJVHAdzT1TWfkJ29mNIfrPaCguHGsDGhNLxx6aZWorOq8ic0/w562-h640/1985_waterboys.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>1985 - The Waterboys</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><b>Chrysalis</b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>23rd February 2024</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">🌟🌟🌟🌟</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Formats</b><br /><b>6CD box with 220-page book Limited Edition of only 3,000 units worldwide. <br />6CD Clamshell Boxset with 56-page booklet (due for release 5th April 2024).</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Listen To The Complete Album Here:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/yhrr6Fv7qT8?list=OLAK5uy_k6mT0VQIA-3J4PnhOkRjdLBtJjAppckmQ&si=_y7dFa6_7MAKa9mq" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /><b>This Is The Sea - Limited Edition Clear Vinyl LP </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAznDvHeGlcnnInsAhvu4tK6nJBFWpwGDpZ3la6JpUV_06uV1L0A0izUjMyW6yTycorTolqe0AnO3PmPvkJYTbOYZPdutytzYauFXf8IJDBdpiKSAa4ZEj4dbrulShPPlLka8P5DeTwWGrB1HPOWXuymoU4iXpUuzWJy_6LgYZ_AHMiqdkEoPrbqOh0M/s500/thisisthesea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAznDvHeGlcnnInsAhvu4tK6nJBFWpwGDpZ3la6JpUV_06uV1L0A0izUjMyW6yTycorTolqe0AnO3PmPvkJYTbOYZPdutytzYauFXf8IJDBdpiKSAa4ZEj4dbrulShPPlLka8P5DeTwWGrB1HPOWXuymoU4iXpUuzWJy_6LgYZ_AHMiqdkEoPrbqOh0M/w640-h640/thisisthesea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Track List For the 6CD Edition: <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CD 1. Towers Open Fire:</b><br /><i>Trumpets (Radio Session)<br />Be My Enemy (Prototype 3)<br />The Ways Of Men (Session)<br />The Waves #1<br />Old England (Demo)<br />Towers Open Fire<br />Down Through The Town<br />Ribbon Of Steel (Live)<br />Bury My Heart (Live)<br />The Three Day Man (Live)<br />Medicine Bow (TV Performance)<br />This Is The Sea (Live)<br />A Door For My Soul Home (Demo)<br />Son Of Rags<br />In My Bed<br />The Pan Within (Inst Demo)<br />Even The Trees Are Dancing (Full Length)<br />Theme<br />Fuzz Guitar Vamp<br />Death Is Not The End</i><br /><br /><b>CD 2. The Black Book:</b><br /><i>Beverly Penn (Piano Demo)<br />Don’t Bang The Drum (Piano Demo)<br />Be My Enemy (Piano Demo)<br />The Day I Ran Out Of People<br />Winter Blows<br />The Mercenary And The Samaritan<br />Looking For Dickon<br />Spirit (Piano Demo)<br />All The Bright Horses<br />Custer’s Blues (Piano Demo) / The Woman In Me<br />Paris In The Rain<br />The Song Of Sitting Bull<br />Talk About Wings<br />The Whole of The Moon (Writing of)<br />The Pan Within (Piano Demo)<br />No Sun In The Sky<br />Winter In The Blood<br />We Belong To The World<br />The Whole of The Moon (Piano Demo)</i><br /><br /><b>CD 3. A Sky Full Of Crows:</b><br /><i>Medicine Jack<br />Medicine Jack Boogie-Woogie<br />The Sound Of Snow<br />The Pan Within (Inst)<br />It Should Have Been You, Guitar Play<br />Old England (Early Take)<br />Old Macmichael Had A Band / Sweet Thing<br />Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town<br />Spirit (Full Length)<br />Then You Hold Me<br />Trumpets (Instr #1)<br />Rain Come Down</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Son of Dirt<br />This Is The Sea (Drumatix Version)</i><br /><br /><b>CD 4. The Ladder:</b><br /><i>Medicine Bow (Elemental Rough Mix)<br />Trumpets (Inst #2)<br />Be My Enemy (Rough Mix)<br />Sleek White Schooner<br />Sweetheart Like You<br />This Is The Sea (Fast with Mike Lead Guitar Demo)<br />Adrian And The Piano Storm<br />Beverly Penn (Synth Version)<br /><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Ez9c3jxbttk?si=441B7MKAhq0Nwjj9">This Is The Sea (Fast with Tom Verlaine Lead Guitar Version)</a></span></b><br />The Waves #2<br />The Ladder (Demo)<br />Beverly Penn<br />Don’t Bang The Drum (Livingston Mix)<br />Ribbon of Steel Slide Guitar<br />Paisley Park<br /><br /><b>CD 5. Mountaintop:</b><br />The Whole of The Moon (Livingston Mix)<br />High Far Soon<br />This Is The Sea (Livingston Mix)<br />Medicine Bow (Full Length)<br />The Pan Within (Wickham’s First Play)<br />Miracle / World Party (Demo)<br />I Am Not Here<br />Born To Be Together (Session)<br />Higher In Time (Session)<br /><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/sBW8Vnp8BzU?si=Tz7CzTPsZT404cTE">The Whole of The Moon (Video Version)</a></span></b><br />Meridian West<br />Don’t Bang The Drum (Session)<br />Medicine Bow (Session)<br />Behold The Sea<br /><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/IFVi5C7MwVY?si=GRMf1sxHYUHqxkf9">Beverly Penn 2023</a></span></b><br /></i><br /><b>CD 6. This Is The Sea (The Album):</b><br /><i>Don’t Bang The Drum<br />The Whole of The Moon<br />Spirit<br />The Pan Within<br />Medicine Bow<br />Old England<br />Be My Enemy<br />Trumpets</i><br /><i>This Is The Sea</i><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6cUQdNikarqSTU8ab62SruxuOenrHJ_pB5IU-pdiYCP03Kit03J-yNVbT_O3mckiKi6OnV6RT4Z1uQStXCHRMDrFLzOPuSxpHnDWaGz86RlqmLaqemWPjEHQCWVp8XY4bVhonfSutD66wJ2mRPDepESoGZm7wD3Ws6SXZMTU0cVmRKUtidc2H_s_j7k/s600/thisisthesea1985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6cUQdNikarqSTU8ab62SruxuOenrHJ_pB5IU-pdiYCP03Kit03J-yNVbT_O3mckiKi6OnV6RT4Z1uQStXCHRMDrFLzOPuSxpHnDWaGz86RlqmLaqemWPjEHQCWVp8XY4bVhonfSutD66wJ2mRPDepESoGZm7wD3Ws6SXZMTU0cVmRKUtidc2H_s_j7k/w640-h640/thisisthesea1985.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/new-music/the-waterboys-1985-review-new-boxset-charts-the-remarkable-journey-of-this-is-the-sea/">Mojo Review</a></span></b>.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-75759479988474304862024-02-14T12:29:00.000+00:002024-02-14T12:29:28.906+00:0040 Year Anniversary: Declaration - The Alarm<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I first saw <b>The Alarm</b> supporting <b>U2</b> at <b>The Lyceum Ballroom, London</b> 20th December 1981. <b>U2</b> were touring on the back of their second album <b>'October'</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was totally unaware that <b>The Alarm</b> had released their debut single in September 1981 (<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHcKRf7sYss&pp=ygUedGhlIGFsYXJtIHVuc2FmZSBidWlsZGluZyAxOTgx">"Unsafe Building"/"Up For Murder"</a></span></b>) and I was even more unaware that they had previously been a <b>Mod</b> band called <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT0TItv-jQ0&pp=ygUfc2V2ZW50ZWVuIGJhbmsgaG9saWRheSB3ZWVrZW5kIA%3D%3D">Seventeen</a></span></b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I had been standing in the upstairs bar when I heard the sound of Acoustic Guitars and what could only be described as a sort of cry of the heart and a call to arms all at the same time:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>"<i><b>Take this song of freedom</b></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i><b> </b></i></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Put it on and arm yourself for the fight</span></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Our hearts must have the courage</span></span></b></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i><b> </b></i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><i><b>To keep on marching on and on</b></i>"</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Then it burst into a song called <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/6PktxW8BM7o?si=JP_sDNaG3dsa1002">"For Freedom"</a></span></b> and I was hooked. Every song seemed like an anthem waiting to be sung by the masses, except only a few knew who they were that night. It was sort of Punky without being Punk or sort of Folky without being Folk and Rocky without being Rock. In other words, very difficult to describe and maybe that's why I felt drawn toward them because they were like nothing I'd really seen before.</span></span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <br /></span></span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I have to confess that I remember little about the <b>U2</b> set because I was absolutely blown away by this band who were totally new to my ears. It had been a very rare thing when the support band had stood out at the gigs I had been to up until that moment.</span></span></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>I saw that they were also on the following evening as support but it was way too difficult to get a ticket due to the ever growing popularity of <b>U2</b>.</span></span></div><h2 class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">I would have to wait awhile before I saw them again and by that time they had released another single called <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nZ2Kd5kVQENT2GreDPBSHvM4ES0sdpADI&si=yBi__qwrfj48YzQe">"Marching On"</a></span></b>.</span></span></span></h2><h2 class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">By 1983 they had signed with <b>Miles Copeland</b>'s <b>I.R.S. Records</b> and contined to release some cracking singles: <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/9X9cpLlye7Q?si=TlowoxmmlbMvuEW-">"The Stand"</a></span></b> (April 1983), <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAlXegdJVbxfHF908SgAZHVc&si=vGfV85LS0pp1etE7">"The Alarm EP"</a></span></b> (June 1983) and their first Top 30 single <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/69w3grKW_pI?si=2O9UC4fa_PB_RbLZ">"Sixty Eight Guns"</a></span></b> (September 1983, reached #17 on the Charts).</span></span></span></h2><h2 class="ujudUb WRZytc" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">A month prior to the release of the debut album came another great single in the form of <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/NiJC3kCIjtk?si=T7yGUe8vxJ47mUFE">"Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke?"</a></span></b> that peaked at #22. An excellent foretaste of what was to come. <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/b9EwOed79ig?si=Bx0xd-WdNhgGafgD">"The Deceiver"</a></span></b> (May 1984, #51) was the only other single released from the album.</span> <br /></span></span></h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeAgFdKSiNw3OLa8n7fBeTiKdDKDkQV0yTO00kmjgXjJUvxzxnkTmNCuQCOwFkUR0OPd5yjUrL5oZQafit_JSEY47_drbvst2oaqgA4Ca4Kyy8nQXmevrkiWLJZgHXddnwxKD0_44x89yXdtmTq3bdFuhmIvUgrkCsMWFyTreaL6V-SgCChIwnVFeMAg/s599/dec1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="599" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeAgFdKSiNw3OLa8n7fBeTiKdDKDkQV0yTO00kmjgXjJUvxzxnkTmNCuQCOwFkUR0OPd5yjUrL5oZQafit_JSEY47_drbvst2oaqgA4Ca4Kyy8nQXmevrkiWLJZgHXddnwxKD0_44x89yXdtmTq3bdFuhmIvUgrkCsMWFyTreaL6V-SgCChIwnVFeMAg/w640-h636/dec1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟</span><br /><span><b>Declaration - The Alarm</b></span><br /><span><b>I.R.S. Records</b></span><br /><span><b>Produced by Alan Shacklock</b></span><br /><span><b>Released 13th February 1984</b></span><br /><span><b>UK Album Charts #6</b></span><br /><span><b>US Album Charts #50</b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIodHbHy8vuP22axB9rFLrzP9_jwo8ug5uDqtlULeKUEsxD5mJYuxcird0mQPw1jeNXUQCc3enEYHWdHV0yskEexYRxidX0M4oXw_hAOWLZWi8XWQZ6kxAvQh3ujLis1lPTKh_bjUmtd7VRgJpEmj3Dw1nQ_H5pbMNHsw9Nzih2juaRFJbH0QGY4Xc_o/s600/dec2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIodHbHy8vuP22axB9rFLrzP9_jwo8ug5uDqtlULeKUEsxD5mJYuxcird0mQPw1jeNXUQCc3enEYHWdHV0yskEexYRxidX0M4oXw_hAOWLZWi8XWQZ6kxAvQh3ujLis1lPTKh_bjUmtd7VRgJpEmj3Dw1nQ_H5pbMNHsw9Nzih2juaRFJbH0QGY4Xc_o/w640-h640/dec2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Listen To The Album Here:<br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAnP-Tuspb2KeUBKur-6_xRP" width="853"></iframe></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Side 1*</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKd5xhQ6dFgBtA1_IZtZ14J1BAZ0BwUcSyAHB-7JIyaTRnyrWZoLxo48nAChTR-dmD968k0NaJgnR7dNKMABxA6x8fR7_NzhNsg3or-Y1FNFBUX6VgmrLKHXPUvRhTvOdGw06XA263tXbYU539hl0xlPZenyB6cE4iQEPGG4J_lXKklCHy-50N_4JR-P4/s600/dec3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="600" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKd5xhQ6dFgBtA1_IZtZ14J1BAZ0BwUcSyAHB-7JIyaTRnyrWZoLxo48nAChTR-dmD968k0NaJgnR7dNKMABxA6x8fR7_NzhNsg3or-Y1FNFBUX6VgmrLKHXPUvRhTvOdGw06XA263tXbYU539hl0xlPZenyB6cE4iQEPGG4J_lXKklCHy-50N_4JR-P4/w640-h638/dec3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>A1</b> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/lrO2TXAO-Xk?si=D1KCzYTxx7RSB031">Declaration</a></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A2</b> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rik8Gx2k9IY?si=q966BRiqicUHW3ub">Marching On</a></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A3 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/NiJC3kCIjtk?si=UbtExecGdeHrSfPR">Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A4 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/HN9cU1UYgk4?si=G110cNdEXfryO6Fd">Third Light</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A5 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/v-MsJob5Qqo?si=P0NbUYCwuvsx39Bm">Sixty Eight Guns</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A6 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/jihxdaflJuo?si=f1apsQ2t98hHiYgz">We Are The Light<br /></a></span></span></b></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Side 2*</u></b></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0csSveDM6dI1ovV9sgQy1BtYHUmCvdltQA-ZcfvglvHoZsh8zw6MR3asniqyvPs_ow-632rqLnOAVQ9RNTfjVYIxlnnC4FfCJ2hRjEO1LtbM9lpe4qHNmvQ2xOu3AOjfL0Nzo28mx2YkgI17pkeEwCXrXwp-lI1AcdjieH4PUFcAEIuCwsqwZ-KbyoNk/s600/dec4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="600" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0csSveDM6dI1ovV9sgQy1BtYHUmCvdltQA-ZcfvglvHoZsh8zw6MR3asniqyvPs_ow-632rqLnOAVQ9RNTfjVYIxlnnC4FfCJ2hRjEO1LtbM9lpe4qHNmvQ2xOu3AOjfL0Nzo28mx2YkgI17pkeEwCXrXwp-lI1AcdjieH4PUFcAEIuCwsqwZ-KbyoNk/w640-h634/dec4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>B1 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/7WCB5DFyYGs?si=0j-jAC2zcqj7R06c">Shout To The Devil</a></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">B2 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/nYuZCQEmeXk?si=6Vnh3b6xJWlhfwUI">Blaze Of Glory</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">B3 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-WLJA2AffCM?si=oIBrTy0QuSo8vMZF">Tell Me</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">B4 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/b9EwOed79ig?si=IWen27ehqIbLzLXB">The Deceiver</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">B5 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/xv3YfYEGMAs?si=3Tv5iYJ6AGtwJOYF">The Stand (Prophecy)</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">B6 <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/5IYJDBAb0rM?si=8pZEqGL67iSuO4jW">Howling Wind</a></span></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">*<i>All the links here are from the 2019 Remastered 'Declaration 1984-1985' <br /></i></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiESBRwihXW971jMx80t9_C4f46lshTNygpWIvylvFD6Q5dhv9-sPdiW05Plx6oaNIUprO58MKuJv05t4zX3pd-FJUmPVkH5azSQdZ7HaejdjpSRsywuzrcBO1qxdWYMixFzwc4Ny5GdlaP_itPi8ywd6hS8YohsvbuX0NrtBHprRWoVMDFAsLq42j68M/s600/alarm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="600" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiESBRwihXW971jMx80t9_C4f46lshTNygpWIvylvFD6Q5dhv9-sPdiW05Plx6oaNIUprO58MKuJv05t4zX3pd-FJUmPVkH5azSQdZ7HaejdjpSRsywuzrcBO1qxdWYMixFzwc4Ny5GdlaP_itPi8ywd6hS8YohsvbuX0NrtBHprRWoVMDFAsLq42j68M/w640-h572/alarm1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Alarm</b><br /> <b>Mike Peters</b> - <i>vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica</i><br /> <b>Dave Sharp</b> - <i>acoustic and electric guitars, vocals</i><br /> <b>Eddie Macdonald</b> - <i>bass, guitar, vocals</i><br /> <b>Nigel Twist</b> - <i>drums, percussion, vocals<br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR-Ig0yGk9TA88nFEeydh2c8MsHeGssny1KXYlQoaVTBGzf1V5__xddKQmr_7udsH4Qk1C7EUDsWA8yab_00hmmEtKoPnyclax9YKBoeAI3lrBnHfm0o09wiS-TRiM9qJhJJVK26KJ3xaynbhyphenhyphensyLaFicll94G8HuFVbvlpybSpfsRyGSJ_oB-XvlssE/s599/alarm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="599" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR-Ig0yGk9TA88nFEeydh2c8MsHeGssny1KXYlQoaVTBGzf1V5__xddKQmr_7udsH4Qk1C7EUDsWA8yab_00hmmEtKoPnyclax9YKBoeAI3lrBnHfm0o09wiS-TRiM9qJhJJVK26KJ3xaynbhyphenhyphensyLaFicll94G8HuFVbvlpybSpfsRyGSJ_oB-XvlssE/w640-h582/alarm4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back in the day you didn't have all the details of a band available at click of a mouse or on a phone, yes kids, the Internet wasn't a thing back then. To access what was going on with a band you could sign up for a newsletter by post or you would read about them in the music press (who were not always favourable towards <b>The Alarm</b>), other than that it was TV performances on <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/KZp11vks_Ws?si=bG7d0AwIzUT2dRZY">Top of The Pops</a></span></b> or <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/qtdbC_5Nm9k?si=AKx7amyEW3hj1pro">The Tube</a></span> </b>or <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/y_69v5Bc33Y?si=ZWPjTX23CID9DQJi">The Oxford Road Show</a></span></b>, where you would catch them or maybe a DJ on the radio took a liking to them and would spin their latest record.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Your streaming service back then was you physically getting up and putting the record onto the turntable and getting up to turn it over to listen to side 2. 😆</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have a number of <b>Favourite Debut Albums</b> that I have bought over the years and <b>'Declaration'</b> sits sweetly among the likes of <b>Bruce Springsteen</b>, <b>Eddie and the Hot Rods</b>, <b>The Clash</b>, <b>The Specials</b>, <b>Slade</b>, <b>Buddy Holly and The Crickets</b>, <b>Gene Vincent</b>, <b>Ramones</b>, <b>Blondie</b>, <b>Television</b>, <b>The Psychedelic Furs</b> (to name but a few). I think I have bought it on Vinyl, Cassette and CD as copies have been played until they have worn out. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U4gjDY_oX3DRB4as3iepMO2ZO-fJ7X5b9oOO2pmksbMy6PzY5yNc3YeZBYt6quru0y6bS6Mhr2l4qCQ5RvQdbvlsY7maqF-4ArE1Qic84s2B0eXVRXPU4E0cFyU25KkbC4bmB5XgV4qrPyCDIr0ntTTswHo-bgRx8gzwY9lApvvRwv6gajUG03ZbP80/s600/alarm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="600" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U4gjDY_oX3DRB4as3iepMO2ZO-fJ7X5b9oOO2pmksbMy6PzY5yNc3YeZBYt6quru0y6bS6Mhr2l4qCQ5RvQdbvlsY7maqF-4ArE1Qic84s2B0eXVRXPU4E0cFyU25KkbC4bmB5XgV4qrPyCDIr0ntTTswHo-bgRx8gzwY9lApvvRwv6gajUG03ZbP80/w640-h576/alarm3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">When it comes to playing the album I always think that this one sounds much better when played from start to finish rather than today's habit of cherry picking a song here or there. That's not to say I don't have favourite songs on the album, because I do, <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/N424CZ2pYzM?si=bVHEMJMb0WwcxGZy">"Tell Me"</a></span></b> and <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/0S3C-iT8uHE?si=_aEc_VUzkhq7C81D">"Howling Wind"</a></span></b> are two of them.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Forty years on from its release I still think it sounds great and as a result of finding <b>The Alarm</b> that night back in 1981 at <b>The Lyceum</b> I have made some true and lasting friendships from many different places. I wouldn't trade that in for the world. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span></p>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-58415182455687081242024-02-03T13:45:00.000+00:002024-02-03T13:45:41.254+00:00Wayne Kramer (April 30th 1948 - February 2nd 2024)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-yx1nwEWFUd402A3sfCO8crB0S_5UjvqejkgqCVRwf0UWEsqVv0a9bWnL80cmXJMKhyphenhyphen-YRpcMrlkgpplw8j12-qJI8XfExoVl6ro5DgRaXhhzvTfnQFlm8aw7tNhHI6qX1A0Fd3oAcvbHqanR3esVxGO1yD0gA1nXZ2Q5CZlPBZy9v9LgpPH723k1b8/s1581/kramer.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1581" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-yx1nwEWFUd402A3sfCO8crB0S_5UjvqejkgqCVRwf0UWEsqVv0a9bWnL80cmXJMKhyphenhyphen-YRpcMrlkgpplw8j12-qJI8XfExoVl6ro5DgRaXhhzvTfnQFlm8aw7tNhHI6qX1A0Fd3oAcvbHqanR3esVxGO1yD0gA1nXZ2Q5CZlPBZy9v9LgpPH723k1b8/w640-h426/kramer.webp" width="640" /></a></div><b>Wayne Kramer</b> of the <b>MC5</b>, <b>Gangwar</b> (with <b>Johnny Thunders</b>), and Solo artist, songwriter, producer and film and television producer passed away yesterday at the age of 75.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYs1J55wj2RzLyF8BJR5t2UPijx3JS7Pp8RHl-5CR8LNn7FPNRKDgin8m2MNxuoY2hGFO2gV8j7KzEZfdOvQTkZfdBYI1vbUPAEMq99f5xj2sARO3P6201LSZcycUTUF4-Z2aiNwYMSiqNFgNcB30rjKbqL5rpdAcjXtViC8kE2t4SCYTdaaiFBA8lbc/s1024/mc5.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1024" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYs1J55wj2RzLyF8BJR5t2UPijx3JS7Pp8RHl-5CR8LNn7FPNRKDgin8m2MNxuoY2hGFO2gV8j7KzEZfdOvQTkZfdBYI1vbUPAEMq99f5xj2sARO3P6201LSZcycUTUF4-Z2aiNwYMSiqNFgNcB30rjKbqL5rpdAcjXtViC8kE2t4SCYTdaaiFBA8lbc/w640-h456/mc5.webp" width="640" /></a></div><b>Kramer</b> came to prominence with Detroit rock band <b>MC5</b> in the late 60s who he co-founded along with <b>Rob Tyner</b>, <b>Fred "Sonic" Smith</b>, <b>Michael Davis</b> and <b>Dennis Thompson</b>. <p></p><p>The band recorded two studio albums and a live record as their debut. Click on <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">the links</span></b> below to listen to the music.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jKnPQ0F4jZhMQOkxFhxpOQoSgC-pi_C3-Q6dWRPNCyFNk4sKcx7bHaDU4il90Rv6mUEID4yuGys0pRcQcf1Cu2Q7JqYBhldhD6S50YcLuJU5KsR7y0e2T3Lz-Yd9N3bhgBGyZepqg45UuDDMhWtVEoE09vikMuVgdhaOVBEGtiwykUzkVPZCZ3D9gvU/s600/kickout%20the%20jams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jKnPQ0F4jZhMQOkxFhxpOQoSgC-pi_C3-Q6dWRPNCyFNk4sKcx7bHaDU4il90Rv6mUEID4yuGys0pRcQcf1Cu2Q7JqYBhldhD6S50YcLuJU5KsR7y0e2T3Lz-Yd9N3bhgBGyZepqg45UuDDMhWtVEoE09vikMuVgdhaOVBEGtiwykUzkVPZCZ3D9gvU/w640-h640/kickout%20the%20jams.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRQKT-Cu2_2Rm4hXiWx7yjX4q17P9c9fU&si=h2920TdbsWBJLBlM">Kick Out The Jams (Elektra 1969)</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The album debut album was recorded at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit (a place where the MC5 had been the house band) in October 1968 and was released in February 1969. It reached #30 on the album charts in the States.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GGEAq1b5BH1jgu3vvFyP13CPzIzMYbopLbLOZDQkMsb_zljuNeEnVFR_qaPYXQhuDNmlJhbRwQgt28Q9VWbE4eST0jwCHX_zYqqrqNho7cActeipu3Ry6qARpO_NptGn2NRIx40_wctmL0is5DcufG9ENZ-uC9iLtQH7KE8ssWBMAo4cLpN7hq9mB8o/s600/backintheusa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GGEAq1b5BH1jgu3vvFyP13CPzIzMYbopLbLOZDQkMsb_zljuNeEnVFR_qaPYXQhuDNmlJhbRwQgt28Q9VWbE4eST0jwCHX_zYqqrqNho7cActeipu3Ry6qARpO_NptGn2NRIx40_wctmL0is5DcufG9ENZ-uC9iLtQH7KE8ssWBMAo4cLpN7hq9mB8o/w640-h640/backintheusa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kMCDFnCYNLwHFpOMjxhNheWJrHJioq1bA&si=WFbb8hJkugW83Xn6">Back In The USA (Atlantic 1970)</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">According to Wikipedia page on this album "The central focus of the album is the band's movement away from the raw, thrashy sound pioneered and captured on their debut release. This was due in part to producer <b>Jon Landau</b>'s distaste for the rough psychedelic rock movement, and his adoration for the straightforward rock and roll of the 1950s". In doing so <b>Landau</b> sucked the energy of the band's live performance out of them (something he would also do five years later when he was involved on the production of <b>Springsteen</b>'s<b> 'Born To Run' </b>album). In saying that it's worth mentioning <b>"The American Ruse"</b> (an attack on the US Government's concept of "freedom") and <b>"The Human Being Lawnmower"</b> (which exposes the band's opposition to the US involment in the Vietnam War) showed that the old dogs wouldn't be silenced, even if their sound in the studio was not so good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDVqXzgmYUYT0wIGp7GkiAJ2eNH-MHeySnRRYY8GJSYUyHvDDLmddBaIZCtBKhm5BUePG5m1mU418IM9a_x1PDejlD_C5qsN6yQ8mRLs4dvH5Y3Qihr-a2v40gskWWNALkDdXuWnLSZbb2-UBOIhE57iDV-M02AENasZ778YZ8_eYQ8fyXePRTqBuvgk/s599/hightime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="592" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDVqXzgmYUYT0wIGp7GkiAJ2eNH-MHeySnRRYY8GJSYUyHvDDLmddBaIZCtBKhm5BUePG5m1mU418IM9a_x1PDejlD_C5qsN6yQ8mRLs4dvH5Y3Qihr-a2v40gskWWNALkDdXuWnLSZbb2-UBOIhE57iDV-M02AENasZ778YZ8_eYQ8fyXePRTqBuvgk/w632-h640/hightime.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpJ4hSKuh3nV8sx1qciWR2luA4sFTuzbt&si=euTVJriz0NHvQpOw">High Time (Atlantic 1971)</a></b><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lenny Kaye</b>, writing for <b>Rolling Stone</b> in 1971, called the album "the first record that comes close to telling the tale of their legendary reputation and attendant charisma". The album though was an even worse commercial disaster than<b> 'Back In The USA'</b>. <b>Dave Marsh</b> wrote in the liner notes for the 1992 reissue, "Sadly, <b>High Time</b>'s 1971 release represented the end of the line for <b>MC5</b>. Hard drugs had entered the band members' lives, and within a year they'd split up, drifting off into various other configurations. At least two members wound up in federal prison on drug charges, and they never did reunite before the untimely death of <b>Rob Tyner</b> in mid-summer 1992.<br /></div><div><p>One of the members who ended up in jail was <b>Wayne Kramer</b>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTuPji2SGNCqeJ4mTnYGR18XzY3570Lv7LXYzq6z8vxOKqpV8SZuvrJI3YyuUhseteCplQZ1WmjZZ5nzu8SkEgBeAQDGxCxVFyTfumKzplBVX2dxBk1pNEUIR16VPqHea25Zcts5D8nT0AKFL9cETvTUYuPWgzuU7HjNfbGIX0PUiqjyYbJecBkAHQAQ/s1125/mugshotfull_poster_kramer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1125" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTuPji2SGNCqeJ4mTnYGR18XzY3570Lv7LXYzq6z8vxOKqpV8SZuvrJI3YyuUhseteCplQZ1WmjZZ5nzu8SkEgBeAQDGxCxVFyTfumKzplBVX2dxBk1pNEUIR16VPqHea25Zcts5D8nT0AKFL9cETvTUYuPWgzuU7HjNfbGIX0PUiqjyYbJecBkAHQAQ/w640-h360/mugshotfull_poster_kramer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>In 1975 he was convicted of selling drugs to undercover federal agents and was sentenced to four years. After his release he moved to New York City where he teamed up with <b>Johnny Thunders</b> (probably not the best move as Johnny was still having "drug issues" in his life) and they formed <b>Gangwar</b>. It was a rather short-lived project and although there were some studio recordings done they didn't see the light of day until a French release in 1996 called <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV2_VjSN_V0&pp=ygUsam9obm55IHRodW5kZXJzIGdhbmd3YXIgY3JpbWUgb2YgdGhlIGNlbnR1cnk%3D">'Crime of the Century'</a></span>.</b> There's also few live recordings that are around, not great by any means, but they give a wee flavour of the chaos!<p></p><p>A totally different change of pace in 1981 saw him as studio and touring guitarist for the Self-titled <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lek0wlWs8cU&pp=ygUhd2FzIChub3Qgd2FzKSB3YXMgKG5vdCB3YXMpIGFsYnVt">Was (Not Was) debut album</a></span></b>.</p><p>He moved around the country a bit in the 80s and early 90s working as a Carpenter but always managed to connect with the local music scene in New York, Florida and Nashville, producing and doing session work and by 1994 he was back in Los Angeles kicking off his Solo career with the self-produced album <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lZ8WtyFvNk0E7R_Q3J9GdpbjBAM_nE90A&si=ML0HyPfY2io5cmSP">'The Hard Stuff'</a></span></b>. <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lbVosDlZM0fil2WlqUTeBNNwcwwSHefMg&si=FCfbcMUQArZgpwTX">'Dangerous Madness'</a></span></b> followed in 1996, <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mepzO4H2qmsAbz2kE7e43FpD0UcDX4inc&si=S_4G3KSLl0K1ymhx">'Citizen Wayne'</a></span></b> in 1997,<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd-K1G0qg8c&pp=ygUad2F5bmUga3JhbWVyIGNvY2FpbmUgYmx1ZXM%3D"> 'Cocaine Blues 1974-78'</a></span></b> in 2000 as <b>Wayne Kramer & The Pink Faries</b>. In 2004 there was even a Free Jazz album with the <b>Lexington Arts Ensemble</b> called <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mLHUhywCxCxloMw6sFadDzUkSRixkslXM&si=WXQ8MjgQQkcg8pCr"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">'Lexington'</span></b></a>. That's just a snippet of some of the music he was doing in these years.</p><p>On May 1, 2009 <b>Kramer</b> attended a sold-out benefit where he was honored for his work with the nonprofit Road Recovery at New York City's Nokia Theater. The following day, on May 2, 2009 he along with fellow musicians <b>Tom Morello</b>, <b>Jerry Cantrell</b>, <b>Billy Bragg</b>,<b> Perry Farrell</b>, <b>Gilby Clarke </b>and <b>Don Was</b> among others, played for inmates at Sing Sing prison.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIG53sGK4Plq-rCa3OCuM3BZScCSTESX4Y0o8dFWTGw4q0EdP9dx-oqp0e8j5Kz3KLDU5Z2vK_mZu_eDsLq9dsh3iviag-1w7y85SSnhk2tJfmvKlPiTjjPhi6kY4usbvUELskWSrxqBCed0qsVqNBrinclEnguqGI0BUAc-bubNZyFNQaUnrGjH64v8/s225/jgd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIG53sGK4Plq-rCa3OCuM3BZScCSTESX4Y0o8dFWTGw4q0EdP9dx-oqp0e8j5Kz3KLDU5Z2vK_mZu_eDsLq9dsh3iviag-1w7y85SSnhk2tJfmvKlPiTjjPhi6kY4usbvUELskWSrxqBCed0qsVqNBrinclEnguqGI0BUAc-bubNZyFNQaUnrGjH64v8/w400-h400/jgd.png" width="400" /></a></div>Following the Sing Sing concert, <b>Kramer </b>continued the work of <b>Jail Guitar Doors</b> in the United States. <b>Kramer</b>, <b>Billy Bragg</b> and <b>Margaret Saadi Kramer</b> founded <b>Jail Guitar Doors, USA</b> in 2009. Thereafter<b> Kramer</b> provided instruments, workshops, and prison concerts across America. More than 50 penal institutions throughout the United States have benefitted from the organisation.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclpMIvHo0PVxnhRBHTdconJ7xO2AH5u0UwlQtDvv_-11Yo97VjrCNNCXn5LMdx5cfEbFmfKhXOIhWMNyVLSR2I9xSfQf001NeCKYlG1FWsO8ehTguK6bYPiJq83815l_mSvjeeEoCRkXYxaP3wjPR0A5VsjOt3JQq8ktFM9kaBSdj8mG7qeAetb84LLM/s600/jailguitardoorsclash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="593" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclpMIvHo0PVxnhRBHTdconJ7xO2AH5u0UwlQtDvv_-11Yo97VjrCNNCXn5LMdx5cfEbFmfKhXOIhWMNyVLSR2I9xSfQf001NeCKYlG1FWsO8ehTguK6bYPiJq83815l_mSvjeeEoCRkXYxaP3wjPR0A5VsjOt3JQq8ktFM9kaBSdj8mG7qeAetb84LLM/w395-h400/jailguitardoorsclash.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i> "Let me tell you 'bout Wayne and his deals of cocaine<br />A little more every day<br />Holding for a friend till the band do well<br />Then the DEA locked him away"</i></b> - (<b>Strummer/Jones</b>) <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dNVZKRT2zGk?si=XAJuizcpOH5n3W3u">Jail Guitar Doors - The Clash </a></span></b><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/6l6WO3UBb4o?si=oe_IpQgsv9Wcep9g">Jail Guitar Doors (Acoutic) - Wayne Kramer</a></b><br /></p><p>Last year,<b> Kramer</b> announced the upcoming release of <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/PMF_6GxpSIg?si=VOGon6_evPrqrPee"> 'Heavy Lifting'</a></span></b>, the first<b> MC5</b> album since 1971’s <b>'High Time'</b> and featuring original drummer<b> Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson</b> alongside <b>Tom Morello</b>, <b>Don Was</b>, <b>Vernon Reid</b> and <b>Slash</b>. "At the risk of sounding grandiose, fate has cast me as the curator of the <b>MC5</b> legacy," <b>Kramer</b> told <b>Uncut</b> last year. "And to be true to the legacy, I have to stay connected to the basic founding principles the MC5 represents: that we have a working-class approach to the art, and that we continue to try to push the music forward to reflect the world that we live in." The album was scheduled for a Spring release, no word if that is still happening.<br /></p><b>Kramer</b> died of pancreatic cancer on February 2nd, 2024<p> <br /> </p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-79135858760259874682024-01-25T07:05:00.001+00:002024-01-25T07:05:45.528+00:00Hello, I Never Left, I Only Went Away!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfpauzca02xhFbkD56ZMV_2Lt5wVqXqQgcR0PCtQdmhspw2GrtNsqu5XB98B5o_OnOvLDmkfonX-olmfisdL5Gu_5NyigjLbz9t8tAs-4CCo9bEiWBRcr01_-RpzBtGqIApgkF1p3D1NUHVEM9LA4Pm5JciPklLtRK_BzASYLJCtbA97HdZ4wMCb-wkg/s768/back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfpauzca02xhFbkD56ZMV_2Lt5wVqXqQgcR0PCtQdmhspw2GrtNsqu5XB98B5o_OnOvLDmkfonX-olmfisdL5Gu_5NyigjLbz9t8tAs-4CCo9bEiWBRcr01_-RpzBtGqIApgkF1p3D1NUHVEM9LA4Pm5JciPklLtRK_BzASYLJCtbA97HdZ4wMCb-wkg/w640-h414/back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/7HF1Sfos3v4?si=Agl-qU1mLQMq4S4X"> Hello</a></span></b><span>. It's been awhile. I'm back, but </span><b><a href="https://youtu.be/t9ah1eTOrcE?si=i2K5CvhaPfs_vatl"><span style="color: #ffa400;">I Never Left, I Only Went Away</span></a></b>...Bang! there's two musical references (and links) and <b><a href="https://youtu.be/uaqoQr-aCtQ?si=IZCtYNvW6HbQ73bU"><span style="color: #ffa400;">we've only just begun</span></a>!</b> It's true, as <b>The Mighty Wah!</b> once sang, it's <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/QoyLcgYVoJs?si=WSJvuUKz1O8jYXMs">"The Return of Rock and Roll"</a></span></b>.<br /></p><p>I know a good few years ago I said I was wrapping this all up but things change, heck even <b>ABBA</b> came back, the <b>Eagles</b> are on their 60th "Farewell Tour" (slight exaggeration but it does seem like it), and even <b>The Rolling Stones</b> made a brand new album last year, so maybe there's a place for <b>Soundtrack4Life</b> in 2024.</p><p>I only started this blog to amuse myself, never thinking that there would be anyone out there in the world who would be interested in my ramblings, but I was wrong about that wasn't I?</p><p>Even in my absence people have still been checking the blog out, and for that I am truly grateful. There's been well over a Million page views! There's no doubt a lot of dead links and pictures here that are long lost due to my not being around and if requested I will sort some of them out.<br /></p><p>I'm not planning to do a daily post as I had previously done as I don't have the concentration to prepare like that these days but I will try and do something at least once a week. Basically this a test run, it's not <b>Soundtrack4Life 2.0</b> or anything so grand or life altering. It's a short run to see if it's something worth doing and whether or not folks will still drop by for a visit and have a read.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXxCz-ZtIk-4tRbox1Z_P_clS5ZDvWFCNdHZZpV9vQ-sd3aVh5Zwhgim5UtZGvvKwXBNdbh4HThyphenhyphenUGUpj7YXKPN-I0qaXa-8ED6z47-jnCW5Qs8UWNVzUsg0WhaXq-ldiSMaipqjgTvkPnSiBt0eEMwvxJZAY6OEPG1-nWuGzJSG3KYebnNRh4gHA_Bw/s568/s4lpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="568" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXxCz-ZtIk-4tRbox1Z_P_clS5ZDvWFCNdHZZpV9vQ-sd3aVh5Zwhgim5UtZGvvKwXBNdbh4HThyphenhyphenUGUpj7YXKPN-I0qaXa-8ED6z47-jnCW5Qs8UWNVzUsg0WhaXq-ldiSMaipqjgTvkPnSiBt0eEMwvxJZAY6OEPG1-nWuGzJSG3KYebnNRh4gHA_Bw/w400-h399/s4lpic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>I'm not totally sure how I should go about this, but in the slightly altered words of <b>The Rolling Stones</b>, <b><i>"Please allow me to reintroduce myself"</i></b>...I'm <b>Doug</b> (yes, that's me in the picture above). I'm in my sixties now (I was still in my fifties when I last posted!) and I still love music (not as much as I love my wife, because that would be darn silly!), and since the start of April 2019 when I last posted I've listened to a lot of it. I have found new artists/bands, old music that has been new to my ears, music from all sorts of genres (apart from Techno because I've never been able to come to grips with that), kept on listening to many of the artists/bands that I've written about in these blogpages and have found a lot of joy in hearing artists/bands that have been recommended by friends and that's opened a mulitude of avenues of further exploration.<p>As to what appears on the <b>Soundtrack4Life</b>, it's a case of if I like it and think it's worth writing about then I'll post about it. I've always tried not to be too negative about the the things I am not overly keen on and unlike places like<b> <a href="https://pitchfork.com/">Pitchfork</a></b>, for example, I will not absolutely slay an artist/band just because they have released something that might be deemed "uncool". I don't do this for money and I certainly don't do it for any rewards from the artists/bands, though down through the years a few of them have been kind enough to send me a CD or two. I will try to maintain that standard if this wee test run takes off. </p><p>As I end let me post a few links of things I'm currently enjoying listening to and watching:</p><p><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cobwebsandstrangeradioshow"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Cobwebs And Strange Radio Show</span></a></b> presented by a friend of this blog, <b>Ronnie Carnwath</b>. The link will take you to the Facebook Page where you can find all the information about broadcast times, mixcloud links and a mammoth Spotify Playlist of pretty much most of the music played on the show over the years.</p><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CSsp_9QG79PrR1MimnGcn3SAAnGdOD0&si=kX-1nBJNdOV2lqCR">A Matter of Time - Shed Seven</a></span></b>. Released at the start of January and a first ever #1 Album for the band.<br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/AZP4EAO2QnA?si=hqqPG6mFr_LVZay_">I Won't Bow Down - P.O.D.</a></span></b> latest single from the chaps from The Southtown and a forerunner for their new album <b>'Veritas'</b> which is expected in May.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZwVMZ2v_nY3nKgw8XldF3qKeE9pymyDc8yBS7SPcwyaMuEM6Wr67PXkavLrBeM9G67-McU04K4GwuHpg_-nblkoVsdN5S04__ZH60JEX6hj9sAk9hiuxFFHYZlRv5id0p_1e41X-EzMJntFtlv6ekFG1lDmWZHwEMI9KoqTcX3froyaQqiCrKo-Ml-Q/s1200/dion%20gf.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZwVMZ2v_nY3nKgw8XldF3qKeE9pymyDc8yBS7SPcwyaMuEM6Wr67PXkavLrBeM9G67-McU04K4GwuHpg_-nblkoVsdN5S04__ZH60JEX6hj9sAk9hiuxFFHYZlRv5id0p_1e41X-EzMJntFtlv6ekFG1lDmWZHwEMI9KoqTcX3froyaQqiCrKo-Ml-Q/w400-h400/dion%20gf.webp" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YlNGPDyEN-A?si=hqDvrgZccP18C29m">Soul Force - Dion with Susan Tedeschi</a></span></b>. Latest single from The King of the New York Streets featuring The Queen of The Blues Guitar. This will be on the new album, <b>'Girl Friends' </b>that's due out in March. Like his last couple of albums, <b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nEpPQpwAb1vMqNbO9klW9BzVk_DPswTKs&si=8-MZ3urbW_XpZXjL">'Blues With Friends</a></span></b>' (2020) and<b><span style="color: #ffa400;"> <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzGotn8LeP0freKJhl6iWJCCMYsgMLYFQ&si=MvFV8fzIVbVWIVFA">'Stomping Ground'</a></span></b> (2021) it's bound to be a real cracker if the guest list is anything to go by.<br /><p></p><p></p><p>That should keep you busy for short while. Until next time.</p><p> <br /><br /></p>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0Wishaw, UK55.773543 -3.91935427.463309163821151 -39.075604 84.083776836178842 31.236896tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-10353465672814998752021-06-25T23:00:00.001+01:002021-06-25T23:00:34.854+01:00A Quick Note To Announce A New Blog: S4L SnapshotsJust a quick note here to let you know that although I am not posting any new articles etc here on Soundtrack4Life I have started a new Blog called <b><a href="https://s4lsnapshots.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">S4L Snapshots</a></b>. It's a litte different from this one in that it there won't be a lot of indepth posts but the same level of quality music will still be present.
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I'm grateful that people still seem to visit here and apologise for any dead links etc. I hope you'll take a chance and visit the new blog: <b><a href="https://s4lsnapshots.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">S4L Snapshots</a></b>.Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-65643896941232656462019-04-04T20:21:00.000+01:002019-04-04T20:21:19.635+01:00The S4L Exit Interview with Doug Part1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is customary, so I'm told, that when a person leaves a job etc that they undergo an <b>"Exit Interview"</b> and over the years I have been asked loads of questions regarding music: my likes, dislikes, favourites, best and worst gigs and so many more. So I thought as a spot of fun I would try and recall some of those questions (and I can't recall who asked them so I will just attribute them to <b>S4L</b>!) and do my very own <b>"Exit Interview"</b> as I finish up with <b>Soundtrack4Life</b> after twelve years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's <span style="color: orange;"><b>lots of links</b></span> down below and I hope you click on them to check out some of the music that has formed the Soundtrack to my Life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <span style="color: red;"><b>When you began Soundtrack4Life back on MySpace did you ever imagine that more than a decade later you would have still been doing it?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> <b>MySpace</b>, man, remember that? I don't recall how long I did it on there but think I moved over to <b>Blogger</b> when I forgot my <b>MySpace</b> password one day and never went back. I started it really just for me and not with anyone else in mind but somehow it seemed to get out there in the world wide web and folks begun checking in and reading it. It's funny seeing that it's been read all around the world, I can't really explain why because it's not like it's something like NME!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <b><span style="color: red;">How did you go about getting it known?</span> </b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> I never really did anything apart from posting links on places like <b>Facebook</b> and various groups I am in on that platform. Also some people have kindly shared the links on their own pages and so that's really the way it has spread. For the record it's worth mentioning that in the 12 years I have been doing it on <b>Blogger</b> I have not advertised, had celebrity endorsements, accepted bribes from bands/artists to feature their music. Some have kindly sent me a copy of an album that I have spotlighted but more often than not the bands that I have focused upon have received free adverstising for their wares via the various links and playlists that I included on posts!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">Did you think you had something to say regarding music that wasn't being said elsewhere?</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug: </b></span>No not really. I just wanted to share some of the music that has meant something to me and also new music that had been impressing me. I didn't want to be all "music journalist-like" and be all flowery in language to the point where you wouldn't have a clue what on earth I was talking about. I just wanted it to be basic and more often than not just allow the music to stand out and speak for itself.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">What's your favourite song of all time?</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> I don't even have to think too much about the answer because it has not changed for decades. I grew up listening to <b>Buddy Holly and The Crickets</b> and this track has been top of the list since I was a kid!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Rave On - Buddy Holly</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coral 1958</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <span style="color: red;"><b>With regard to the music you grew up with who were the bands/artists that made a deep and lasting impression on you that still stands today?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> We always had music in our house and there was a real mix of styles, everything from Pop, Soul, Rock and Roll, Country, Reggae etc. As I've gotten older I have probably slipped back into that mould listening to many different genres rather than spotlighting one particular sound because there's so much good music out there from the past and the present.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As to what bands/artists I was listening to then that I am still listening to now there are so many so I'll briefly give you a few of them: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Tg0YDVH3U"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Mamas and The Papas</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNTkBVwDbos"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Kinks</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL085FFD0FB0D1DC25"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Who</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL94gOvpr5yt3yp4lOGCUVj3CamAMATzVb"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Rolling Stones</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oosF3K0Xb84"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Janis Joplin</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA7JjreSl-33EmTuVhEYbGEd-m6rd1Vy3"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Status Quo</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA2K7Uhu9TwAg5inB-bEm9cjDDClJzfrW"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Slade</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYa84zSxTXm_TOjm0XoOwEF6R4tTf82VH"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Sweet</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmwiHOqShNE"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Suzi Quatro</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-xuyYK1HGQ"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Otis Redding</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5142-ADcGeU"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Gene Vincent</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tcxQPfxAN4"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Buddy Holly and The Crickets</b></span></a> (as mentioned above) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgC_M284OGYeQeSsFnzpbJAPLSlsri9R0"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Bruce Springsteen</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <span style="color: red;"><b>When did you first seriously start to buy music rather than just hearing it on the radio or watching it on TV?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Doug:</span></b> Well I had a few prior to that but it was being a teenager when it first got pretty serious. I had a paper round and a milk round so that meant I had some money I could put into the coffers of the local record shops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>S4L:</b></span> <span style="color: red;"><b>Any particular albums/singles that really stood out back then?</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/MMe2hbhDZdCnb9K0WebstDTp9Nc=/fit-in/500x498/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2200957-1333282517.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" height="397" src="https://img.discogs.com/MMe2hbhDZdCnb9K0WebstDTp9Nc=/fit-in/500x498/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2200957-1333282517.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPr3n0M9HIs"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Teenage Depression</b></span></a> Album and Single by <b>Eddie and the Hot Rods</b> in 1976 certainly made a huge impression upon me as did <b>Dr Feelgood</b>'s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0bw79VI4-o"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Stupidity</b></span></a> album. This was at a time when <b>Punk</b> was springing up and it was those two albums that led me to listening to <b>Punk</b> music. They of course weren't <b>Punk</b> bands but they did have a bit of that angry young men persona about them. There wasn't that many<b> Punk</b> records around back in 1976 until <b>The Damned</b> released <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThcXEqxI_IQ"><span style="color: orange;"><b>New Rose</b></span></a> and the <b>Sex Pistols</b> issued <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94DNV6oM8HU"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Anarchy in the UK</b></span></a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/qMx2hQc_g2AZO1M11kjSEayYXqM=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-890352-1420036176-9038.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/qMx2hQc_g2AZO1M11kjSEayYXqM=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-890352-1420036176-9038.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only other one I really remember from back then was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL437E09D314F5A93B"><span style="color: orange;"><b>the debut album</b></span></a> from the <b>Ramones</b> which I heard a lot of played on <b>John Peel</b>'s Radio Show and it was a crazy record of buzzsaw guitars, very fast tunes, lyrics that weren't exactly too deep with meaning yet possessing some heavy attitude and certainly sounding out of step with a lot of what was going on musically at the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The following year (1977) was a big year for buying music as so many more of the <b>Punk</b> bands begun releasing music. The release of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAk36QpUQ0zs4S9QsKJ5G2I4"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Damned Damned Damned</b></span></a> in February 1977 was a turning point as it was the first of the UK <b>Punk</b> albums. I always loved the cover as it really did stand out when you saw it in a Record Shop! Hearing it for the first time was a bit like listening to the chaotic sound of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbFN8me9ddBAW77vrAPUIxvLrNXB1kTAy"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Raw Power</b></span></a> by <b>Iggy and The Stooges</b> that had come out in 1973 (which I only heard for the first time a short while before <b>The Damned </b>album was released)!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">Were you only listening to Punk music then?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug: </b></span>Mostly <b>Punk</b> but also <b>Reggae</b> and then some of the stuff like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmj07D0CvvvXbS6utmlchBxf03RWG-W0o"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Status Quo</b></span></a> was still something I enjoyed and also hearing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmyHWWIj_8zRKytvQaI3ZjrBcVEzEM-PE"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Graham Parker and The Rumour</b></span></a> for the first time as well was pretty cool. I was also a bit of a fan of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK8dksv5owM"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Peter Gabriel</b></span></a> who released his first solo album that year (it was considered very un-Punk to listen to such things but hey, I have always thought that if a song, single, album is good then it shouldn't matter what little box it fits into! Plus I hated that kind of snobbishness that crept into <b>Punk</b> when all of a sudden you went from no rules as to what you could wear or listen to and were then forced to fit into a media defined view of what <b>Punk</b> was and what you had to wear and what you were not allowed to listen to!).</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">Do you have any favourite Reggae albums from around this time?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> Between 1976-78 there were a few <b>Reggae</b> albums that for me were really standout records. Firstly my favourite <b>Reggae</b> album of all time, which was released in 1978 on <b>Greensleeves</b>, <b>Dr Alimantado</b>'s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhlAi2FfPhw&t=7s"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Best Dressed Chicken in Town</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/iNfFKWJK6VxyN1wgV9iK7zu0Qvg=/fit-in/598x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-728062-1346502420-8916.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="598" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/iNfFKWJK6VxyN1wgV9iK7zu0Qvg=/fit-in/598x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-728062-1346502420-8916.jpeg.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A close second would be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfYbCIt3Sp8"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Two Sevens Clash</b></span></a> by <b>Culture</b> released on <b>Joe Gibbs Record Globe</b> in 1977 and then issued in the UK on <b>Lightning Records</b> in 1978.</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/Lfcu4RM-ejbKZkBI9rPem0aH4ic=/fit-in/600x586/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3091124-1336784621-1139.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="600" height="390" src="https://img.discogs.com/Lfcu4RM-ejbKZkBI9rPem0aH4ic=/fit-in/600x586/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3091124-1336784621-1139.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And a third one would be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbKWvEJVCXw"><span style="color: orange;"><b>M.P.L.A.</b></span></a> by <b>Tapper Zukie</b> that was released on <b>Klik</b> in 1976 and if I remember correctly I bought it when it was reissued on <b>Virgin</b>'s <b>Front Line</b> label in 1978 (though I did buy the single from a local Reggae Record Store in Sydenham, South East London not long after hearing it for the first time around 1977).</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/9fVq3OofQRZdRDZWkthtjW-SkqA=/fit-in/596x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-981742-1180444243.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="596" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/9fVq3OofQRZdRDZWkthtjW-SkqA=/fit-in/596x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-981742-1180444243.jpeg.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">With so many Punk Singles coming out in 1977 are there any that really spoke into your own situation being a teenager at the time?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> Man, there were so many. It's hard to choose as some were more important than others and of course there were one-off singles from bands who basically spilit up not long after they released them.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">Give us a few examples.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> At the start of the year there was the excellent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFJ71w_ez6Y"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Spiral Scratch EP</b></span></a> by <b>Buzzcocks</b> on <b>New Hormones</b>. A band didn't even need a major label to release a record, they could do it themselves. This one is thought of as one of the first "Independent" Singles (at least of the <b>Punk</b> scene).</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/foiRsiIVQyKLVVwsYVR5_GQQJac=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-401790-1424848968-4119.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/foiRsiIVQyKLVVwsYVR5_GQQJac=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-401790-1424848968-4119.jpeg.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was funny that vocalist <b>Howard Devoto</b> left the band shortly after it was released. Thank goodness that the rest of the band carried on because they would go on to make some excellent singles and a few great albums!</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/Ve-SBYnbwFWuwzfCxqASRuGmbrQ=/fit-in/600x605/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10376132-1496249329-1306.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="599" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/Ve-SBYnbwFWuwzfCxqASRuGmbrQ=/fit-in/600x605/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10376132-1496249329-1306.jpeg.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqZvxLiaLJ8"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Freeze</b></span></a>/<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI8HngPCkB4"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Man of the Year</b></span></a> by the <b>Models</b> on <b>Step Forward Records</b> was another cracker. The band split not long after with <b>Marco Pirroni</b> later resurfacing and getting some success with <b>Adam and The Ants</b>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/Pq0rI2saJAtPodjkTT1E0wcPe94=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-371717-1316436936.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/Pq0rI2saJAtPodjkTT1E0wcPe94=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-371717-1316436936.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0KAGfFqo5E"><span style="color: orange;"><b>White Riot</b></span></a>/<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7ONqB3m3xg"><span style="color: orange;"><b>1977</b></span></a> by <b>The Clash</b> was also one that eagerly awaited seeing that they were named among the top three of the UK <b>Punk</b> bands (with <b>The Damned</b> and <b>Sex Pistols</b>). </span><br />
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/2r5WlLdldmZv8ksOEGWLim8H37Q=/fit-in/459x477/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1229028-1202224514.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="459" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/2r5WlLdldmZv8ksOEGWLim8H37Q=/fit-in/459x477/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1229028-1202224514.jpeg.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have no idea why <b>Island</b> released <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44JomxG4it8"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Do Anything You Wanna Do</b></span></a> under the name <b>The Rods</b> instead of <b>Eddie and The Hot Rods</b> but it's a real gem and another (although not technically a Punk record) that spoke into my teenage years (along with their song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-w462fG5dg"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Quit This Town</b></span></a>) about breaking out and being someone who I wanted to be and not confined to the expectations that others had for me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/VvFowOOk49i1mETO25Sk9HgzwCE=/fit-in/600x594/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-371676-1289133983.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="600" height="395" src="https://img.discogs.com/VvFowOOk49i1mETO25Sk9HgzwCE=/fit-in/600x594/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-371676-1289133983.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqrAPOZxgzU"><span style="color: orange;"><b>God Save The Queen</b></span></a> by the <b>Pistols</b> was probably an other that made a huge impact on me (and many others). This was as highly anticipated as <b>The Clash </b>debut single because the band had been trying to find a new label after becoming almost persona non grata in the UK due to their firing from <b>EMI</b> and then <b>A&M</b> (who were originally scheduled to release the single). Thankfully <b>Virgin </b>stepped up and took a chance with them and this single created such a stir. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember we got a DJ to actually play <b>White Riot</b>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycnWuHsly0A"><span style="color: orange;"><b>In The City</b></span></a> (<b>The Jam</b>) and <b>God Save the Queen</b> at a Jubilee Party and there the people were happily dancing away until it clicked with someone what was thundering out of the speakers! We were sent packing and reminded afresh that being a punk was a bit like being a leper, you were deemed so unclean that it was impossible for you to remain in the company of "normal people"!</span><br />
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/3wA2_uqKKM7ytocZeKnp_5BByhI=/fit-in/600x599/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-458032-1480628650-8257.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="600" height="398" src="https://img.discogs.com/3wA2_uqKKM7ytocZeKnp_5BByhI=/fit-in/600x599/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-458032-1480628650-8257.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I could probably fill a whole blog on the singles that made a mark on me. Here's a last one for the moment. It was released in 1978 by <b>Subway Sect</b> (they had played at the <b>Punk Festival at the 100 Club</b> in 1976 and toured with <b>The Clash</b> on <b>The White Riot Tour</b>). <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9E2qmI1ioo"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Nobody's Scared/Don't Split It</b></span></a> was a magnificent single I reckon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think the thing that stood out with these releases and others that came out was that the <b>B-Side</b> begun to matter and wasn't just a throwaway track.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">The full title of the blog is Soundtrack4Life: The B-Sides, why did you add that little phrase to the title?</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> I sometimes forget that I had done that. I guess the reasoning behind it was that the <b>B-Side </b>is not always seen as important than the <b>A-Side</b> of a 7" Single. In a way I was probably selling myself a bit short as well by offering the possibility that this blog had nothing really to say and would be deemed by some as an irrelevance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But as I said the <b>B-Sides</b> started to become just as important with the whole Punk scene. Take as an example the <b>B-Side</b> of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxxcJzma-Is"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Gary Gilmore's Eyes</b></span></a> by <b>The Adverts</b>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/sl6UUxa7CePy4gLs3YIOe9-O7Vo=/fit-in/580x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-668916-1145567724.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="580" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/sl6UUxa7CePy4gLs3YIOe9-O7Vo=/fit-in/580x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-668916-1145567724.jpeg.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Flip that single over and you have a stone cold Punk classic with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFkSGbd3okA"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Bored Teenagers</b></span></a>:</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"We're just bored teenagers<br />Looking for love<br />Or should I say emotional rages<br />Bored teenagers<br />Seeing ourselves as strangers"</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It just expressed exactly what we were feeling at the time. I could probably mention a whole load more as well and there's not really time to go into the whole issue of songs that started out life as a <b>B-Side</b> that became the big hit or even those classic songs that record labels stuck on <b>B-Sides</b> almost as if they were subpar songs when actually they were better than <b>A-Side</b>! I could make a whole compilation of those types of tunes!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">S4L:</span> <span style="color: red;">We have spent time talking about Punk singles and you have already mentioned a couple of Punk albums that made an impact on you. I wonder, as we finish up this first part, if you could give us five other albums from around the time of the Punk scene between 1977-79 that are still regarded by you as special?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Doug:</b></span> Only five? Man, that is some task! It goes without saying that one of the first that should be on that small list is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6LNJK5Lh0g"><span style="color: orange;"><b>debut album</b></span></a> by <b>The Clash</b>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/F9o9QBxBmfWppM-1XA6vj1zBvlQ=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-456552-1301436801.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/F9o9QBxBmfWppM-1XA6vj1zBvlQ=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-456552-1301436801.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Forty two years ago on the 8th April <b>CBS</b> released this "manifesto" from <b>Strummer and Co.</b> that was raw, a bit shouty vocally, musically not anything like <b>Yes</b> or <b>Pink Floyd</b> but had a whole bucket load of attitude and streetwise sensibility. It also contained an epic cover of <b>Junior Murvin</b>'s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwMNgbEl3io"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Police and Thieves</b></span></a> which was a real eye opener and showed a little of the that Punk/Reggae crossover.</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/heApRtZ1QWoY71KkaRBJS1YeTFA=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-443144-1369250204-3615.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/heApRtZ1QWoY71KkaRBJS1YeTFA=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-443144-1369250204-3615.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>X-Ray Spex</b> debut album <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o0X87Kbnps"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Germ Free Adolescents</b></span></a> is another absolute classic in my book. It wasn't mad crazy rebellion that was on offer here but a glimpse of a possible future world. </span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/Cl-vlUG3d-msi9dH9dJSayyBni0=/fit-in/599x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1315325-1208988549.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/Cl-vlUG3d-msi9dH9dJSayyBni0=/fit-in/599x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1315325-1208988549.jpeg.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL94gOvpr5yt2VH3QItqcu6ZVMDeIEm8lA"><span style="color: orange;"><b>(I'm) Stranded </b></span></a>by <b>The Saints </b>(released in 1977 on <b>Harvest EMI</b>) was a cracker as well and proved that <b>Punk</b> was not just a UK thing (as they hailed from Australia). Their single (not featured on the album) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80muImiU2LI"><span style="color: orange;"><b>This Perfect Day</b></span></a> absolutely floored me when I first heard and saw it on <b>Top of the Pops</b> and still sounds great. <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> thinks that people should listen to this album as well and I think his endorsement is probably better than mine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/bZH3R0Is0qkJqbmwyDS5TjGg-HM=/fit-in/589x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2838321-1303340982.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="589" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/bZH3R0Is0qkJqbmwyDS5TjGg-HM=/fit-in/589x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2838321-1303340982.jpeg.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I first heard the debut single from New York's <b>Televison</b>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5-4VcVV7g"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Little Johnny Jewel</b></span></a> (purchased from HMV, Oxford Street, London, on import), I was a bit underwhelmed as I had read a lot of good things about them and the single kinda sucked! Then I heard <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7L0IYPXKj8"><span style="color: orange;"><b>See No Evil</b></span></a> on the radio and thought surely it couldn't be the same band! Much to my surprise it was, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KvgP8MlEEE"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Marquee Moon</b></span></a> remains one of my favourite albums of all time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the last one it would almost be too easy to go with the <b>Pistols</b>, <b>Blondie</b> or another <b>Ramones</b> album so instead I'm going to go with this one.</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/sXE0a4OAP7ZYdL2lSi7isG5N9VA=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-438438-1259876477.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/sXE0a4OAP7ZYdL2lSi7isG5N9VA=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-438438-1259876477.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lWZ67_mBjg"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Another Kind of Blues</b></span></a> was the debut album from <b>U.K. Subs</b>, released on <b>Gem Records</b> in September 1979. I throw it into the ring for two reasons. Firstly, because I can, and secondly, because it's a mighty fine record. I have lost count of how many times I saw them live and I have so many fond memories of their shows (like I have with other bands but just in a different way). Also I love the fact that <b>Charlie Harper</b> is still fronting the band (despite being old enough to be my Grandad!) all these years on and they are still tearing up stages around the world with this uncompromising sound that they have rarely strayed from since they began in 1976!</span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-59346738626314240692019-03-27T03:04:00.001+00:002019-03-27T03:04:49.269+00:00Remembering...The Musical Legacy of Ranking Roger (21st February 1963 - 26th March 2019)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/oKB2EDBuZcO_Xlspt5j0PilBKtE=/fit-in/600x588/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-13220502-1550191199-4780.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="599" height="628" src="https://img.discogs.com/oKB2EDBuZcO_Xlspt5j0PilBKtE=/fit-in/600x588/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-13220502-1550191199-4780.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ranking Roger (born as Roger Charlery)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Birmingham, England </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">21st February 1963 - 26th March 2019</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did not expect in my last bunch of posts to be doing a piece dealing with the loss of a musician who was actually the same age that I will be in a couple of months time (56)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below you will find <span style="color: orange;"><b>lots of links</b></span> to singles/albums and even a live show. Click <span style="color: orange;"><b>on them</b></span> to enjoy the musical legacy of one of England's most beloved entertainers. This is by no means an exhaustive list of everything he ever played on but it will give you a taster for a lot of the great music he has left behind. We honour him best when we keep playing the music he shared with us... loud and with lots of dancing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Around 9pm last night I read of the sad news that <b>Ranking Roger </b>of <b>The Beat </b>had died. <b>The Beat</b> website and FB page had posted this simple message:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter.” <br />Sadly Roger past away a few hours ago peacefully at his home surrounded by family. <br />Roger’s family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time. More to follow in the coming days. RIP ROGER</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was very sad news indeed when you consider that in the past year he had been hospitalized with a suspected mini-stroke, had surgery upon two brain tumours and had been battling against Lung Cancer.</span></div>
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<a href="https://thebeatofficial.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/RRBOOK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="507" height="640" src="https://thebeatofficial.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/RRBOOK.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While he had been dealing with his various health issues he managed to complete work on his biography with his co-writer <b>Daniel Rachel</b> entitled <b>'I Just Can't Stop It: My Life In The Beat'</b> and it is due for publication early Spring or Summer by <b>Omnibus Press</b>. I would think that they might move up the publication date in light of the current news of his passing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He had also completed a new album by <b>The Beat Feat. Ranking Roger</b> entitled <b>'Public Confidential'</b> that was released in January this year.</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/-2DVmAVvCZHCZwWkC7wIZ97ovSg=/fit-in/600x593/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-13120703-1548425910-6454.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="600" height="632" src="https://img.discogs.com/-2DVmAVvCZHCZwWkC7wIZ97ovSg=/fit-in/600x593/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-13120703-1548425910-6454.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Public Confidential - The Beat Feat. Ranking Roger<br />DMF Records<br />Produced by Mick Lister and Ranking Roger<br />Released 25th January 2019</b><br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAnVfNXhlpuDbA1_27WsTU7D" width="853"></iframe></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/7it30PLjg8LBua6nK2GDqs682so=/fit-in/600x594/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-12345704-1533387280-9469.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="600" height="632" src="https://img.discogs.com/7it30PLjg8LBua6nK2GDqs682so=/fit-in/600x594/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-12345704-1533387280-9469.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLS-TVLNfMwOdT3_gXwLD8FUN8pR9_DS15"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Live at The Roundhouse - The Beat Feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a><br /><b>DMF Records<br />Released 8th June 2018</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/s90v0QQ4dIdTDO6z_u_FBPCb770=/fit-in/600x539/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9131275-1548851127-1027.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="599" height="574" src="https://img.discogs.com/s90v0QQ4dIdTDO6z_u_FBPCb770=/fit-in/600x539/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9131275-1548851127-1027.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bounce - The Beat Feat. Ranking Roger<br />DMF Records<br />Produced by Mick Lister<br />Released 30th September 2016</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Selected Tracks from Bounce:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77-Gp_xB3Rw"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Walking On The Wrong Side</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UafsCALGkY4"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Avoid The Obvious</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AMwyXUmtnI"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Heaven Hiding</b></span></a>.<br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/EBy7zIaHWv53qLzT_4MpMS-FS0Q=/579x373/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-6097346-1552939744-9054.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="579" height="412" src="https://img.discogs.com/EBy7zIaHWv53qLzT_4MpMS-FS0Q=/579x373/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-6097346-1552939744-9054.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger</b> was not an original member of <b>The Beat</b> back in 1978 but his Punk band at the time in Birmingham (<b>The Nam Nam Boys</b>) played their first ever gig in support of the band and building on a friendship with the band he begun to "gategrash" their gigs and jump on stage and "Toast". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/sUcATWGkTbokUsbDxZwiMbqiDC8=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-397482-1531304416-2504.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/sUcATWGkTbokUsbDxZwiMbqiDC8=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-397482-1531304416-2504.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He did this many times before officially becoming a member of the band and appeared on their debut hit single for <b>Two Tone Records</b> (it reached #6 in the UK), the Double A-Side <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1OVYFNUZT8"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Tears of a Clown</b></span></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPO2G6m746w"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Ranking Full Stop</b></span></a> (released in November 1979).</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/Hj4tTSIOexfJbp_tRQcJV056rFE=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-599391-1198685376.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/Hj4tTSIOexfJbp_tRQcJV056rFE=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-599391-1198685376.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I58tsdmA5Co"><span style="color: orange;"><b>I Just Can't Stop It</b></span></a> (1980)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #3 </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Singles from the Debut Album</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpszDzrzyYI"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Hands Off... She's Mine</b></span></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eteCTeZpSmU"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Twist and Crawl</b></span></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #9</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHWrmIzgB5A"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Mirror In The Bathroom</b></span></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmP-fv3uuV0"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Jackpot</b></span></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #4</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFv1kqdl2VQ"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Best Friend </b></span></a>/ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDr8cnH6-SU"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Stand Down Margaret (Dub)</b></span></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #22</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Non Album Single:</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/IdkZbIHGHJ-HGaNtIDUr6QOUpM8=/fit-in/600x595/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-416933-1183286554.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="600" height="396" src="https://img.discogs.com/IdkZbIHGHJ-HGaNtIDUr6QOUpM8=/fit-in/600x595/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-416933-1183286554.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSH9yHGrDOM"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Too Nice To Talk To</b></span></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhgjU2JKanM"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Psychedelic Rockers</b></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #7 </b></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/HfCLSo2_BFjMHUgqI2C870BlWlw=/fit-in/600x597/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-385559-1188316956.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="600" height="397" src="https://img.discogs.com/HfCLSo2_BFjMHUgqI2C870BlWlw=/fit-in/600x597/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-385559-1188316956.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I58tsdmA5Co"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Wha'ppen</b></span></a> (1981)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #3</span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/c0r-O7WcgPeZjG6HkZleHHZPWvk=/fit-in/500x500/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-843463-1380311215-6181.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/c0r-O7WcgPeZjG6HkZleHHZPWvk=/fit-in/500x500/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-843463-1380311215-6181.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Special Beat Service </b>(1982)</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Select Tracks from the album:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBOmuwxthuQ"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Save It For Later</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #47 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxjE-TNJdCY"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Jeanette</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #45 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEuxBbybuj4"><span style="color: orange;"><b>I Confess</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #54</span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/DcVi2UgqVn_KmJZRWWydDN3L5UA=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-499265-1382554486-7169.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/DcVi2UgqVn_KmJZRWWydDN3L5UA=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-499265-1382554486-7169.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Is Beat? The Best of The Beat (1983)</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Features the singles:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THGCHG9ahC0"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Can't Get Used To Losing You (1983 Remix Version)</b></span></a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #3 </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nExlb9M6WQ"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Ackee 1-2-3</b></span></a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #54</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">General Public</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/gFwiuK6Pqn05A0TMvwAhfX7-eSg=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-394391-1239821216.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/gFwiuK6Pqn05A0TMvwAhfX7-eSg=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-394391-1239821216.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG5Ldhq92_M"><span style="color: orange;"><b>All The Rage</b></span></a> (1984)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">US Chart #26</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Singles from the album:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMCphVBT2qQ"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">General Public</span></b></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #60</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XegL32Btzs"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tenderness</span></b></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #95</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/ORqj5bT_Kwc9e67_8px-9z-xGPU=/fit-in/339x336/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2306491-1349381880-5342.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="339" height="396" src="https://img.discogs.com/ORqj5bT_Kwc9e67_8px-9z-xGPU=/fit-in/339x336/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2306491-1349381880-5342.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hand To Mouth (1986)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">US Chart #86</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Singles from the album:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1MmpvYlSpU"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Faults and All</span></b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Did Not Chart</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBC-QwKRXdg"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Too Much or Nothing</span></b></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Canadian Chart #83</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U15N9rf6gjE"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">In Conversation</span></b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Did Not Chart</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After a long break <b>General Public</b> returned to the charts in 1994 with a cover of the classic <b>Staples Singers </b>song that appeared in the Soundtrack to the film <b>Threesome</b>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/hTAXW99Aufv4oOVib3HsyRbI2So=/fit-in/600x525/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2939835-1360845576-2373.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="600" height="350" src="https://img.discogs.com/hTAXW99Aufv4oOVib3HsyRbI2So=/fit-in/600x525/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2939835-1360845576-2373.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0N_Q0JqH80"><span style="color: orange;"><b>I'll Take You There</b></span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> UK Chart #73</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">US Dance Chart #1</span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/HUPyFL2WT_zpB-XGB3eP_4dGUZo=/fit-in/600x596/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1088168-1548960671-3955.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="600" height="396" src="https://img.discogs.com/HUPyFL2WT_zpB-XGB3eP_4dGUZo=/fit-in/600x596/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1088168-1548960671-3955.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyxokJ5qm38"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Rub It Better</b></span></a> (1995)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Did Not Chart </b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Single from the album:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40BWxhUAwHc"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rainy Days</span></b></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>US Chart #93 </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">***********</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Solo Albums</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/kTlYuYyyCHk6VJGlmSDd6ejHphU=/fit-in/600x591/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8504720-1462955314-1217.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="599" height="393" src="https://img.discogs.com/kTlYuYyyCHk6VJGlmSDd6ejHphU=/fit-in/600x591/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8504720-1462955314-1217.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90qV3ONuiWU"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Radical Departure</b></span></a> (1988)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/PgOifHUb62cA19ekSA_OVEVfjKg=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3569330-1335649888.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/PgOifHUb62cA19ekSA_OVEVfjKg=/fit-in/300x300/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3569330-1335649888.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhk45iJ3dFA"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Inside My Head</b></span></a> (2001)</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Other Collaborations</span></b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVIzGIxRv7I"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Police and Thieves (Live in Paris) - The Clash feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (1981)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UEQu6wkS28"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Red Angel Dragnet - The Clash feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (1981)</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/CgMgPZXQuDI2d57g3d7w5aIOCO4=/fit-in/600x558/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-863258-1252930665.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="600" height="371" src="https://img.discogs.com/CgMgPZXQuDI2d57g3d7w5aIOCO4=/fit-in/600x558/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-863258-1252930665.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58zGJnbyXcc"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Pato and Roger Come Again - Ranking Roger and Pato Banton</b></span></a> (1988)</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/WnG_EBz-79s8jvp0nrE82vJdpzw=/fit-in/587x595/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-55705-1307355731.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="587" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/WnG_EBz-79s8jvp0nrE82vJdpzw=/fit-in/587x595/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-55705-1307355731.jpeg.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I9zea_jb4k"><span style="color: orange;"><b>We Play Ska - Children of the Night feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (1989)</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7-kwuPIWyA"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Bubbling Hot - Pato Banton feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (1995) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1JeNRDxBKA"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Bed's Too Big Without You - with Sting</b></span></a> (1996) </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/g-gGwxRBPB5PzFNF6wRqVBjwGK4=/fit-in/600x503/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1313033-1373022249-2708.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="600" height="335" src="https://img.discogs.com/g-gGwxRBPB5PzFNF6wRqVBjwGK4=/fit-in/600x503/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1313033-1373022249-2708.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unoCbU3iT9w"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Black and White - Jimmy Nail feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (1997)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/8DDuShWEHshUClCg36xh4h1ZlPI=/fit-in/600x520/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2036871-1297768635.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="600" height="346" src="https://img.discogs.com/8DDuShWEHshUClCg36xh4h1ZlPI=/fit-in/600x520/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2036871-1297768635.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7TK1dWD04k"><span style="color: orange;"><b>You Are My Number One - Smashmouth feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (2003)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZixqGvI-E0"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Roxanne (Live) - The Police feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (2007)</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/1ZgYM-1pM-b0Vx1U1WAiTH1o96g=/fit-in/480x480/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3508795-1333242495.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/1ZgYM-1pM-b0Vx1U1WAiTH1o96g=/fit-in/480x480/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3508795-1333242495.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI0AshP6z-Q"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Release The Pressure - The Alarm feat. Ranking Roger</b></span></a> (2010)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA72YBK8hiI"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Rock The Casbah - Ranking Roger vs Dopegrinders</b></span></a> (2015)</span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-20617340922091067122019-03-21T10:43:00.000+00:002019-03-21T10:43:29.637+00:00The S4L Radio Show #3 March 2019: This Could Be The Last Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh_hGn8ga7PQ3cHtXCIXorVNts67wuuzqY8uFlwHJ2YNLrGwAPvVjPHoNVyPvdm14FBWuJqXoKdalZd-dppopb982IF7tw4Bv7KF0LOb4srRABkoHn8FLdQI1LF9Nd6prPvpGmEpX5QTAsBUU3ZIqdmZo0GV5ra5cKsptUtAabvjYgTiU0R2u_Xu5TS3BY-Sr9Z=s0-d" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="900" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh_hGn8ga7PQ3cHtXCIXorVNts67wuuzqY8uFlwHJ2YNLrGwAPvVjPHoNVyPvdm14FBWuJqXoKdalZd-dppopb982IF7tw4Bv7KF0LOb4srRABkoHn8FLdQI1LF9Nd6prPvpGmEpX5QTAsBUU3ZIqdmZo0GV5ra5cKsptUtAabvjYgTiU0R2u_Xu5TS3BY-Sr9Z=s0-d" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Hang on a minute! Haven't you stopped doing the blog?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did say I was going to post a few more pieces before finally hanging up my blogging hat. So don't worry, you haven't walked into a world of Brexit-like indecision!! 😉</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the final playlist I thought I'd bring together a bunch of great new music with a few oldies thrown into the mix for good measure. New music from the likes of <b>Edwyn Collins</b>, <b>The Cranberries</b>, <b>UNKLE</b>, <b>Eli Paperboy Reed</b>, <b>Melissa Etheridge</b>, <b>Suzi Quatro</b>, <b>Hayes Carll</b>, <b>Skinny Lister</b>, <b>Mekons</b>, <b>Gang of Four</b>, <b>Toyah</b> and <b>Paul Weller</b> show off the diversity of sounds that are pounding my ears at present. Some oldies from <b>The Sports</b>, <b>The Stones</b>, <b>Sparks</b>, <b>The Alarm</b>, <b>Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band</b>, and <b>Secret Affair</b> round out yet another twenty track playlist. I hope you enjoy it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Listen to the Playlist Here: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAkPFj6JmOZ_CkcPi60Gsmqw" width="853"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>On The Playlist</b></span><br /><b><span style="color: #666666;">Who Listens To The Radio - The Sports</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;"><br />The Last Time - Rolling Stones</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;"><br />Get A Grip (The Stranglers Cover) - Nouvelle Vague</span><br />from the new album 'Rarites'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Outside - Edwyn Collins</span><br />from the new album 'Badbea'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">All Over Now - The Cranberries</span><br />from the final studio album 'In The End'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">The Other Side - UNKLE feat. Tom Smith of The Editors</span><br />from the new album 'The Road: Part II Lost Highway'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">99 Cent Dreams - Eli Paperboy Reed feat. Big Daddy Kane</span><br />from the new album '99 Cent Dreams'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Wild and Lonely - Melissa Etheridge</span><br />from the new album 'The Medicine Show'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Macho Man - Suzi Quatro</span><br />from the new album 'No Control' <br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Times Like These - Hayes Carll</span><br />from the new album 'What It Is'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Rattle & Roar - Skinny Lister</span><br />from the new album 'The Story is...'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Lawrence of California - Mekons</span><br />from the new album 'Deserted'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Paper Thin - Gang of Four</span><br />from the new album 'Happy Now'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">The Number One Song In Heaven - Sparks</span><br />featured on the 40th Anniversary Edition of 'No. 1 in Heaven'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Sensational - Toyah</span><br />from the 2019 re-imagining of Toyah’s album 'In the Court of the Crimson Queen'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">One Step Closer To Home - The Alarm</span><br />from the album 'Strength'. A new Remastered version of the album 'Strength 1985-86' has just recently been released.<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Land of Hope and Dreams (Live) - Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band</span><br />from the album 'Live In New York City'<br /><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Movin' On (Live) - Paul Weller</span><br />from the new album 'Other Aspects - Live at The Royal Festival Hall'</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">The Parting Shot</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">When The Show's Over - Secret Affair</span><br />from the album 'Behind Closed Doors' </b><br /><br /></span></div>
Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-19220419645551847412019-03-19T14:23:00.002+00:002019-03-19T14:23:59.544+00:00I Want To Thank You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kind and Generous - Natalie Merchant</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to take a moment to say a few things following the announcement yesterday that I will be winding up this Blog after 12 years (yikes! Has it really been that long?). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend <b>Wooders</b>, a down to earth Yorkshireman whose words of encouragement mean a world to me told me yesterday that I shouldn't be bothered about numbers and should continue posting the blog and a few others have contacted me via Email and messaging services likewise to continue at it. While I am extremely grateful for that enouragement I just wanted to say that the number issue is actually one of many reasons for stopping but not really the main reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have mentioned in the past that I have been having issues of concentration and sometimes struggling over a couple of days to do a post and that the culprit behind this is a by-product of my Epilepsy and the medications I have to take for controlling that. My natural choice would of course be to continue but the struggle to think clearly at times and the over-bearing tiredness that comes with exercising my mind too much when I am trying to write is something I don't necessarily want to always be experiencing. I hope that is something folks will try and understand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, in this post I wanted to mainly say a <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BIG THANK YOU</b></span> to my friends who have supported me via this blog, and the many people around the world who have visited <b>Soundtrack4Life </b>and maybe found a piece of music that has thrilled their heart and has ended up being part of their very own <b>Soundtrack4Life</b>. Without you reading this I really don't think I would have gone on for 12 years!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would also like to offer a word of thanks to the bands/artists who have over the years been kind enough to agree to do an interview with me for the blog (<a href="https://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/search/label/interviews"><span style="color: orange;"><b>You can see all the interviews here</b></span></a>). I only wish that I had taken the time to do more because there are so many great artists/bands with stories to tell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks also should be extended to a few folks who have been a guest blogger (you know who you are) on <b>Soundtrack4Life</b>. Again I wish that I had been a bit more proactive in encouraging more to participate because it's always pleasant reading about music from someone else's perspective. Not only the guest bloggers but also those who have been kind enough to provide a quote I could use in a particular piece. To each and everyone of you I am extremely grateful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This post will be #3190 and not a single one of them would have been possible were it not for the musicians, bands, artists, albums, live concerts, 7" Singles etc and to be incredibly cheesy and to totally rip the song out of context I say with those loveable Swedes called <b>ABBA</b>, <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC"</b></span>. Without the music this blog would have been nothing to write home about!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The artist that I have posted about on this Blog more than any other is <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> (<a href="https://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/search/label/bruce%20springsteen"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Click here</b></span></a> to see all 413 posts...that will keep you busy for a long long time!). Whether it be talking about live shows, promo videos, tours, his records and even particular songs. It's a strange thing trying to explain what a guy from New Jersey means to a boy who grew up in South East London and for the past 30 years has resided in Scotland but I hope that it's his music more than my reasons for liking him that is the reason that so many <b>Bruce</b> fans (and not necessarily <b>Bruce</b> fans) took the time to read each post and even share them with their friends and other fan groups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The most read post on this Blog was a <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> one from 2014 where I basically put together a list of all the songs performed on the <a href="http://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/2014/05/every-song-played-on-high-hopes-tour.html"><span style="color: orange;"><b>High Hopes Tour</b></span></a> with links to each song (all 181 of them!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The other band that I have posted a lot about over the years has been <b>The Alarm</b> (<a href="https://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20alarm"><span style="color: orange;"><b>110 posts</b></span></a> to be exact) and <b>Mike Peters</b>. I am sure that there will be more music from them this coming year that will continue to thrill me with wonder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All manner of Musical Styles have been explored over the years from <b>Rock 'n' Roll</b>, <b>Sixties Soul</b>, <b>Heavy Rock</b>, <b>Nu-Metal</b>, <b>Rock</b>, <b>Punk Rock</b>, <b>New Wave</b>, <b>Post-Punk</b>, <b>Mod Revivalist</b>, <b>Pop</b>, <b>Soul</b>, <b>Gospel</b>, <b>Country</b>, <b>Americana</b>, <b>the Blues</b>, <b>Reggae/Ska</b>, even <b>Classical</b> has slipped into the mix! I hope that there's been a little something for everyone, in the end it's easy to put things in nice little boxes but I hope that folks have seen that it's actually the music itself and not the particular style that has been the thing that has spurred me on doing this blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So in finishing up this post, I can only repeat the words of the song posted at the begining of piece, the beautiful words of <b>Natalie Merchant</b>, <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"I Want To Thank You, Thank You!" </span></b></span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-51790862788485376192019-03-18T14:02:00.000+00:002019-03-18T14:02:22.270+00:00Beginning of the End?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.liberaldictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/beginning-of-the-end-the-1893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.liberaldictionary.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/beginning-of-the-end-the-1893.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am probably not the only <b>Blogger</b> who has noticed a downturn in traffic to their Blog ever since <b>Google</b> announced the coming end of their service <b>Google+</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got a lot of people discovering the Blog via that service and now with that being discontinued it looks like the only means of promoting the blog is on <b>Facebook</b> via my own profile page and various groups that I belong to on it and I have noticed that even via that platform the numbers are down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had never been really interested in the numbers, as when I started this blog it was mainly for me but then there was what seemed like an explosion of interest from across the globe and it held out an opportunity of being able to share some of the music that I have been very passionate about down throught the years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Choosing the title of the Blog as <b>Soundtrack4Life</b> was a big thing as I felt the things that I wanted to share would be those records, artists and bands who have made a distinct impression on my own life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So it's a bit sad after all these years to be contemplating winding it all up and stopping posting anything new. I won't actually delete the blog as someone out there searching around the <b>World Wide Web</b> might stumble upon it and find something that will delight their heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the next couple of weeks or so you will probably see the last bunch of posts from me. I will no doubt post each one with a very heavy heart because this blog has been something that has been a real labour of love over the years but the fact that it is getting read by fewer people on a daily, weekly and monthly basis seems to me to be a reason to say a final farewell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll finish up this first one with a cracker of a song from a band who are also saying goodbye this year, they are currently on tour with <b>Stiff Little Fingers</b> and getting a great send off around the country. Here's <b>Eddie and The Hot Rods</b> peforming on <b>The Old Grey Whistle Test </b>back in 1978 a storming version of the final track on their 1977 album <b>'Life On The Line'</b>...It's <b>'Beginning of the End'</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y6u2v9tlXM8" width="560"></iframe><br /></span></div>
Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-78014057099758400002019-03-17T13:43:00.000+00:002019-03-17T13:43:12.118+00:00Revisiting Generation X - Generation X (1978)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/-JbhtAfjVhOkkv-WeCjszYvKB5I=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-808424-1527599557-2746.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/-JbhtAfjVhOkkv-WeCjszYvKB5I=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-808424-1527599557-2746.jpeg.jpg" width="634" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Generation X - Generation X<br />Chrysalis<br />Produced by Martin Rushent<br />Released 17th March 1978<br />UK Charts #29</b><br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAkpgYiydDIdgeNXYQ11CYPj" width="853"></iframe><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/8drZfQ-jLjMwFbcOOHDmN3G8mHk=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-808424-1527599559-7886.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/8drZfQ-jLjMwFbcOOHDmN3G8mHk=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-808424-1527599559-7886.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">Personnel</span><br /><span style="color: red;">Generation X</span><br /> Billy Idol − vocals<br /> Tony James − bass and vocals<br /> Bob "Derwood" Andrews − guitar and vocals<br /> Mark Laff − drums and vocals</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">US Version of the Album</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/dG6VpXRgx9VGpopj058eFTI4RMY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10202478-1493325059-8505.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/dG6VpXRgx9VGpopj058eFTI4RMY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10202478-1493325059-8505.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Listen</b>, <b>The Insvisible Man</b> and <b>Too Personal</b> were replaced on this edition with:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNifLB4N4yM"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Gimme Some Truth (John Lennon)</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFQaTJxLkq0"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Wild Youth</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_baHdLc3tV4"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Your Generation</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq4P8ahBies"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Wild Dub</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Single from the album</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/7m0j7Iwjf13WC7qPrYzZXKdHR7c=/fit-in/600x593/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-544215-1473088244-9033.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="599" height="632" src="https://img.discogs.com/7m0j7Iwjf13WC7qPrYzZXKdHR7c=/fit-in/600x593/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-544215-1473088244-9033.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>A-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW8XKNpH2go"><span style="color: orange;">Ready Steady Go</span></a></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">B-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_XVPA-FgK4"><span style="color: orange;">No No No</span></a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/ckY7tgBGnL95mHQ8WX_e6mDoKEY=/fit-in/600x597/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-544215-1473088245-1469.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="599" height="635" src="https://img.discogs.com/ckY7tgBGnL95mHQ8WX_e6mDoKEY=/fit-in/600x597/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-544215-1473088245-1469.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Released 7th February 1978</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #47</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">********</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/nDdYVxy4XQziEG9ccyn8WeNWLIQ=/600x599/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-264096-1347986756-9549.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="600" height="638" src="https://img.discogs.com/nDdYVxy4XQziEG9ccyn8WeNWLIQ=/600x599/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-264096-1347986756-9549.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did a piece on this particular album a few years ago but seeing that a number of links etc were dead on it I thought I would raise it back to life again on the 41st Anniversary of its release.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/Bq0dy7BvxAbeYhioOFfrhFRa2fo=/500x283/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-264096-1255124059.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="500" height="362" src="https://img.discogs.com/Bq0dy7BvxAbeYhioOFfrhFRa2fo=/500x283/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-264096-1255124059.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Generation X</b> were there right there in 1976 when Punk began to explode in the UK. People seem to forget that <b>Tony James</b>, <b>William Broad (Billy Idol)</b> and <b>John Towe</b> were all originally part of <b>Chelsea</b> with <b>Gene October</b>. They jumped the good ship <b>Chelsea </b>after <b>Gene </b>had thought <b>James/Broad</b> were becoming too creatively dominant and so they abandoned October and took <b>John Towe</b> with them for good measure! <b>Derwood</b> joined on guitar and <b>Broad </b>(who had changed his name to <b>Billy Idol</b>) took vocal duties and they played their debut on the 10th December at <b>Central School of Art and Design</b> in London and then on 14th December 1976 they played their second show at a new venue called <b>The Roxy</b> (the first of the Punk bands to do so). <b>Towe </b>left the band and <b>Mark Laff </b>(ex-<b>Subway Sect</b>) joined on drums in time for their signing to <b>Chrysalis Records</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There always seemed to be a bit of jealousy regarding <b>Generation X</b>, especially among the male world of Punk and I think that had a lot to do with Billy and Co. being a darn sight more handsome than most bands around at the time! I always find it funny that some people don't really regard them as Punk but as some of of Bandwagon Jumpers (clearly forgetting their history!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span>I loved the early singles, and the <b>Peel Sessions</b> they did in 1977. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-1nyyzUBBY"><span style="color: orange;"><b>first one </b></span></a>in April included <b>Day by Day, Listen!, Youth Youth Youth </b>and<b> Your Generation</b>. <b>John Towe</b> was still drumming for them on that session. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjGIk5JtrNY"><span style="color: orange;"><b>second session</b></span></a> from July 1977 included <b>From the Heart</b>, <b>Rock On</b>, <b>Gimmie Some Truth</b> and <b>No No No</b>. <b>Mark Laff</b> was on drums for this session.</span></span></div>
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</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>As for the album I still think it stands
up as great record. Personally I don't think there's a bad track on it. It was basically their live set so I was pretty much aware of most, if
not all, of the songs when it was released. It was recorded over the space of a week at the <b>TW Studios</b> in Fulham. All the songs were written by <b>Idol/James</b> (except on the US release where <b>Gimmie Some Truth</b> was a cover of a song by <b>John Lennon</b>).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span>It maybe had a more Punky Pop
edge to it that some people didn't like (which is funny because they had ditched <b>Phil Wainman</b> as Producer in favour of <b>Martin Rushent</b> because they felt he made them sound too Pop and they wanted a more harder-edged sound! Not totally sure they got that, but on their second album which is 40 years old this year, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvpix4BJ18&list=PLM0QWHFvEjTYpQzshrStdOVfUBZ72kCdw"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Valley of the Dolls</b></span></a> - released 26th January 1979 and produced by <b>Ian Hunter</b> they certainly got a wee touch of it). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span>I loved it the moment it
came out and it's an album that still gets an airing in my house to this day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span>Enjoy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-50961543666187415962019-03-12T10:02:00.000+00:002019-03-12T10:02:30.054+00:00Revisiting Out of Time - R.E.M. (1991)- Revised and Updated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/xYs3dWfgZ8fwy2W-AuglEMjNi94=/fit-in/600x599/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8537409-1463595922-8682.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="600" height="638" src="https://img.discogs.com/xYs3dWfgZ8fwy2W-AuglEMjNi94=/fit-in/600x599/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8537409-1463595922-8682.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 🌟🌟🌟🌟</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Out of Time - R.E.M.<br />Warner Bros<br />Produced by Scott Litt and R.E.M.<br />Released 12th March 1991<br />US Chart #1 *<br />UK Chart #1 **</b><br /><br />#1 also in Canada, Italy, Austria, Holland and France<br /><b>*</b>Spent 109 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Album Chart and had two spells at the Top of the Charts<br /><b>**</b>Spent 183 weeks on the UK Album Chart and was on Top of the Chart for one week only <br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAmtGlvULJEEz_AXkdK-80iM" width="853"></iframe></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/rnha5YQR3Q3TGvN0CPHcrlRbcNM=/fit-in/600x598/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8537409-1463595922-3979.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="600" height="636" src="https://img.discogs.com/rnha5YQR3Q3TGvN0CPHcrlRbcNM=/fit-in/600x598/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8537409-1463595922-3979.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Limited Edition Free 7" </b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/mpFNAVgpwMA228CgY5UFLuf6g_w=/fit-in/321x432/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2385338-1288987382.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="321" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/mpFNAVgpwMA228CgY5UFLuf6g_w=/fit-in/321x432/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2385338-1288987382.jpeg.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/932T4wa9n70LrZEXGzqY-UMAOsE=/fit-in/588x567/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2385338-1288987405.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="588" height="385" src="https://img.discogs.com/932T4wa9n70LrZEXGzqY-UMAOsE=/fit-in/588x567/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2385338-1288987405.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwS9_vqdHcQ"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>World Leader Pretend (Live/Edit) </b></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/8UEhRueefWAQqLd-4fHTySHQjsQ=/fit-in/581x567/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2385338-1288987393.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="581" height="390" src="https://img.discogs.com/8UEhRueefWAQqLd-4fHTySHQjsQ=/fit-in/581x567/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-2385338-1288987393.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF3LvLkZHlk"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Turn You Inside-Out (Live)</b></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Personnel</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: yellow;"><b>R.E.M.</b></span><br /><i><b>Michael Stipe</b> - lead vocals, bass melodica and arrangement on "Endgame", backing vocals on "Near Wild Heaven" and Texarkana"</i></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">
<i> <b>Peter Buck</b> - electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin on "Losing My Religion" and "Half a World Away" <b> </b></i></span></div>
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Mike Mills</b> - bass guitar;
backing vocals; organ on "Radio Song", "Low", "Shiny Happy People",
"Half a World Away", and "Country Feedback"; piano on "Belong";
harpsichord on "Half a World Away"; percussion on "Half a World Away";
lead vocals on "Near Wild Heaven" and "Texarkana"; keyboards and
arrangement on "Losing My Religion" and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Bill Berry</b>
- drum, percussion, congas on "low", bass guitar on "Half a World Away"
and "Country Feedback", piano on "Near Wild Heaven", backing vocals on
Near Wild Heaven", "Belong"</i><span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span>
<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Additional musicians</b></span><i><br /> <b>David Arenz</b> – violin on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Ellie Arenz</b> – violin on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Mark Bingham</b>
– string arrangements on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven",
"Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>David Braitberg</b> – violin on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Andrew Cox</b> – cello on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Reid Harris</b> – viola on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Peter Holsapple</b>
– bass guitar on "Radio Song" and "Low"; acoustic guitar on "Losing My
Religion", "Shiny Happy People", and "Texarkana"; electric guitar on
"Belong"<br /> <b>Ralph Jones</b> – double bass on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Kidd Jordan</b>
– baritone saxophone on "Radio Song" and "Near Wild Heaven", tenor
saxophone on "Radio Song" and "Endgame", alto saxophone on "Radio Song",
bass clarinet on "Low" and "Endgame"<br /> <b>John Keane</b> – pedal steel guitar on "Texarkana" and "Country Feedback"<br /> <b>Dave Kempers</b> – violin on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>KRS-One</b> – rapping on "Radio Song"<br /> <b>Scott Litt</b> – echo-loop feed on "Radio Song"<br /> <b>Elizabeth Murphy</b> – cello on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Paul Murphy</b> – lead viola on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven", "Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Kate Pierson</b> – vocals on "Near Wild Heaven", and duet on "Shiny Happy People", "Me in Honey"<br /> <b>Jay Weigel</b>
– orchestral liaison on "Radio Song", "Low", "Near Wild Heaven",
"Endgame", "Shiny Happy People", "Half a World Away", and "Texarkana"<br /> <b>Cecil Welch</b> – flugelhorn on "Endgame"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>********</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/cog75ZTbfYhfaLGmfs5eyuOfm7k=/fit-in/600x630/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-74500-1530577936-5420.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/cog75ZTbfYhfaLGmfs5eyuOfm7k=/fit-in/600x630/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-74500-1530577936-5420.jpeg.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know I only did this<a href="https://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/2017/03/revisiting-out-of-time-rem-1991.html"><span style="color: orange;"><b> a couple of years ago</b></span></a> but there were a number of dead links etc and so in deciding to update them I thought I would fully revise the piece written back in 2017.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><i>"The world is collapsing around our ears, I turned up the radio, but I can't hear it"</i></b>
- now that's an epic way to open an album! The world was doing exactly
just that in 1991 with the collapse of the old Soviet Union. <b>Gorbachov</b>
was ousted and <b>Yeltsin</b> became the new man at the helm. Estonia, Georgia,
Lithuania and Latvia announced Independence from Russia. <b>Operation
Desert Storm</b> would begin as the US Army marched into Kuwait to rid Iraqi
invaders. Yugoslavia would crumble to pieces as Croatia, Slovenia and
Macedonia seceded. Refugees were fleeing Albania and this forced the
Government to adopt widespread changes to its policies. Bank of Credit
and Commerce International was closed as Banking regulators from 69
countries shut down the BCCI claiming it laundered money, dealt in
illegal arms, and was responsible for smuggling, fraud, extortion and
bribery. billion was claimed to have disappeared within it's walls. BCCI
was responsible for Iran-Contra transfers, providing nuclear weapons
technology to Iraq, and secretly buying three American banks. The World
Wide Web was launched with great fanfare connecting worlds via
technology.</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>Fast forward 28 years and the <i>"world"</i> is still<i> "collapsing"</i>. There's lots of trouble with Russia whether it be their invading other parts of
their former land, or their meddling in the affairs of other countries
through spying, hacking, trying to influence the outcome of elections in other nations and killing off former spies with poison on the streets of foreign lands! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>The Middle
East is still a chaotic mess and the fight this time around is to get
rid of Isalmic Extremist groups like ISIS. In Syria you have a
government backed by Russia (yep, them again) trouncing the opposition
(supported by the US and other Countries). People are still dying in
Iraq via Car Bombs and ISIS led raids on towns. Refugees are everywhere,
flowing from lands across the world seeking shelter and a new life in
Europe, America and beyond. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>There has been a rising again of the Right
across Europe with their facist hatred for anyone who appears different
to them, and of course still in the seat of power in the USA is a President
that has got there by hook and by crook, funded by the Alt-Right (who
are basically well dressed Nazis!) and have their minions surrounding
one of the most powerful offices in the world! On a almost a daily basis he lies about pretty much everything and a number of people connected to him have been charged with various crimes and hauled off to jail (whilst the President smears them as disgruntled employees who are only seeking his downfall).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>The banking system is
still an utter mess as well throughout the world! And the World Wide Web
whilst offering many good things has become a place where one can learn
how to become a terrorist as well as learn how to make a great apple
pie!....Somethings just don't ever change do they?</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>Into that collapsing world came <b>Out Of Time</b>, the seventh studio album from <b>R.E.M.</b>
It was the first #1 album in the US and the UK for the band. It has
sold absolutely bucket loads across the globe since its release in 1991
(despite a rest from touring by the group) and whilst unloved by some
due to its commercial success it's an album I still find a lot of joy
listening to 28 years on.</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>What the band had begun when they signed to Warner Bros with the excellent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX6zIVM97wXASqcTA-JSBbjat6DIe000d"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Green</b></span></a> album they continued with <b>Out Of Time</b> as they went from a Cult Band to an International Success across the globe!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>David Fricke</b>, writing for the <b>Melody Maker</b> said of the album, <i>"Out Of Time is the kind of whisper that, with time, makes you want to scream with joy...A stunning baroque beauty fashioned from dark, frank lyric testimony...It's the album REM tried to make in 1985 with Fables of Reconstruction. The 'fun' quotient is higher here as well"</i> (March 9th 1991). Meanwhile <b>Terry Staunton</b> of the <b>NME </b>said in the March 16th 1991 issue that <i>"Out Of Time is easily their most eclectic and wildly inspired album yet...The greatest rock 'n' roll band tag may have been uncomfortable in the past, but this album will not make it any easier to shift"</i>. </span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>It all kicked off with the release of <b>Losing My Religion</b> as a single. <b>Mike Mills</b> said years later, <i>"Without
'Losing My Religion', Out of Time would have sold two or three million
[copies], instead of the ten [million copies] or so it did. But the
phenomenon that is a worldwide hit is an odd thing to behold. Basically
that record was a hit in almost every civilised country in the world."</i> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>David Cavanagh</b>, writing for Uncut's <b>Ultimate Music Guide: REM</b> wrote, that the song <i>"scored three watermelons on pop's international fruit machine, and Stipe and REM could never be cult figures again"</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>The success of <b>Losing My Religion</b> and <b>Out of Time</b> broadened <b>R.E.M.</b>'s
audience beyond its original college radio-based fanbase. When asked at
the time if he was worried that the song's success might alienate older
fans, <b>Peter Buck</b> told <b>Rolling Stone</b>, <i>"The people that changed their minds because of 'Losing My Religion' can just kiss my ass."</i> <b>Michael Stipe</b>'s vocal for the song was done in a single take!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>According to <b>Stipe</b>, in an interview with <b>Gavin Martin</b> for the <b>NME</b> back in 1991, <b>Losing My Religion</b> was not actually about Religion at all. When asked <i>"How do you lose your religion?"</i> <b>Stipe</b> responded, <i>"That's a term I've heard used all my life; I thought it was a common term but obviously outside of the South it's not. People have asked me over and over again 'Are you a Catholic? Are you a Quaker?' But this has nothing to do with religion in this song. If one loses one's religion it's the same as being at the end of your rope or reaching the final straw and snapping...It's used casually - a waitress will say, 'I almost lost my religion over that table, they were such jerks.' To make it more serious would be an event so dramatic that it could cause you to question your spiritual beliefs." </i></span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span><b>Kate Pierson</b> of <b>The B-52's</b> featured on the next single (she actually appears on another two songs on the album as well - <b>Near Wild Heaven</b> and <b>Me In Honey</b>). <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7QgsixRWNw"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Shiny Happy People</b></span></a> is not a song that is loved by the band at all. Infact, it became <i>"so unstoppably popular that REM diswoned it in horror (and refused to perform it until Sesame Street in 1999)" </i>(<b>David Cavanagh</b>, <b>Uncut's Ultimate Music Guide</b>). <b>Stipe</b> said, <i>"I Hate That Song!"</i> But it was a massive hit! In 2006, the song received the #1 position on AOL Music's list of the <b>"111 Wussiest Songs of All Time"</b>.
Due to the band's dislike of the song, it was one of their few
Warner-released singles not included on their 2003 greatest hits album <b>In Time</b>. They did a version of it in 1999 for <b>Sesame Street</b> called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoc8_aJLpes"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Furry Happy Monsters</b></span></a>. <i>"It’s a fruity pop song written for children. It just is what it is,"</i> <b>Stipe</b> told the <b>BBC</b>’s <b>Andrew Marr</b> in 2016. <i>"If
there was one song that was sent into outer space to represent R.E.M.
for the rest of time, I would not want it to be Shiny Happy People." </i>It's actually quite funny reading an interview in the NME from back in 1991 and seeing what <b>Stipe</b> said about the song when the album had just come out, <i>"It's the happiest song we have ever put out...I meant it as a happy song...I told Peter for two months that I wasn't going to write a chorus because I didn't want to blow the guitar line by singing over it. But he insisted that I did and it worked and the video, God, the video, is just the happiest thing I've ever seen..."</i>.</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span><b>Near Wild Heaven</b> was the third
single released from the album. Now, I always get a bit of a grump when
bands/artists release too many singles from an album and whilst this is
the case with this one as a single I have to say that I actually really
do like the song itself. It was a surprise that <b>Michael Stipe</b> was not singing the lead vocal, but <b>Mick Mills</b> does <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSBINLc_Kuc"><span style="color: orange;"><b>a pretty fine job</b></span></a> I reckon. It wasn't released in the USA as a single but here in the UK it did creep into the Top 30 (stalling at #27).</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>The fourth and final single from the album was <b>Radio Song</b>. Although I'm not a big fan of Remixes I actually quite liked the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz4f-mzQQIc"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Tower of Luv Bug Remix</b></span></a> that was issued in the US and Germany. The single featured <b>KRS-One</b>, the rapper from <b>Boogie Down Productions</b>. <b>Cavanagh</b> said, that the <i>"rapping on Radio Song sounds incongruously shoddy now"</i>. It was another Top 30 hit in the UK (stalling at #28).</span><br />
<span></span><br />
<span>I was listening afresh to the album last
night and this morning as I was putting the finishing touches to this
piece and was thinking about what are my favourite tracks on the album.
Surprisingly it is actually none of the singles (though as I said I do
like <b>Near Wild Heaven</b>). <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFWfRPc8yk"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Belong</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B8rbl_kqxw"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Half A World Away</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP--MxYzTuo"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Texarkana</b></span></a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j3Fvf0Ks6o"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Me In Honey</b></span></a> are probably the ones I'd name as the best ones on the album and <b>'Shiny Happy People'</b>, no matter how much the band hate it, still has the ability to put a smile on your face as you wake up in a world that is still <i>"collapsing around our ears"</i> and eyes!</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> ******************</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Singles On Out Of Time</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Losing My Religion</b>:</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">12"</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/CFPAK_w5fl-tyQGPyochAf7Ps-g=/fit-in/600x590/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-399193-1217114395.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="600" height="392" src="https://img.discogs.com/CFPAK_w5fl-tyQGPyochAf7Ps-g=/fit-in/600x590/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-399193-1217114395.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwtdhWltSIg"><span style="color: orange;">Losing My Religion</span></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>B-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLdxSVWEq5o"><span style="color: orange;">Rotary Eleven</span></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lizp19k6pD8"><span style="color: orange;">After Hours (Live) </span></a></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Released 19th February 1991</b>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>US Chart #4</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #19</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CD Single </b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/JMsqmy4tjzCq8XOB7uXMQ_li_EU=/fit-in/600x469/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4944187-1380177767-3790.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="600" height="312" src="https://img.discogs.com/JMsqmy4tjzCq8XOB7uXMQ_li_EU=/fit-in/600x469/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-4944187-1380177767-3790.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b> <b>1 Losing My Religion (Album Version) <br />2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_ORGkvz_cU"><span style="color: orange;">Fretless </span></a> <br />3 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke1vRzvtXio"><span style="color: orange;">Losing My Religion (Live Acoustic Version / Rockline)</span></a> <br />4 Rotary Eleven</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Limited Edition CD for UK and Europe</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/y1joY8T1FO58mQ25634qNgKRdSw=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6660039-1424065627-7124.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/y1joY8T1FO58mQ25634qNgKRdSw=/fit-in/600x603/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6660039-1424065627-7124.jpeg.jpg" width="397" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1 Losing My Religion <br />2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X95aytwB9TE"><span style="color: orange;">Stand (Live) </span></a> <br />3 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBIPrLxtR30"><span style="color: orange;">Turn You Inside-Out (Live)</span></a> <br />4 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwS9_vqdHcQ"><span style="color: orange;">World Leader Pretend (Live)</span></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Live tracks recorded on</i> <b>The Green World Tour </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shiny Happy People:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>12"</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/Gv6eRpy5Acn3A9x562SFJImiq68=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1427992-1424074710-3282.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="600" height="393" src="https://img.discogs.com/Gv6eRpy5Acn3A9x562SFJImiq68=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1427992-1424074710-3282.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">A-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYOKMUTTDdA"><span style="color: orange;">Shiny Happy People</span></a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>B-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2inQTRvBq4Q"><span style="color: orange;">Forty Second Song</span></a> / Losing My Religion (Live Acoustic Version)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Released 16th May 1991</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">US Chart #10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>UK Chart #6</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Limited Edition CD for UK and Europe</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/roN5V6Sgqtu36rRMOvTDy6QIpzo=/fit-in/600x597/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8739389-1467731956-1437.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="600" height="397" src="https://img.discogs.com/roN5V6Sgqtu36rRMOvTDy6QIpzo=/fit-in/600x597/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8739389-1467731956-1437.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b> 1 Shiny Happy People <br />2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePo30VY-QRQ"><span style="color: orange;">I Remember California (Live)</span></a> <br />3 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXvw9TAbvWU"><span style="color: orange;">Get Up (Live)</span></a> <br />4 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ljSWWhs9E"><span style="color: orange;">Pop Song '89 (Live)</span></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Live tracks recorded on</i><b> The Green World Tour</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Near Wild Heaven:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: red;">12"</span></span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://img.discogs.com/tVJg0MxqUb6rK97-0_hvb_wije4=/fit-in/600x587/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1410647-1246944959.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="600" height="391" src="https://img.discogs.com/tVJg0MxqUb6rK97-0_hvb_wije4=/fit-in/600x587/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1410647-1246944959.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>A-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC7er_6dpsI"><span style="color: orange;">Near Wild Heaven (LP Version)</span></a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>B-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmM1W7_8K-E"><span style="color: orange;">Pop Song '89 (Live Acoustic Version)</span></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B8rbl_kqxw"><span style="color: orange;">Half A World Away </span></a></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B8rbl_kqxw"><span style="color: orange;"><span><b>(Live Acoustic Version)</b></span></span></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span><b>Released 5th August 1991</b></span>
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>UK Chart #27</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Limited Edition CD for UK and Europe</b></span></span> </b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/IszX3-EHl1hR1UrtzVSuZ8wusus=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-803114-1177229351.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/IszX3-EHl1hR1UrtzVSuZ8wusus=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-803114-1177229351.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span><b> 1 Near Wild Heaven <br />2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci7NhvYeXEk"><span style="color: orange;">Tom's Diner (Live)</span></a> <br />3 Low (Live) <br />4 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l823q9AC9g"><span style="color: orange;">Endgame (Live)</span></a></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>Live tracks recorded at </i><b>The Borderline, London 15th March 1991</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Radio Song:</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>12"</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/ncaCgFBunN9IRYs9eDpi0LCXYNQ=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-756991-1192752193.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://img.discogs.com/ncaCgFBunN9IRYs9eDpi0LCXYNQ=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-756991-1192752193.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>A-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XhYEqz2Hu8"><span style="color: orange;">Radio Song</span></a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>B-Side: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCw9UpRiVe4"><span style="color: orange;">Love Is All Around (Live)</span></a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa6f8xSAHmY"><span style="color: orange;">Shiny Happy People (Music Mix)</span></a> </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>Released 4th November 1991</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">UK Chart #28 </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Limited Edition CD for UK and Europe</b></span></span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/HnRlIjoOCb0oLwXTUbuyeydIKEY=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-955252-1177226560.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="600" height="393" src="https://img.discogs.com/HnRlIjoOCb0oLwXTUbuyeydIKEY=/fit-in/600x592/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-955252-1177226560.jpeg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b> 1 Radio Song <br />2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0lQd6MBy2c"><span style="color: orange;">You Are The Everything (Live) </span></a> <br />3 Orange Crush (Live) <br />4 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag6EGdYhuuQ"><span style="color: orange;">Belong (Live)</span></a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>Live tracks: 2 - on Tourfilm; 3-4 on This Film Is On</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>*************** </b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/72NMODs0MKIqXExvGQXK14z1EFI=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9381430-1479694471-3023.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/72NMODs0MKIqXExvGQXK14z1EFI=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9381430-1479694471-3023.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Released as 3LP Vinyl Set</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4 Disc Box Set</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>and 2CD Set: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CD1 Remastered Album</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CD2 Out Of Time Demos</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>CD2-1 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOAWeZXj20M"><span style="color: orange;">Losing My Religion 1</span></a> (Demo) 4:00<br />CD2-2 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBYsNpVsA7c"><span style="color: orange;">Near Wild Heaven 1</span></a> (Demo) 4:09<br />CD2-3 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hePG20KErAg"><span style="color: orange;">Shiny Happy People 1 </span></a>(Demo) 3:14<br />CD2-4 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SksO-eMLTx4"><span style="color: orange;">Texarkana 1</span></a> (Demo) 3:50<br />CD2-5 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HddSGHQMPnU"><span style="color: orange;">Untitled</span></a> Demo 2 3:33<br />CD2-6 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6zbBWXEa0g"><span style="color: orange;">Radio – Acoustic (Radio Song 1 Demo) </span></a> 4:15<br />CD2-7 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYsACdy9mSY"><span style="color: orange;">Near Wild Heaven 2</span></a> (Demo) 4:34<br />CD2-8 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTGynnmPiB0"><span style="color: orange;">Shiny Happy People 2</span></a> (Demo) 3:55<br />CD2-9 Slow Sad Rocker (Endgame Demo) 4:34<br />CD2-10 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iiSVGQO3rk"><span style="color: orange;">Radio – Band (Radio Song 3 Demo)</span></a> 4:22<br />CD2-11 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYVbRc6xv2A"><span style="color: orange;">Losing My Religion 2</span></a> (Demo) 4:36<br />CD2-12 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yrzKgAxm9w"><span style="color: orange;">Belong (Demo)</span></a> 4:17<br />CD2-13 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVY4nRn-JzY"><span style="color: orange;">Blackbirds (Half A World Away Demo)</span></a> 3:26<br />CD2-14 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spmm3Yvit8Q"><span style="color: orange;">Texarkana</span></a> (Demo) 4:06<br />CD2-15 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQZsbbEGHMA"><span style="color: orange;">Country Feedback</span></a> (Demo) 4:03<br />CD2-16 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9hHDOUZW18"><span style="color: orange;">Me On Keyboard</span></a> (Me In Honey Demo) 3:42<br />CD2-17 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TANGxqJZsGY"><span style="color: orange;">Low (Demo)</span></a> 4:54<br />CD2-18 40 Sec. (40 Second Song Demo) 1:22<br />CD2-19 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze15Y73pBUw"><span style="color: orange;">Fretless 1</span></a> (Demo) 4:52 </b></span></b></span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-6110714119018455172019-03-08T11:34:00.002+00:002019-03-08T11:34:37.567+00:00The S4L Radio Show #2 March 2019: International Women's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh_hGn8ga7PQ3cHtXCIXorVNts67wuuzqY8uFlwHJ2YNLrGwAPvVjPHoNVyPvdm14FBWuJqXoKdalZd-dppopb982IF7tw4Bv7KF0LOb4srRABkoHn8FLdQI1LF9Nd6prPvpGmEpX5QTAsBUU3ZIqdmZo0GV5ra5cKsptUtAabvjYgTiU0R2u_Xu5TS3BY-Sr9Z=s0-d" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="900" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh_hGn8ga7PQ3cHtXCIXorVNts67wuuzqY8uFlwHJ2YNLrGwAPvVjPHoNVyPvdm14FBWuJqXoKdalZd-dppopb982IF7tw4Bv7KF0LOb4srRABkoHn8FLdQI1LF9Nd6prPvpGmEpX5QTAsBUU3ZIqdmZo0GV5ra5cKsptUtAabvjYgTiU0R2u_Xu5TS3BY-Sr9Z=s0-d" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a while since I last put together a playlist for the <b>"Radio Show"</b> and so today here's a special one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is <b>International Women's Day</b> and I have selected 18 tunes from bands either fronted by women or bands that are all-female. Some you will know, others maybe not so much but I do hope you enjoy this latest edition. </span></div>
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<a href="http://justnewsly.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/International-Womens-Day-2019-750x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://justnewsly.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/International-Womens-Day-2019-750x460.jpg" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="750" height="392" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAn_-B4kGhmEAr_g8IztL5CS" width="853"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>On the Playlist</b></span><br /><b>On My Radio - The Selecter<br />Do The Rocksteady - The Bodysnatchers<br />Spellbound - Siouxsie Soux<br />Nostalgia - Penetration<br />In The Beginning There Was Rhythm<br />Violence Grew - Honey Bane<br />Jet Fighter - The Bangles<br />Head Over Heels - The Go Go's<br />Me Vs The World - Halo Friendlies<br />Rules and Regulations - Maid of Ace<br />Barracuda - Chelsea Girls<br />Do You Wanna Hit It - The Donnas<br />Emergency - Girlschool<br />Pace Doesn't Love Me - Spazzys<br />Soulmates to Strangers - Joan Jett<br />Gravity - Blondie<br />The Daily Fail The Ramonas<br />Fairytale In The Supermarket - The Raincoats</b></span></div>
Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-89002577912109693312019-03-06T11:47:00.000+00:002019-03-06T11:47:41.551+00:00Revisiting My Dark Places - Stiff Little Fingers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/EHyRffWEtRQG5YURE3AHQNnFRdo=/fit-in/600x536/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10361306-1495987994-6388.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="600" height="570" src="https://img.discogs.com/EHyRffWEtRQG5YURE3AHQNnFRdo=/fit-in/600x536/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-10361306-1495987994-6388.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>(2017 Reissue Cover)</i></span><br /><br /><b>My Dark Places - Stiff Little Fingers<br />from the album<br />No Going Back<br />Rigid Digits<br />Released 2014<br />Reissued as 2CD set on Ear Music 2017</b><br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7g2T_IZoN1I" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to follow up the piece I just posted regarding the <a href="https://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/2019/03/this-depression-bruce-springsteen.html"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Springsteen song, 'This Depression'</b></span></a> by returning to a song that I have over the past few years shared on this blog and I hope that you are not fed up with me mentioning it again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The reason I thought I should post this one again is that unlike the <b>Springsteen</b> song, which doesn't really go into any great details regarding the impact of <b>Depression</b> upon a life, this one written by <b>Jake Burns</b> and performed by <b>Stiff Little Fingers</b> does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think I need to give a running commentary on the lyrics (see below) as they are pretty clear at what <b>Jake Burns</b> was wishing to communicate with the song. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the fact that <b>SLF</b> have been speaking about this issue now for many years and that the song <b>'My Dark Places'</b> sits in their set as one of their finest songs to date and that pretty much every night they hit the stage that Jake takes time to talk about <b>Depression</b> before they unleash the song.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span>If you need help with issues relating to
<b>Depression</b> please speak to your Doctor or even one of the many
helplines that are available in many countries that are dedicated to
helping people in times of trouble.</span></span></div>
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</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>If you live in the UK here is a link that provides some information regarding such helplines and agencies. <a href="https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/depression.php"><span style="color: orange;"><b>CLICK HERE</b></span></a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/8s4gQE11Q3D9sW1T0UH4YBV0lTU=/fit-in/599x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8003833-1487933522-2889.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/8s4gQE11Q3D9sW1T0UH4YBV0lTU=/fit-in/599x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8003833-1487933522-2889.jpeg.jpg" width="638" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>(Original Release Cover)</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Acoustic Version</b></span><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nq4sQWOI6w8" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><b>My Dark Places - Jake Burns</b></span><br /><i>Well it cuts just like a knife<br />Takes away your love of life<br />Puts out your fire and leaves you in the ashes<br />And you lay there in the hole<br />What you loved now leaves you cold<br />It's hard to get the strength to face the morning<br />Somedays you really feel like hiding<br />Somedays you you swear you'll never go out anymore<br /><br />And I'm not going back<br />I'm not going back to my dark places<br />And I'm not going back<br />I'm not going back to my dark places<br /><br />Well the days drag slowly by<br />All you want to do is cry<br />Nothing makes sense nothing has a reason<br />And the world is not the same<br />And you're the one to blame<br />Before too long you feel just like a prisoner<br />Some days you really feel like screaming<br />Some days you swear you'll never smile anymore <br />And I'm not going back<br />I'm not going back to my dark places<br />And I'm not going back<br />I'm not going back to my dark places<br /><br />It's something they can't see yet it seems so real to me<br />Can't explain just how I feel when what I feel is no emotion<br />It's not a tragedy, yet that's how it seems to me<br />I wish you could see or even for one minute be me<br /><br />Well, I got there in the end<br />With the help of many friends<br />Some who helped by simply just believing<br />And the days look brighter now<br />yet I know someday, somehow<br />I could end up back there in an instant<br />Some days I really feel like laughing<br />Some days I realise I must stay on my guard<br /><br />And I'm not going back<br />I'm not going back to my dark places<br />And I'm not going back<br />I'm not going back to my dark places</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/oOHMWg0Iv3ImwfHSun0_xMMMLAQ=/fit-in/600x596/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9370060-1479575046-2879.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="599" height="636" src="https://img.discogs.com/oOHMWg0Iv3ImwfHSun0_xMMMLAQ=/fit-in/600x596/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-9370060-1479575046-2879.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Live At Glasgow Barrowlands<br />from the album<br />'Best Served Loud'</b><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GnzlmvLyBcw" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-51266100223429136322019-03-06T11:27:00.001+00:002019-03-06T11:27:42.107+00:00This Depression - Bruce Springsteen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/nnzvBeRkBfAoUbf2m0XxNubG3mU=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3583843-1336299656.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/nnzvBeRkBfAoUbf2m0XxNubG3mU=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3583843-1336299656.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Depression - Bruce Springsteen<br />from the album<br />'Wrecking Ball'</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Released 2012 </b><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Album Version</b></span><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EEiynKZtvRM" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have posted previously on the subject of <b>Depression</b> and it's a subject that's always worth revisiting because it is something that doesn't just disappear overnight or if you are not talking about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was just recently listening afresh to the <b>Wrecking Ball</b> album by <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> as it has been seven years since the album was released. The track <b>'This Depression'</b> was not one that immediately jumped off the record as a particular favourite but over time it is a song that has begun to be etched a little on my psyche.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I am no Doctor and so I would not pretend for even a split second that I have the answer, the cure for <b>Depression </b>because I don't. But one thing I have learned over the years is that it is good to talk about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In days of old of course such things would never be spoken of, there would be a challenge to <i>"Grin and bear it"</i>, <i>"Man up"</i>, <i>"Don't be so soft!"</i>, <i>"Pull yourself together and stop being so weak"</i> (I'm sure you have probably heard a hundred and one more examples from people who just don't want to confront the issue and think they can wave it off with a dismissive jab. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But the days are changing and <b>Mental Health</b> is something that is being spoken about in the media an awful lot (especially when a high profile celebrity or musician begins talking about it or sadly takes their own life as a result of it).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the world of music there are many songs that deal with the issue of <b>Depression</b> (just do a Google Search with the line <b>"Songs About Depression"</b> and you will find endless lists spotlighting some of these songs - here's one from the NME: <a href="https://www.nme.com/list/50-songs-about-depression-1109"><span style="color: orange;"><b>50 Songs About Depression</b></span></a>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bruce Springsteen</b> has actually spoken for a number of years about <b>Depression</b>, going right back to the start of the nineties when he begun mentioning that he had been going to therapy. His autobiography, <b>Born To Run</b>, also touches on the subject and when the book was first published many writers and reviewers zoomed in on that issue as if it was some grand revelation but as I said, he has spoken about it in interviews a number of times over the years before the book even came to pass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The actual song <b>'This Depression'</b> does not go into any great depth about the issue but it does spotlight a few things that are characteristic about it (feeling down, lost, low, faith shaken, appearing strong when you are actually weak, and a sense of hopelessness and being unloved).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the standout things from the song I think is the sense of desperation and the willingness to recognise that someone else (a loved one, a friend or the family) is vital in the process of dealing with Depression: </span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"This is my confession</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">I Need Your Heart</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">In This Depression</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">I Need Your Heart"</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That speaks to me about the need to have people in your life who love you and want the very best for you and demonstrate by their actions (whether by being a good listener or just being there when you need a shoulder to lean on) that they have <b>"Heart"</b>. Also, the fact that you recognise that you need help is not to be regarded as a sign of weakness but rather one of strength.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another reason for posting about the subject is that I am very much aware in my own personal life, due to my own health issues and the medication I take for my <b>Epilepsy</b>, that I can be prone to bouts of <b>Depression</b>. So in a way it's a sort of reminder to myself about the value I place upon people in my life and what <i><b>"I Need"</b></i> to breakthrough and begin to flourish a little. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like that line in the song <i><b>"Now the morning sun, the morning sun is breaking"</b></i> which speaks of the new day dawning and the possibilities that lie ahead even when we are dealing with such a difficult issue in our lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you need help with issues relating to Depression please speak to your Doctor or even one of the many helplines that are available in many countries that are dedicated to helping people in times of trouble.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you live in the UK here is a link that provides some information regarding such helplines and agencies. <a href="https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/depression.php"><span style="color: orange;"><b>CLICK HERE</b></span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Live Version<br />First Direct Arena, Leeds<br />24th July 2013</b></span><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_Mnon2n589k" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><b>This Depression<br />written by Bruce Springsteen</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>Baby, I've been down, but never this down<br />I've been lost, but never this lost<br /><br />This is my confession<br />I need your heart<br />In this depression<br />I need your heart<br /><br />Baby, I've been low, but never this low<br />I’ve had my faith shaken but never hopeless<br /><br />This is my confession<br />I need your heart<br />In this depression<br />I need your heart<br /><br />I haven't always been strong, but never felt so weak<br />All of my prayers, gone for nothing<br />I've been without love, but never forsaken<br />Now the morning sun, the morning sun is breaking<br /><br />This is my confession<br />I need your heart<br />In this depression<br />I need your heart<br /><br />This is my confession<br />I need your heart<br />In this depression<br />I need your heart<br /><br />This is my confession<br />I need your heart<br />In this depression<br />I need your heart </i></b></span></div>
Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-76448058394201319262019-02-28T10:56:00.000+00:002019-02-28T10:56:21.547+00:00Rewind: This Day in 1986: Pretty In Pink Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Released<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/GuFjkMKc9X-OEPVrJLgOAiCaNWo=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829375-6701.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/GuFjkMKc9X-OEPVrJLgOAiCaNWo=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829375-6701.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pretty In Pink Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Various Artists<br />A&M Records<br />Released February 28th 1986</b><br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AL-D3QmAZpg" width="560"></iframe><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/ygn_KYWUc11oX_v-ytfvk_xNdTc=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829379-9524.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/ygn_KYWUc11oX_v-ytfvk_xNdTc=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829379-9524.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Side 1</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/iovUW6RcWw3_05jQ9Y9qX0Z5mBE=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829389-8959.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/iovUW6RcWw3_05jQ9Y9qX0Z5mBE=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829389-8959.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A1 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPmTGFg06zA"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - If You Leave</b></span></a> 4:24<br />A2 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUltwCv5JNQ"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Suzanne Vega - Left Of Center</b></span></a> 3:32<br />A3 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Iree1Sh6s"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Jesse Johnson - Get To Know Ya</b></span></a> 3:33<br />A4 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzAepMHp_1M"><span style="color: orange;"><b>INXS - Do Wot You Do</b></span></a> 3:17<br />A5 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F__1PkceXIw"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Psychedelic Furs - Pretty In Pink</b></span></a> 4:40</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/yFh7zr5ijbjaqpv_U81c3qCz1FY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829395-9014.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/yFh7zr5ijbjaqpv_U81c3qCz1FY=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-305349-1363829395-9014.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">B1 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcB_IqzUEaA"><span style="color: orange;"><b>New Order - Shellshock</b></span></a> 6:04<br />B2 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9BynG8LbQY"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Belouis Some - Round, Round</b></span></a> 4:06<br />B3 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvs4M9MTfxI"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Danny Hutton Hitters - Wouldn't It Be Good</b></span></a> 3:43<br />B4 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_bJf3foa5I"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Echo and The Bunnymen - Bring On The Dancing Horses</b></span></a> 3:58<br />B5 –<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3qPMe_cCJk"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Smiths - Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want</b></span></a> 1:50</span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/LalGtGZzJHh61r6Z1a9mtQqTOSg=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3554205-1335057290.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/LalGtGZzJHh61r6Z1a9mtQqTOSg=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-3554205-1335057290.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(<i>2012 Record Store Day Release on Pink Vinyl</i>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From what I can recall I don't think I have ever done a series of posts focusing on Soundtracks so if this is a first then I picked a good one to possibly start with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Released on this day in 1986.</span><br />
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-23346929627652420472019-02-28T10:54:00.000+00:002019-02-28T10:54:19.573+00:00Tidy Tunes 2019 #28/28 The Best of Everything (Alternate Version) - Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2018/10/Tom-Petty-Allan-Tannenbaum.jpg?w=1080&h=1080&q=75" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2018/10/Tom-Petty-Allan-Tannenbaum.jpg?w=1080&h=1080&q=75" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Best of Everything (Alternate Version / Extra Verse) - Tom Petty and The Heatbreakers<br />Taken from the album<br />'The Best of Everything - The Definitive Career Spanning Hits Collection 1976-2016'</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Released 1st March 2019 </b><br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-u_k-B-NTro" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Another previously Unreleased Track on the Compilation:</b></span><br /><b>For Real - Tom Petty and The Heatbreakers</b><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fao953vyeIM" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Track listing for the album<br />Unless mentioned otherwise all tracks are </i>by <b>Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers</b><br /><b><span style="color: #666666;">Disc 1</span><br />1. "Free Fallin’" - Tom Petty<br />2. "Mary Jane’s Last Dance"<br />3. "You Wreck Me" - Tom Petty<br />4. "I Won’t Back Down" - Tom Petty<br />5. "Saving Grace" - Tom Petty<br />6. "You Don’t Know How It Feels" - Tom Petty<br />7. "Don’t Do Me Like That"<br />8. "Listen to Her Heart"<br />9. "Breakdown"<br />10. "Walls (Circus)"<br />11. "The Waiting"<br />12. "Don’t Come Around Here No More"<br />13. "Southern Accents"<br />14. "Angel Dream (No. 2)"<br />15. "Dreamville"<br />16. "I Should Have Known It"<br />17. "Refugee"<br />18. "American Girl"<br />19. "The Best of Everything" (Alt. Version Previously Unreleased)<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Disc 2</span><br />1. "Wildflowers" - Tom Petty<br />2. "Learning to Fly"<br />3. "Here Comes My Girl"<br />4. "The Last DJ"<br />5. "I Need to Know"<br />6. "Scare Easy" - Mudcrutch<br />7. "You Got Lucky"<br />8. "Runnin’ Down a Dream" - Tom Petty<br />9. "American Dream Plan B"<br />10. "Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around" (feat. Stevie Nicks)<br />11. "Trailer" - Mudcrutch<br />12. "Into the Great Wide Open"<br />13. "Room at the Top"<br />14. "Square One" - Tom Petty<br />15. "Jammin’ Me"<br />16. "Even the Losers"<br />17. "Hungry No More" - Mudcrutch<br />18. "I Forgive It All" - Mudcrutch<br />19. "For Real" Previously Unreleased)</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Tom-Petty-and-the-Heartbreakers_1982-web-optimsied-740-CREDIT-Aaron-Rapoport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="740" height="384" src="https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Tom-Petty-and-the-Heartbreakers_1982-web-optimsied-740-CREDIT-Aaron-Rapoport.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was originally scheduled for release last year and was announced at pretty much the same time as the release of what turned out to be my album of the year, <b><a href="https://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-favourite-album-of-2018-american.html"><span style="color: orange;">An American Treasure</span></a> Boxset</b>. I'm guessing they did not want to dent sales on either product and delayed the release of the this collection until now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This one is released tomorrow so I thought I would slip a little something into the <b>Tidy Tunes</b> series seeing as it is the last day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Best of Everything (Alternate Version)</b> was recorded during the making of the <b>'Southern Accents'</b> album and it contains an extra verse in it that has not appeared on record before (but you just know the bootleggers have had it for years!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now while I recognise that this <i>"Definitive Career Spanning Hits Collection"</i> might be appealing as an introduction to the catalogue of <b>Tom Petty and The Heartbreaker</b>s, his <b>Solo</b> releases and <b>Mudcrutch</b>, I am also a little skeptical of labels just cashing in on his name and legacy by presenting an album that only features two songs out of 38 that have been unreleased before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of these tracks have been available elsewhere and many on previous Greatest Hits, Best Ofs, and Anthologies.</span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-39172624010843239892019-02-27T09:17:00.002+00:002019-02-27T09:17:46.050+00:00Tidy Tunes 2019 #27/28 She's The One / I Wanna Be Sedated - Ramones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/QCxcEXOOBNUFvCLZzZ6it1Z7yB8=/fit-in/600x601/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-817780-1480083772-2077.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/QCxcEXOOBNUFvCLZzZ6it1Z7yB8=/fit-in/600x601/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-817780-1480083772-2077.jpeg.jpg" width="638" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>She's The One / I Wanna Be Sedated<br />- Ramones<br />from the album<br />'Road To Ruin'<br />Originally released 22nd September 1978<br />40th Anniversary Edition released 21st September 2018</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>US Chart #103</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #32 </b><br /><br /><span style="color: yellow;"><b>She's The One</b></span><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z5_fQHTW_Sk" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="color: yellow;"><b>I Wanna Be Sedated</b></span><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bm51ihfi1p4" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/_wUNsOTc0G7kNfM_AsDfdTxpUGI=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-394419-1358345519-7884.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/_wUNsOTc0G7kNfM_AsDfdTxpUGI=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-394419-1358345519-7884.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Listen Here:</b></span><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAmiK7sG15Plehg7XW2ftq8N" width="853"></iframe></span></div>
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<a href="https://img.discogs.com/l815ICWrv7hspxzjYCRkD0XjTpU=/600x406/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-135478-1461635717-4743.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="600" height="432" src="https://img.discogs.com/l815ICWrv7hspxzjYCRkD0XjTpU=/600x406/smart/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/A-135478-1461635717-4743.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we draw close to the end of the month and the end of <b>Tidy Tunes</b> (maybe we will do it again later in the year) I thought today I'd go with an <b>A-Side</b> and a <b>B-Side</b> from one of my favourite bands, the <b>Ramones</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>'She's the One'</b> was the third and final single released from the <b>'Road To Ruin'</b> album in 1978. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CzAh6BFY0s"><span style="color: orange;"><b>'Don't Come Close'</b></span></a> only reached #39 in the UK Charts whilst the second single, a cover version of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4LyoeqQPu4"><span style="color: orange;"><b>'Needles and Pins'</b></span></a> failed to chart as did the <b>'She's The One'</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>'Road To Ruin'</b> was the first album to feature <b>Marky Ramone</b> (<b>Marc Bell</b>) on the drums (he began recording the album only three weeks after joining) as <b>Tommy</b> stepped back into a more studio role. It was deemed as an attempt by the band to get more airplay and more sales by adopting a more gentler sound (though when you listen to the album maybe only a couple of tracks fit that description, especially the first two singles!). Obviously this step didn't work out so well as the album was a flop in the their homeland. In the UK the album fared better than <b>'Rocket To Russia'</b> (which had only reached #60!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Charles Shaar Murray</b> once said that <i>"every Ramones song should be a hit single"</i> and sometimes looking back you wonder why on earth they didn't have more chart success because there are absolutely loads of singles that sound like they should have been massive hits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Regardless of the lack of Chart placing this single is an absolute gem and that's why they are a Tidy Tune for today.</span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-30911857462991438882019-02-26T05:59:00.000+00:002019-02-26T05:59:06.416+00:00Tidy Tune 2019 #26/28 I Can't Resist - The Reaction (Mark Hollis R.I.P.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.discogs.com/EE_TKR7Ft0FpPGMjOYHptAreI4I=/fit-in/600x604/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1557319-1511708387-7441.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://img.discogs.com/EE_TKR7Ft0FpPGMjOYHptAreI4I=/fit-in/600x604/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1557319-1511708387-7441.jpeg.jpg" width="635" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I Can't Resist/I'm A Case - The Reaction </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Island Records </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Produced by Ed Hollis </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Released 1978</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Listen To Both A and B-Sides Here: </b></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abnsTLKZ9qs"><span style="color: orange;">Living In Another World (12" Extended Mix) - Talk Talk</span></a><br />EMI<br />Released March 1986<br />UK Chart #48</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Mark Hollis</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4th January 1955 - 25th February 2019</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rest In Peace</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most people's introduction to <b>Mark Hollis</b> would have been via his band <b>Talk Talk</b> during the the 1980s but for some of us it came a few years earlier when his band <b>The Reaction</b> first appeared on vinyl performing '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDK5tk5iZlw"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Talk Talk Talk Talk' </b></span></a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">on the </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Beggars Banquet </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">compilation</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> 'Streets' </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">in 1977 along with a bunch of other punk/new wave rogues like <b>The Art Attacks</b>, <b>The Drones</b>,<b> Slaughter and the Dogs</b>, <b>John Cooper Clarke</b>,<b> The Members</b></span><span style="font-size: large;">,</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> The Doll </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">and</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> The Lurkers</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His older brother, <b>Ed Hollis</b> was already involved in music particularly working alongside <b>Eddie and the Hot Rods</b>. <b>The Reaction</b> were very 60's influenced and it's no wonder a few Mods who sprung up in the Mod Revival frequently name their one and only single (which Ed produced) <b>'I Can't Resist'</b> as a worthy catch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After releasing the single the band went their separate ways and via his brother <b>Ed</b>, <b>Mark</b> met <b>Simon Brenner</b>, <b>Lee Harris</b> and <b>Paul Webb</b>, with whom he would form <b>Talk Talk</b> in 1981.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must admit that I was not a huge <b>Talk Talk</b> fan (though I'm sure today you will find many articles or people on Social Media touting them as if they were the best thing since sliced bread, but in these matters it's always best to be honest. It was probably because they got lumped in with the New Romantics that I didn't take to them) but there were quite a few singles I enjoyed and listening back to them since I heard the news last night of his death I was amazed at how a few of them still hold some clout today (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ixRWvrkUHo"><span style="color: orange;"><b>'It's My Life'</b></span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_E-B6982s0"><span style="color: orange;"><b>'Life's What You Make It'</b></span></a> for example).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our condolences to his family at this sad time. </span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-26814210158947331332019-02-25T10:03:00.000+00:002019-02-25T10:03:25.389+00:00Tidy Tunes 2019 #25/28 My Only True Friend - Gregg Allman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Only True Friend - Gregg Allman<br />From the album<br />Southern Blood<br />Rounder Records<br />Produced by Don Was<br />Released 8th September 2017</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>US Chart #11</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UK Chart #79 </b><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DtJHGb5923Y" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666;"><b>"My Only True Friend"<br />Written by Gregg Allman and Scott Sharrard</b></span><br /><i>You and I both know this river will surely flow to an end<br />Keep me in your heart keep your soul on the mend<br /><br />I hope you're haunted by the music of my soul<br />When I'm gone<br />Please don't fly away and find you a new love<br />I can't face living this life alone<br />I can't bear to think this might be the end<br />But you and I both know the road is my only true friend<br /><br />Another night alone but I see you in my dreams sometimes<br />No matter where I go lord knows<br />You were always on my mind<br /><br />I hope you're haunted by the music of my soul<br />When I'm gone<br />Please don't fly away and find you a new love<br />I just can't face living this life alone<br />I can't bear to think this might be the end<br />But you and I both know the road is my only true friend<br /><br />Still on and on I run it feels like home is just around the bend<br />I got so much left to give<br />But I'm running out of time, my friend<br /><br />I hope you're haunted by the music of my soul<br />When I'm gone<br />Please don't fly away and find you a new love<br />I just can't face living this life alone<br />I can't bear to think this might be the end<br />But you and I both know the road is my only true friend<br />You and I both know the road is my only true friend </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Listen To The Album Here:</b><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAm8npmg5GosR561ED-KdGyT" width="853"></iframe> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <b>Southern Blood</b> album was the eighth and final album by singer/songwriter <b>Gregg Allman</b>. It was released three months after his passing (27th May 2017). The album had been recorded over a period of nine days at the <b>FAME Studios</b> in <b>Muscle Shoals, Alabama</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I chose <b>'My Only True Friend'</b> for today's <b>Tidy Tune</b> as I was listening to the album last night and it struck me again what an amazing song it is and one filled with such emotion as co-writer <b>Scott Sharrard</b> had specifically written the lyric to be like the voice of long departed brother <b>Duane Allman</b> speaking to <b>Gregg</b>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The whole album is pretty precious I think. <b>'My Only True Friend' </b>and <b>'Love is Like Kerosene'</b> are the only original songs on the album. <b>Allman</b> had intended there to be more but due to ill-health and the fact that not long after recording these set of songs he passed away that plan was somewhat scuppered. But the covers all meant something to <b>Allman</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's more on the album on a previous <b>Blogpost</b> I did back in December 2017 when I was running down <a href="http://soundtrack4life-doogemeister.blogspot.com/2017/12/soundtrack4life-best-albums-of-2017-11.html"><span style="color: orange;"><b>my favourite albums of the year</b></span></a>, this one fell into the #11 spot (I realise on the link that there are maybe some out of date things and a dead link or so, I will try and get around to fixing them at some point).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> <i>"I hope you're haunted by the music of my soul<br />When I'm gone"</i></b></span></div>
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Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8317101822531651241.post-76233765485940675492019-02-24T11:19:00.000+00:002019-02-24T11:19:10.566+00:00New Music 2019: Psychedelic Country Soul - The Long Ryders (February)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Psychedelic Country Soul - The Long Ryders<br />Omnivore Recordings (USA)/Cherry Red Records (UK)<br />Produced by Ed Stasium<br />Released 15th February 2019</b><br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL0VQVFM4ctAnce1ZcqNzqOXl0ZrmhIzKK" width="853"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://img.discogs.com/-Y8Kw44E24mMKBu7Ksx4OOrU-BA=/fit-in/600x531/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-13224176-1550261695-1109.jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="599" height="566" src="https://img.discogs.com/-Y8Kw44E24mMKBu7Ksx4OOrU-BA=/fit-in/600x531/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-13224176-1550261695-1109.jpeg.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First studio album of new material from <b>The Long Ryders</b> in three decades!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The "fathers" of the <b>Alt-Country</b> scene have returned in great fashion with a magnificent 12 song collection. Eleven are written by band members and one is a an excellent tribute to <b>Tom Petty</b> in <b>'Walls'</b> (that features <b>Debbi</b> and <b>Vicki</b> <b>Peterson</b> from the <b>Bangles</b>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This one is already in the pile for contender for <b>The S4L Album of the Year 2019</b>.</span>Doug at Soundtrack4Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11127053961880921940noreply@blogger.com0