Remembering Willy Deville (1950-2009)

This is an update of a post I did early last year. New links etc have been added.

Click on the links to enjoy the music.

Rockpalast 1981.

Live in the Lowlands 2005.

Willy DeVille passed away on 6th August 2009 of Pancreatic Cancer. He left behind a rather interesting and eclectic musical legacy.
 
Born on 25th August 1950 in Stamford, Connecticut, he came to love the blues and often spoke of his affection for John Hammond and how Hammond's album 'So Many Roads' was a life changer for him. He played in many bands and traveled extensively in search of like-hearted musicians but it wasn't until he returned to New York in 1974 that he could seriously begin to shape that artist he became.
 
Between 1975-77 Mink DeVille would be one of the house bands at CBGB's and in 1976 they had three songs on a Live Compilation entitled 'Live at CBGB's' - this led them to getting a recording contract with Capitol Records. Their debut album, 'Carbreta' was a nice mix of Soul, Rock, R'n' B and of course The Blues and brought them some critical acclaim and the surprise Top Twenty hit in the UK of 'Spanish Stroll' (1977) highlighted that good things might just be around the corner for the band. But it was not to be. Further single releases: 'Little Girl' and 'Cadillac Walk' failed to chart anywhere.
 
A second album release, 'Return to Magneta' managed to get 60 places higher than the debut on the Billboard Chart reaching only 126. Even a great lead single 'Just Your Friends' couldn't bring any further success. Two years later 'Le Chat Bleu' didn't get the backing of the record company in the States and it was only released in Europe. DeVille reckons that Capitol just didn't understand what he was doing and couldn't comprehend exactly what Cajun music was.

After the debacle of the previous album he departed Capitol Records for Atlantic Records and in 1981 released Coup de Grâce. But again it failed to chart, and that seemed like what was going to sum up the career of Mink DeVille (which up to this point was actually only Willy DeVille himself backed by session musicians). 'Where Angels Fear To Tread' would be the last album for Atlantic Records in 1983 before moving to Polydor and releasing the final album under the monicker Mink DeVille ('Sportin' Life').

In 1987 he teamed up with Mark Knopfler to record 'Miracle' and aside from 'Spanish Stroll' it probably contains his most well known song, 'Storybook Love' which ended up on the soundtrack to 'The Princess Bride' movie and even got nominated for an Academy Award!

Come 1988 Willy relocated to New Orleans where he would end up recording one of his finest albums to date, 'Victory Mixture' ('Key to My Heart') released in 1990. He  gathered around him some of the finest musicians New Orleans could offer in Dr John, Alen Toussaint, and Eddie Bo to name but a few. The album sold well enough in Europe to gain Willy his first ever Gold Disc! Further albums would follow between 1992-2008 and whilst he would enjoy some live success in parts of Europe he wouldn't enjoy chart success in his homeland again (his last album to chart was in 1981!).

So, three years after his death the release of 'In New Orleans' came as a nice surprise and it's a nice collection of material from 'Victory Mixture' and 'Big Easy Fantasy' (1995 - Here's a wee link to Willy answering fan questions and he talks about the Fantasy album). Nice and bluesy, and a typical New Orleans sound. It included songs like 'Just Off Decatur Street', 'Every Dog Has Its Day', and 'Who Shot the La-La'.

In 2009 DeVille was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and in May that year they found he also had Pancreatic Cancer whilst treating him for the Hep C. Willy passed away in New York City (where he had come back home to in 2003) on August 6th 2009.

For someone who did not really get to enjoy a lot of success whilst alive he was almost prophetic when he once said,  "I have a theory. I know that I'll sell much more records when I'm dead. It isn't very pleasant, but I have to get used to this idea."

Tidy Tune #217: Police Car - The Members

The Members

The Members Live 2014

Larry Wallis Version

Britpop at the BBC - Various Artists (July 2014)

Amazon Product Description

In 2014 the BBC celebrated 20 years of Britpop with Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley bringing back the Evening Session and inviting listeners to vote for their favourite Britpop Anthem. Britpop at the BBC features the public’s favourite Britpop anthems including the iconic bands of the era with a rare clearance of Oasis ‘ Wonderwall’ along with all the tracks that defined the genre Blur’ Parklife’ , Pulp ‘ Common People’, The Verve – Lucky Man, Radiohead – Creep, Paul Weller – The Changingman , Ash – Girl From Mars , Suede – Animal Nitrate.
Steve and Jo choose their favourite tracks from their time on the Evening Session uncovering forgotten favourites from Ocean Colour Scene - The Day We Caught The Train, The Divine Comedy – Something For The Weekend, Space – Female Of the Species, Elastica – Connection, Lush – Single Girla and Kenickie - Punka. To quote Steve Lamacq from the sleeve notes ‘Here you’ll find a whole array of bands; the mavericks and miscreants who made Britpop what it was’
CD 3 picks out highlights from the BBC archive of Evening Session recordings with exclusive unreleased live performances from Blur - Girls and Boys / Pulp – Lipgloss / Suede – Trash / Charlatans – One To Another and many more.

At a first look you think "wow, this is a mighty fine collection, after all there are 58 tracks, and it's at a good price and it's on Rhino Records, and they usually put together some fine sets", but, and it's a big but...it's actually a little deceptive because only Disc 3 is actually taken from the BBC Archives. 

It seems a few people who purchased it over on Amazon were  just a tad disappointed that the content of the first two discs is actually the singles or album tracks by the artists in question rather than the BBC Sessions from Jo Whiley and Steve Lamacq's shows.

Also there's a few questionable choices on it that don't really fit the Britpop label!

I don't usually have issues with such compilations but I do hate it when a product is not really what it says. Okay, maybe Rhino couldn't get authorization from the artists or even the BBC to use the music from the actual sessions apart from the 14 tracks that appear on Disc 3. Sticking the names of the DJ's on the Cover and the BBC logo almost gives off the impression that "we couldn't sell this 3CD set any other way, after all most lovers of Britpop would have the majority of this stuff already, but give it a fancy title of 'at the BBC' and throw in a bonus disc of actual music from the sessions and they'll come flocking to buy it!"...Okay that sounds a bit too cynical doesn't it? The price of the disc really isn't too bad considering what it isn't!

Anyway, despite the negativity there's actually a few good tunes on the set (Click on the links to enjoy the music):

Common People - Pulp.

Lucky Man - The Verve.

Going For Gold - Shed Seven.

Regret - New Order.

You're Gorgeous - Baby Bird.

Animal Nitrate - Suede.

Fine Time - Cast.

Lucky You - Lightning Seeds.

U16 Girls - Travis.

To name but a few.

There's another Britpop Compilation that's not too bad called 'Britpop Anthems' - 40 songs over 2CD's that's not bad value for money at £7.50.

Tidy Tune #216: Tin Soldiers - Stiff Little Fingers

Happy Birthday Henry Cluney

X-SLF - Tin Soldiers Live 2013

Gems From My Collection: At Filmore East - The Allman Brothers (July 1971)

Recorded over two nights (12-13th March 1971), 'At Filmore East' was the first live album of The Allman Brothers and their third album release overall.

Some critics over the years have considered this New York recorded performance by The Allman Brothers as one of the greatest live albums in rock music ever. The album peaked at #13 on the Billboard Chart and was certified Gold in October 1971.

The band had a history playing at Filmore East. Their first dates at the NYC venue were supporting Blood, Sweat and Tears over three nights back in December of 1969. Promotor Bill Graham liked them so much he promised to get them back again. In January 1970 they opened for B.B. King and Buddy Guy at San Francisco's Filmore West and a month later they were back in New York supporting The Grateful Dead.

The March 1971 shows The Allman Brothers were actually the opening act for Johnny Winter but on the second night of the stand they were closing the show.

"the best damn rock and roll band this country has produced in the past five years" - George Kimball (Rolling Stone)

 Side One
    "Statesboro Blues" (Will McTell) – 4:17
    "Done Somebody Wrong" (Clarence L. Lewis, Bobby Robinson, Elmore James) – 4:33
    "Stormy Monday" (T. Bone Walker) – 8:44

Side Two
    "You Don't Love Me" (Willie Cobbs) – 19:15 ("Joy to the World" medley in the ending portions)

Side Three
    "Hot 'Lanta" (Gregg Allman, Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, Berry Oakley, Jai Johanny Johanson) – 5:17
    "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" (Dickey Betts) – 13:04

Side Four
    "Whipping Post" (Gregg Allman) – 23:03

In October 1992 an updated version of the album was released and titled 'The Filmore Concerts'. "One Way Out", "Drunken Hearted Boy", "Mountain Jam" and "Trouble No More" were added (they were originally included on the 1973 follow-up album 'Eat a Peach'). The songs on the album were remixed and some alternate takes were used thus some of the songs sound a little different to the original release.

September 23rd 2003 saw a Deluxe Edition of the album being released. This time they went back to the Master Recordings from 'At Filmore East'. Only one additional track was added, 'Midnight Rider', but this version was actually taken from a show at Filmore East from 27th June 1971(this was the final show at Filmore East) and not the March shows from which 'At Filmore East' had come.

29th July 2014 saw the release of the complete recordings from the March shows in 1971. Now titled 'The 1971 Filmore East Recordings', it's a 6CD set, it's also released on Blu-Ray and also an edited 4LP set.

The tracklisting for 'The 1971 Fillmore East Recordings' is:

Disc One, March 12, 1971 – First Show

1. Statesboro Blues (previously unreleased)
2. Trouble No More (previously unreleased)
3. Don't Keep Me Wonderin' (previously unreleased)
4. Done Somebody Wrong (previously unreleased)
5. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (previously unreleased)
6. You Don't Love Me (previously unreleased)

Disc Two, March 12, 1971 – Second Show

1. Statesboro Blues (previously unreleased)
2. Trouble No More
3. Don't Keep Me Wonderin' (previously unreleased)
4. Done Somebody Wrong
5. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (previously unreleased)
6. You Don't Love Me
7. Whipping Post (previously unreleased)
8. Hot 'Lanta

Disc Three, March 13, 1971 – First Show

1. Statesboro Blues
2. Trouble No More
3. Don't Keep Me Wonderin'
4. Done Somebody Wrong (previously unreleased)
5. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
6. You Don't Love Me
7. Whipping Post (previously unreleased)

Disc Four, March 13, 1971 – Second Show, Part 1

1. Statesboro Blues (previously unreleased)
2. One Way Out (previously unreleased)
3. Stormy Monday
4. Hot 'Lanta
5. Whipping Post

Disc Five, March 13, 1971 – Second Show, Part 2

1. Mountain Jam
2. Drunken Hearted Boy (with Elvin Bishop)

Disc Six, June 27, 1971 – Fillmore East Closing Show

1. Introduction by Bill Graham (previously unreleased)/ Statesboro Blues
2. Don't Keep Me Wonderin'
3. Done Somebody Wrong
4. One Way Out
5. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
6. Midnight Rider
7. Hot 'Lanta
8. Whipping Post
9. You Don't Love Me

The inclusion of the 27th June show is a good move because this final night at Filmore East was an invitation only event. Edgar Winter, Country Joe McDonald and The Beach Boys were on the bill. The Beach Boys were reluctant to play unless they were the headliners but Bill Graham stood his ground insisting that The Allman Brothers would be closing the show and if they disagreed then they were free to leave!

The 36 page Booklet with liner notes, historic photos, and essays is only available with the Blu-Ray and 6CD sets. The Blu-Ray will set you back just under £45 and the 6CD set about £47.99 (those prices are from Amazon UK).

"These shows — recorded in New York on March 12th and 13th, 1971 — remain the finest live rock performance ever committed to vinyl captures America's best blues-rock band at its peak " - Mark Kemp (Rolling Stone 2002)

Tidy Tune #215: Sunday Sunday - Blur

Rewind: 1980 Bankrobber - The Clash Released in the UK

 (UK release Picture Cover)

On this day back in CBS in the UK gave into the pressure and released 'Bankrobber' on single. The Clash had wanted to release it as the follow up single to 'London Calling' but CBS refused.

In Holland though the track was released on a 33⅓ rpm 7" as the B-Side of 'Train in Vain'. It had been available in the UK on import and had sold really well.

When CBS finally released the single it went to #12 in the Charts.

(Dutch Release Picture Cover)

The B-Side on the UK Single was 'Rockers Galore' featuring Mikey Dread. The Clash had wanted a 12" release of the single as well and wanted to include a Dub Version of 'Bankrobber' entitled 'Robber Dub', but again CBS refused. The Dub Version would eventually turn up on the 1980 Compilation 'Black Market Clash' combined with 'Bankrobber', and then on the 1994 Compilation 'Super Black Market Clash', as a stand alone track.

Bankrobber - Live at Capitol Theater 1980.

Tidy Tune #214: Take Me To Church - Sinead O'Connor

Gems From My Collection: Stephen Stills - Stephen Stills (November 1970)

Listen to the full Album Here.

Click on the links to enjoy the music.

The latest Mojo Magazine has a huge feature on CSNY (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young). And it got me thinking about Stephen Stills debut album from 1970. In fact inbetween 1970 and 1971 all members of CSNY would release high profile solo albums: David Crosby - 'If I Could Only Remember My Name', Graham Nash - 'Songs For Beginners' and Neil Young - 'After The Goldrush'.

Stephen Stills released his album in late November 1970, earlier in the year with CSYN he had enjoyed the chart topping release of 'Déjà Vu'. Alongside of that there were also three Top 20 singles ('Woodstock', 'Teach Your Children' and 'Our House').

The album was recorded at Island Studios in London between June and July 1970 and was produced by Stills and Bill Halverson. It would peak at #3 in the US charts in the week of the 5th December 1970.

One of the most amazing things about the album is the vast array of quality musicians that appear on it. Nash and Crosby are of course there but it's a few of the others that have your jaw dropping: Ringo Starr (listed as 'Richie'), Dallas Taylor (Drummer of CSNY), Johnny Barbata (Drummer of The Turtles and Jefferson Airplane), Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Booker T. Jones, John Sebastian (founding member of The Lovin' Spoonful), Rita Coolidge (who had sung back up for Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, and Clapton - to name but a few), Cass Elliot (of The Mamas and The Papas), and Sherlie Williams (backing singer at Mowtown and a also has worked with the likes of Steppenwolf, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Humble Pie and Ike and Tina Turner to name but a handful).

Starr plays on two tracks: 'To A Flame' and 'We Are Not Helpless' (a response to Neil Young's 'Helpless'). Jimi Hendrix plays on 'Old Times Good Times'. Eric Clapton plays on 'Go Back Home'.

Stephen Stills would dedicate the album to James Marshall Hendrix who died before the album released. Strangely enough four years after the album was recorded Cass Elliot also passed away.

'Love the One You're With' Single (#14 Billboard Hot 100 Chart)

Tidy Tune #213: Blitzkrieg Dub - The Ramones (Ancient Astronauts Edit)