[Ed. Note: What follows is a work in progress. Tom Kipp is in the process of compiling a list of 1200, or perhaps more, unforgettable songs. Some of these songs will be familiar, others less so. All will be worthy of your attention and Tom will expertly explain why. The presentation below, “What Was in …
Via Reddit:
Though he’s one of the hardest-working artists in show business, Dave Alvin is not entirely a self-made man; to a large extent, American music made him. Alvin translated a childhood spent in Downey, CA, obsessing over old records with his brother Phil into a Grammy-winning mission of further exploration. As a solo artist, Blaster or …
There are at least two Little Walters. One is the talented but troubled harmonica player, Muddy Waters’ sidekick, who drifted into brutality and alcoholism. This is the Little Walter of tragic legend. Then there is the consummate musician whose records outsold those of Muddy Waters or Howling Wolf, who fronted one of the best small …
Recorded in 1964, this is the grooviest of all the “Fevers.” According to anonymous internet sources, this version reached #38 on the UK Charts. On Helen Shapiro’s 1963 UK Tour, the Beatles were the opening act.
Like all great art, this is both painful and beautiful.
I came across this odd video clip as a sidebar to the monthly e-mail from Rhino. Good ol’ EC at some mondo, Brit-looking festival in 2007, with the full complement of femme back-up, horns, multiple keybs, etc. all somewhat besmirching the hallowed "White Room", which may be the only great song he still plays, aside …
Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside – I Swear from Matthew Ross on Vimeo.
. Two versions of a Willie Dixon novelty tune form a study in contrast. In the first (1963 above), Wolf and his band are at their peak, with everyone knowing what to say and when. The lyrics may be forgettable, but the performance gleams. In the remake (1968 below), a haphazard assemblage of studio musicians …