#musicallysublime

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Desperate Lovers

This is the second vinyl in the mini Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Live 1975-85 box set.

The piano and the sound of the crowd begin side three. 'Backstreets' is the opening song coming from the July 7th, 1978 at the Roxy Theatre in California show; Actually, this whole side is solely from that show. I love this song and Bruce and the band delivers nearly eight minutes of perfection.

Laying here in the dark, you're like an angel on my chest Just another tramp of hearts crying tears of faithlessness Remember all the movies, Terry, we'd go see Trying to learn to walk like the heroes we thought we had to be And after all this time, to find we're just like all the rest Stranded in the park and forced to confess To hiding on the backstreets Hiding on the backstreets Where we swore forever friends On the backstreets until the end Hiding on the backstreets

'Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)' is next and this is one takes a turn to the far left. It's faster with a much more happier tempo. This song makes me want to dance with good people and just enjoy this amazing song and with ten minutes of pure talent, I know you'll be tapping your foot too. The musicianship on this song is mind-blowing. The love they have for these songs really shine through when songs like this are played.

Rosalita, jump a little higher Senorita, come sit by my fire I just want to be your lover, ain't no liar Rosalita, you're my stone desire

Last on this side is 'Raise Your Hand', a cover song done a la Springsteen. Originally written by Steve Cropper, Eddie Floyd, and Alvertis Isbell it was a song done regularly by the famous Janis Joplin. Bruce and the band take the song to a different level and play it so good. His interaction with the crowd and how he finishes the song is timeless.  

Side four begins with the roaring voice of the crowd singing "Everybody's got a hungry heart" and it definitely resonates with you. Bruce steps in after the crowd has opened it up for him. The song is filled with just the right amount of catchy-ness and the right amount of New Jersey grit that I love from him. It's funny, at least for me, how certain songs play at particular moments in my life and this is one of them. These lyrics seem to speak to me specifically. The saxophone played by the late Clarence Clemons ends the song wonderfully. This song was performed at the Nassau Coliseum in New York On December 28, 1980.

Everybody needs a place to rest Everybody wants to have a home Don't make no difference what nobody says Ain't nobody like to be alone

The next two songs come from the July 6th and 8th 1981 performed at the Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey. First is 'Two Hearts' (July 8th) if the title doesn't give it away, it's a love song and well, I'm a huge fan of love songs sung by him.

She knows (she knows) There'll always be a special place in my heart for her She knows, she knows, she knows Yeah, she knows (she knows) No matter how far apart we are She knows, I'm always right there beside her We're two hearts, believing in just one mind Beating together till the end of time You know we're two hearts believing in just one mind Together forever till the end of time

As soon as the music for 'Cadillac Ranch' (July 6th) begins to play, the crowd lets out a big roar and it sends chills through the air. A classic in his plethora of arsenal. You can't go wrong with a song like this; it hs just the right amount of blues and rock n roll influences to make this song what it is. Now add to it the pure genius of Clarence Clemons and you've got yourself a kick-ass song.

'You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)' is from the December 29, 1980 show at the Nassau Coliseum in New York. It's a fast and very cheeky song about not letting your desires get the best of you.

'Independence Day' comes once more from the recordings done on July 6th in New Jersey. Bruce lets it all come down with his way of writing lyrics. now mix his imagery with the solo of Clarence Clemons and this song is probably one of my favorite in the whole box set. The piano and organ work on this song mix perfectly well to bring you a hell of a song.  Take a listen to this song and really allow yourself to listen to his words, they are too beautiful to not give it a chance.

[musicallysublime-blog]

To Be Alone With You

So I've been wanting to pick up this album on vinyl since the first time I heard it. It's so good as far as new music goes. So I finally brought it home with me. Andrew Hozier-Byrne's (better known as Hozier) self-titled album is that special one that has made it into my collection.

Hozier was released in September of 2014; so I suppose it's not really "new" music so to speak but to me it is. I think the first time I listened to his album was about a year or so ago. Like I mentioned though the album is gold. His songwriting skills are beyond amazing and, his lyrics are simply poetry to my ears.

Side one begins with a song that has been heard on the radio a few times for sure. 'Take Me To Church' is such a chilling song to listen to. His voice is so angelic and masculine at the same time. This song has some sexual references and his voice delivers them with such perfection that it creates this sensual vibe. Aside from the lyrics being amazing, the music is equally as great and makes for a good song.

'Jackie And Wilson' is much more upbeat while still keeping some blues and rock and roll tunes. The rhythm of this song has a different tempo than 'Take Me Chruch' and he is really able to showcase that wonderfully. It's also a perfect way for side one to end.

Side two has one of my favorite songs on the whole album. 'To Be Alone' begins with guitars that simply melt into you, they are so good. Then Hozier's voice joins in only to give the song it's proper life. The guitars remind me of the infamous BB King.

But you don't know what hell you put me through To have someone kiss the skin that crawls from you To feel your weight in arms I'd never use It's the god that heroin prays to

Side three starts with a beautiful song that features the gentle sweet voice of Karen Cowley. 'In A Week' is so soft featuring gentle guitars that create for a beautifully sung story. Their voices together work wonders on the ears.

'Work Song' finishes side three and it is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in a long time. This song gives me chills it's that good. If you venture on to take a listen to this album do yourself a  favor, and listen to this song.  The lyrics especially speak to some personal experiences in my life and I think that's why this song moves me in the way it does.

Boys when my baby found me I was three days on a drunken sin I woke with her walls around me Nothin' in her room but an empty crib And I was burnin' up a fever I didn't care much how long I lived But I swear I thought I dreamed her She never asked me once about the wrong I did When my time comes around Lay me gently in the cold dark earth No grave can hold my body down I'll crawl home to her

We get to side four which holds four songs. 'It Will Come Back' is the second song on this side and this one is definitely much grittier than the rest. The guitars on this are infused with heavy bluesy vibes. This song reminds me of going into a bar a having a few drinks while this song plays.

The album ends with 'Cherry Wine' which is a live recording. Once again magic is done with the guitar that starts the song. I believe it's just him and his guitar on this song and it's a wonderful way to end the album.

[musicallysublime-blog]

Thank You For a Funky Time

24 of 25 Days of vinyl and once more I picked an album that was gifted to me for Christmas. Purple Rain, by Prince released in 1984 would mark his sixth studio release. I'll admit, other than the song I've heard on the radio I've never really listened to Prince before. So getting to add this to my collection was a treat.

The first song on the album is one I've heard many times before. 'Let's Go Crazy' begins my journey into his realm. I actually really like the song, it's catchy and this song had been pretty much my knowledge of Prince.

'The Beautiful Ones' was a big surprise for me. It's just over five minutes and a much slower tempo than the first song, but this one I played a few times. I love how Prince shows his vocal talents on this song.

The last song on side one is 'Darling Nikki,' which I've heard before but as a cover done by The Foo Fighters. I didn't know was a Prince song; so I was surprised when I heard it. While listening to the first side, I've realized that Prince has this magicalness to his voice. It oozes just the right emotions for each song. This song, in particular, his voice produces sexuality in a way that makes the song sound that much greater.

Side two starts again with a song I've heard through the radio. 'When Doves Cry' would be the first American number one single for Prince. His lyrics are written beautifully.

How can you just leave me standing? Alone in a world that's so cold (so cold) Maybe I'm just too demanding Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold Maybe you're just like my mother She's never satisfied (she's never satisfied) Why do we scream at each other? This is what it sounds like When doves cry

I'll end with the song 'Purple Rain' which I've never really heard in its entirety; it's always been in little snippets for me. So I must say that the song is amazing. Nearly nine minutes of his pure talent. The song welcomes you with the guitar followed by drums and immediately Prince's voice is there to greet you. The melody is slow and once again his lyrics are beautiful.

I never wanted to be your weekend lover I only wanted to be some kind of friend Baby, I could never steal you from another It's such a shame our friendship had to end

In all, of course, this album is amazing. I knew that Prince himself was a legend and this just cemented it for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire album.

[musicallysublime-blog]

Ride the bullet

In bringing an end to the 60s and 70s, I was having a hard time choosing an album to end it on. I had some thoughts but kept digging through my collection, trying to find that lucky album. I finally settled and was happy with the choice that I made.

Live Bullet, a live album by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band was the chosen one. Released in the mid-60s, I knew this would bring if full circle for me. I put on the album and immediately fell in love. The album was recorded at Cobo Hall in Detroit Michigan and the music produced is nothing short of amazing.

Side one brings the party to life! The sound of the crowd echoes out, as Bob gets ready to rock. The first song is 'Nutbush' a song by Tina Turner in which Bob rocks out to and the band does a great job alongside him. It's easy to say they do the song justice. 'Beautiful Loser' is also on this side and it's such a good song. Bob has some amazing writing skills and it's become one of my favorite because of it. The first verse and chorus are just poetry to my ears:

He wants to dream like a young man With the wisdom of an old man He wants his home and security He wants to live like a sailor at sea

Beautiful loser Where you gonna fall? When you realize You just can't have it all

The second side features a song originally done by Van Morrison titled 'I've Been Working', it’s a song full of rhythm and blues. I've listened to the original song and as much as I enjoy the original, there is no doubt in my mind that Bob and the band do a fantastic job covering it.  This side also has one of Bob's more well-known songs, 'Turn the Page' which talks about life on the road; the song has a slower tempo to it but it doesn't fail to deliver. This side ends with 'Bo Diddley' a cover song originally done in the 50s by Ellas McDaniels. The song is a little over 5 minutes and it finishes off with the sound of the crowd, who from the sounds of it are having a good time.

Side three is one of my favorites. If there is any chance that you might be curious about Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, I encourage you to listen to this side! It features three songs all together for about 18 minutes of great music. The interaction that Bob carries with the crowd is amazing. 'Ramblin Gamblin Man' starts this side off and really sets the vibe. Next is 'Heavy Music' in which he lets the crowd know that he is indeed recording the set and in turn, the crowd goes crazy. It is during this song that he gets the crowd to sing with him and the band. This song leads into 'Katmandu', which if you haven't heard before, please do me a favor and listen to it. The way all three songs are done, it allows the listener to enjoy it all the more. The songs are full of rock and roll goodness. There is no way that if you listen to them you won't be moving your body to the music.

Side four is equally as great and features some more incredible musicianship. The song 'Get Out of Denver' features a bone-chilling guitar solo followed by a piano solo both done exceptionally well. The song is fast and a perfect transition into the last song, appropriately titled 'Let it Rock' originally done by Chuck Berry; and features a wonderful sax solo. Once more Bob's engagement with the crowd ends the album beautifully.

The album as a whole is in my top 20 to listen to. It's good fast rock and roll, which I love it and I highly recommend it. While writing this I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and she has been to every Bob Seger show in California since she was in her early 20s. She mentioned he is more amazing live, and that this album is just a snippet of what to expect. Bob recently announced this year that he and the Silver Bullet Band would be doing a final tour and has released dates and tickets. I am hoping to catch him when he makes his way to California early next year, this is one silver bullet I don't want to miss.

[musicallysublime-blog]

For the Losers

My first Sundays of the month have been pretty consistent for the past eight months or so. By that, I mean that I visit the Pasadena City College swap meet. I actually wrote a post about it and you can check it out here. So this past week, my Sunday was no different. My visit last month was a bit disappointing, the weather was not cooperating and in turn, the turnout of vendors was quite low. This weekend was scheduled to have some rain and when I woke up in the morning and realized it wasn't raining I was optimistic that it would stay that way.

When I got there I was happy to see nearly double the turnout from last month. I was especially happy to see my favorite vendor back. The past couple of times he hadn't been there and it was unfortunate for me because I loved digging through the boxes that he brought. He always brings about  30 or so boxes and yes, I go through every single one of them. What's even better is that they are all priced at $2. I always leave with more than a handful of vinyl form him and he's always very nice. I knew that was going to be first stop and I immediately began to dig. I was just about eight boxes in when I found it!! Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Damned the Torpedoes. For about two months now, I've been trying to find  (a reasonably priced)  album of his to bring home and here it was.

Now, I'm definitely one who believes in things "were meant to happen" and this was one of those moments for me. I quickly picked the album up and took the vinyl out to make sure the condition was playable. It was, no starches or warping. A score for me! The cover and sleeve were in rough condition but other than that it was perfect. I quickly added it to my stack and kept digging.

I left that day with some pretty great find, but Damn the Torpedos was by far the best. It was released on October 20, 1979, and would mark the third album for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

Side one begins with the infamous 'Refugee'. It would strike me a bit odd if you haven't heard this song before, only because it's been playing on the radio since it's release. One of his most famous song and I can't really say one bad thing about it. A must listen, even if his music is not your favorite, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are true legends and you'd be doing yourself a disservice.

'Here Comes My Girl' is next and this is in my top five Tom Petty songs. I love every single word he sings in it. This song gives me hope in that someday I can find someone that will feel about me the way he sings about the girl in this song. I'm a hopeless romantic and this song only adds to that.

But when she puts her arms around me I can somehow rise above it Yeah, man when I got that little girl standin' right by my side You know, I can tell the whole wide world to, shove it, hey Here comes my girl Here comes my girl Yeah, and she looks so right She is all I need tonight

Song number three, 'Even the Losers' is a classic Petty song. His lyrics on this song have the ability to speak to anyone, in my opinion. I love the beat of this song, it just the right amount of catchy without losing the ability to connect with it.

Baby, time meant nothing, anything seemed real Yeah, you could kiss like fire and you made me feel Like every word you said was meant to be No, it couldn't have been that easy to forget about me Baby, even the losers Get lucky sometimes Even the losers Keep a little bit of pride They get lucky sometimes

'Shadow of a Doubt (A Complex Kid)' follows and it's one of my favorite on the entire album. He paints a beautiful picture of that girl leaving him wanting more of what she's got.  This side ends with 'Century City' in which he pays a nod to the legal woes with the record company whilst the recording of this album was going on. 

'Don't Do Me Like That' starts side two and what a song.  The beginning lyrics couldn't have been more of what I had been through and for that, I love this song even more.

I was talking with a friend of mine Said a woman had hurt his pride Told him that she loved him so And turned around and let him go Then he said, you better watch your step Or your gonna get hurt yourself Someone's gonna tell you lies Cut you down to size

'You Tell Me' is next and this one's tempo is a bit more mellow than the first. I love the way the guitars on this song sound along with the piano it is a perfectly done song.

"What Are you Doin' in My Life?' is faster and has more piano which I enjoy. The album ends with 'Louisiana Rain' and coming in at nearly six minutes, it's the longest song on the album. It's a wonderful song to end on with some amazing harmonica sounds that pull the bring everything together. I’m beyond happy to finally have a piece of his music added to my collection and I couldn’t have picked a better album or a better way of how I got it. I also read a fantastic article that I feel sums up wonderfully the entirety of this album and I encourage you to check it out here if you’d like.

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Monday Monday

I had originally intended to write about a record shop in my city that I’ve been wanting to visit. However the weather has been crazy and raining super hard, so I decided to postpone the shopping trip. Since that was the plan, I had no idea what album to write about. I looked at my collection and started to go through the albums. I pulled out Fleetwood Mac’s Live album that I had brought home about two months ago. I remember playing it initially, but it’s been tucked away ever since.

The album was released in 1980 and it was recorded throughout their Tusk album tour and their Rumors tour, as well as a few recordings were done in Paris and a few done at a private show in Santa Monica, Ca. The first song on side one is ‘Monday Morning’ and it seemed perfect since I am starting this writeup on a Monday. It’s a classic song, that I’ve heard many times on the radio. The song begins with the sound of the live crowd and an intro of the band and then the song begins. What more could I have asked for on a very very rainy Monday. Next is ‘Say You Love Me’ and it’s a song that when I hear it makes me smile. It’s a feel-good song for me. ‘Dreams’ is such an amazing song. Written by Stevie Nicks, she has a way with words and her material is endless. Listening to this song hit me particularly hard considering my personal life at the moment and that’s what I love about her way with words. It will always remain a classic in my book. ‘Oh Well’ which begins with some rock and roll guitars. The song was written by Peter Green and is infused with a blues melody. ‘Over and Over’ written by Christine McVie finishes side one. 

Side two begins with one of my all time favorite songs of theirs. ‘Sara’, I could listen to this song over and over again and never get tired of it. It’s so beautiful and Stevie’s voice is legendary. The song comes from their Tusk album and the song was written by Stevie. Even live, the band doesn’t seem to take any misses and the song is wonderfully done. I actually listened to this song while writing this about ten times, it’s that good. My favorite part of the song is below and Stevie is a genius with these lyrics. 

In the sea of love Where everyone would love to drown But now it's gone They say it doesn't matter anymore When you build your house Then please call me home

The next song is ‘Not That Funny’ and has a punk rock feel to it. Written by Lindsey Buckingham, the vocals are also done by him on the album. The song is the longest on the entire album at just over nine minutes. It’s has good rock and roll feels to it as well, showcasing some very good guitar playing. The next song is ‘Never Going Back Again’ and once more Lindsey is able to put his talents on display. Side two ends with another classic, ‘Landslide’. Stevie once again graces our ears with her soft melodic voice. 

Side three starts with ‘Fireflies’, to me this song is what reminds of their signature sound. ‘Over My Head’ follows and this is one of Christine masterpieces. Christine provides the main vocals on this song and shows that she too has an abundance of talent. The next song is ‘Rhiannon’. I don’t really know what I can say about this song except that it’s an amazing song. The melody is iconic to who Fleetwood Mac is. The song was written by Stevie once again, and she has a way of creating these songs that seem to last the test of time because even now, this song is one of their best. ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ and ‘One More Night’ finish up this side. 

Lastly, side four begins with ‘Go Your Own Way’ a pure classic. The band as whole really show their musicianship on this song; and at almost six minutes, they rock on good. ‘Dont’ Stop’ is up next and was written by Christine. Once again, this song is iconic when it comes to who Fleetwood Mac is. ‘I’m So Afraid’ is so good. It has a some of that blues jazz sounds that Lindsey sings perfectly to. The guitars on this are also something to really take a listen to, it’s simple yet oh so good. If there was one song on the entire song to pick and listen to I would say it would be this one; take a listen I promise you it’s worth it. To finish off the album, they cover a song by the Beach Boys, ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’. It’s done in the only way they know how to which is in Fleetwood Mac style. 

[musicallysublime-blog]

Mary Jane

Hello, I hope the holidays treated everyone well. To quote Elton John, ‘The Bitch is Back!’ I wasn’t quite sure how long I wanted to wait until I got back into the groove of things but today seemed like a perfect day. So once again if you’re new to my blog, I will (try) post every Tuesdays and Fridays so tune in for that. For those who are not new, thanks for still sticking by and taking to the time to read my rambles. With all the logistics out of the way, let’s get this post going.

So it’s been an interesting week in my life and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, to be honest. So today I really took time to focus on myself. This morning I was listening to a playlist on my phone (yes I know not vinyl, please don’t kill me lol) but Tom Petty came on. Now, I have a big love for Tom and his music, and I stopped what I was doing to just sit and really listen to his song; the song that came on was ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’.

It was after the song that I wanted to visit a record store; it’s like my body wanted to take me to a happy place. I actually wanted to buy a Tom Petty album. I don’t have any of his music in my collection and I’m desperately missing it. So I figured I’d make my way to a shop after I visited my chiropractor. I was lucky and there was one about two miles from where I was.

I walked to the record shop, Soundsensation is the name of the place located in the city of Los Angeles. As I walked toward the building, I could see music posters up on their windows and as soon as I spotted a Jerry Garcia one I knew it was going to be a good one. I walked in and quickly began to look for the P section; you know for Tom Petty. They had everything alphabetized which was nice and soon I found myself looking at Tom’s albums. I saw one that I was interested but decided to keep looking. I looked through pretty much all there Rock alphabetized section and if I hadn’t a trip coming up next month, I would have easily spent a good deal of money there. I also noticed they had a big dollar section which I didn’t even get a chance to look at. I was in there for about an hour and a half and felt like I only looked at about half of what the store carried.

I came home with three albums and one 45. One of the albums is actually for my nine-year-old son, who has taken an interest in vinyl as well. I have set him up with a small record player, and he has started his own little collection. I came home feeling much better and although I didn’t end up getting any Tom Petty I have a feeling I’ll be going back to Soundsensation and perhaps then Tom will come with me.

So this is the small set up I made for my kiddo. 

After I looked through the Tom Petty section, I had to make my way to the Grateful Dead section!!

The ones that came home with me.

[musicallysublime-blog]

It Is The End

This last week has really tested me in more ways than I’d like to admit, so while thinking about what album to write about, Mudvayne popped into my head. Considering my life’s circumstances at the moment, one of their songs, in particular, came to mind. ‘World So Cold’ is that song off of their second album The End Of All Things To Come. 

It was then that I remembered I had a 10′ vinyl of theirs in my collection. So naturally, I began to dig and was happy when I found it. It had been over ten years since I’ve played it and just as long since I’ve heard these songs. I still remember being a freshman in high school and listening to them endlessly. The vinyl brought back happy memories of when things seemed much more simpler. Alas life has taken over and this 10′ single has been tucked away, only to reemerge at the perfect time; that’s now by the way! 

This is a 10′ vinyl that features ‘Not Falling’ on side one and ‘Prod’ which is a live recording on side two. Side one holds the single off of their second album, The End Of All Things To Come which was released in 2002. Like I mentioned, in the beginning, it had been quite some time since I’ve listened to these particular songs and once I put the record on, I knew instantly it was meant to be. ‘Not Falling’ begins with a sound that was ever so prominent in my teenage years. The drums are heavy and fast, I love the bass sound on this song, the guitars equally match the intensity yet smooth melody of the song. Vocalist Chad Gray ties it all together. The lyrics seem to speak directly to me (once more this is no coincidence that I pick this album and that this particular song plays because the lyrics seem to describe perfectly my feelings this past week). I love playing heavy intense music like this on vinyl, the sound of it is simply priceless. 

Goodbye, sunshine, I've put it out again, sad I'm over, personalities, conflicting, I don't need you, or anyone, but me, I'll just be, living my own life, I feel my glowing center grow, infecting I feel alive, Shovel dirt over lime, Plant it in myself to sit like a seed under covers of earth and just be Sinners, pointing fingers at me

Side two features a live recording of ‘Prod’ which comes off of their first album L.D. 50 (this album takes a nod to Terrence McKenna a noted psychonaut). The recording was taken from their live show at The Madison Theater in Peoria, Illinois (where the band is actually from) on June 14, 2001. Once more this song is delivered perfectly by the band. This record has re-sparked my appetite for their unique sound and amazing lyrical imagery. To put it simply, this band is that damn good.