Weekend Music Twofer

 

We're staying in the avian family, so to speak, with our weekend music choices.  Minneapolis' great alt band The Jayhawks have a new album, "Sanctuary Park," coming out on August 28, and have released this single, "Keeping Our Heads Above Water."  The song exhibits The Jayhawks' beautiful 3-part harmonies and instrumental interplay, and is part of what the band's vision for the album is about: a "place where distant memories re-emerge, childhood friends from years prior start speaking again, and teenage lovers start lives that their older selves are determined to renew."

Sixty-one years ago today, The Byrds reached #1 on the charts for the first time with their cover of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man."  But rather than play that iconic classic again, we're flipping to the "B" side of the single, Gene Clark's gorgeous "I Knew I'd Want You."  Clark's vocal, the classic Byrds harmonies, as well as the subtle chord changes and subdued 12-string guitar work (Roger McGuinn was the only Byrd to play on the song) make this one of our favorite Gene Clark early compositions.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music Going Back Threefer

 

We're going with the top three songs on the rock charts from this time 60 years ago (July 1965), which happens to be the best year in rock and roll history (no arguments, please).  We were enjoying summer vacation in the Midwest and listening to The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" (#1), The Four Tops "I Can't Help Myself" (#2), and The Byrds' "Mr. Tambourine Man" (#3) on the radio.  Timeless artists, timeless songs, great variety of musical genres.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music -- More Back Pages

 

Indulge us as we continue to visit the blog's "Weekend Music/ Song" attic to relive some musical joys from years past -- some well known, others not -- that we liked then and now.

Last week, the theme was female artists.  Today, we're going to go with a random, eclectic collection of groups, with the date and the link to when it originally appeared in Hackwhackers.  Hope you enjoy.

The Byrds (2014)

Silversun Pickups (2018)

Big Star (2016)

OK Go (2018) 

The Jayhawks (2017)

The Rolling Stones (2021)

Weekend Music Twofer

 

Today is the 56th anniversary of the release of The Byrds' seminal album, "Sweetheart of the Rodeo," judged by most as the first album in the country rock genre, but a radical departure from the music of their previous five albums.  That departure was largely engineered by new band hire Gram Parsons (with encouragement from bassist Chris Hillman), who convinced leader Roger McGuinn to reshape their music into a country- oriented style.  We're taking a song co- written and sung by Parsons, "Hickory Wind," as an example of the new style, which was a trailblazer for subsequent artists like The Eagles.  Parsons left the band weeks before the album's release, and the group reverted back to a less country- flavored style of music.

Also, a group of artists are releasing a tribute and benefit album in September, "Silver Patron Saints," for musician/ songwriter Jesse Malin (D Generation, Heart Attack), who suffered a spinal stroke last year (pre-order here).  Among the contributing artists are Billie Joe Armstrong, Ian Hunter, Bleachers, Rancid, Steven Van Zandt, and Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams.  Bruce Springsteen's contribution is Malin's "She Don't Love Me Now," which has a country/ blues feel with which the 1968 Byrds would have felt comfortable.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music Passages Twofer

 

Today marks the 83rd birthday of the great Bob Dylan.  When people talk about the "soundtrack of a generation," Dylan's music could easily fill up the playlist (if you're of a certain age, of course).  Out of the scores of songs of his that we could play, we're randomly choosing an early one that still resonates today, "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall."  

Today also marks the day in 1991 when singer/ songwriter/ musician Gene Clark passed away at the age of 49. Clark was a founding member of The Byrds, a band that looked to Dylan for songs and inspiration.  But Clark was a master songwriter on his own, creating such gems as "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better,""She Don't Care About Time," and his masterpiece solo album, "No Other."  He also was the main writer on The Byrds' "Eight Miles High," a live, acoustic, late- life gorgeous version of which is our second song today.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music

 

Allow us to indulge ourselves a little as we salute the late singer/ songwriter Gene Clark, who would've turned 79 today (tragically, he died in 1991 at the ridiculously young age of 46).  A founding member of The Byrds, Clark provided much of the songwriting clout for the group early on, then pursued a career pairing with various other artists as well as going solo.  (His acclaimed solo album "No Other" was commercially unsuccessful, though years later members of Beach House, Fleet Foxes, The Walkman and others thought so highly of it that they performed the album in its entirety in a number of concerts.)  His songs for The Byrds, combined with their Dylan covers, really created the folk rock movement in the mid-60s, from which so many artists and groups that followed took inspiration.

We loved the guy, so we're featuring his lead vocals on some of our favorite compositions of his from his Byrds days.  "For Me Again" appeared on the "Preflyte" album, essentially a collection of demos that were cut before The Byrds were The Byrds.  The melancholy "Here Without You," from the 1965 "Mr. Tambourine Man" album, is one of the earliest of Clark's songs recorded by The Byrds, with only Clark and David Crosby doing the vocal harmonies.  Going uptempo, also from that album, is "I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better," a song covered by Tom Petty and many others over time.  Finally, from the B side of the "Turn! Turn! Turn!" single, "She Don't Care About Time," with that Bach- inspired guitar break.  Clark was only 19 when he composed it.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music -- R.I.P. David Crosby

 

Well, this certainly wasn't what we planned to post as our music today, but we thought the passing of David Crosby merited a change. 

It's ironic that the man who brought such angelic harmonies to the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash (and Young) was, by his own admission, a difficult bandmate -- "a difficult cat," -- but boy, could he sing, and play, and write.  The tributes all reflect his importance to the music of his era and to his talent -- here, here from Byrd Chris Hillman, here from Graham Nash, here from Neil Young, here from Steven Stills, and here from Grace Slick, among others.

We could feature dozens of songs from his solo albums and from those with the Byrds and with his other collaborations.  We strongly encourage you to review that legacy.  Since his music with Crosby, Stills, Nash (and Young) is best known, we're going to post some that you probably haven't heard much, if at all: 

-- from the Byrds' "Fifth Dimension" album (1966), Crosby's "What's Happening?!?!," where his clear tenor voice and rhythm guitar stand out;

-- the rollicking Byrds single "Lady Friend" (1967), a "lost hit" written by Crosby, whose voice can be heard at the beginning complaining about having to sing when he could barely talk (Crosby later criticized the final mix, replaced backing vocals from Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman with his own, and was soon fired from the band -- difficult cat!);  and

-- from his acclaimed final studio album "For Free" (2021), "I Won't Stay For Long," which showcases his still- fluid voice as he approached the end of his life.

I'm standing on the porch
Like it's the edge of a cliff
Beyond the grass and gravel lies a certain abyss
And I don't think I will try it today
I'm facing a squall like of a thousand-year storm
I don't know if I'm dying or about to be born
But I'd like to be with you today
Yes, I'd like to be with you today

Weekend Music

 

This seems to be our week for boomer music.  Sorry not sorry. 

This month marked the 56th anniversary of two major album releases:  The Rolling Stones' "December's Children (And Everybody's)" on December 4, and The Byrds' "Turn! Turn! Turn!" on December 6.  Since we like to occasionally "deep dive" an album, here's "Gotta Get Away" from the former and Gene Clark's "Set You Free This Time" from the latter.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music

 

Born on this day in 1946, influential songwriter and musician Gram Parsons is credited with being one of the founders of the country rock/ alt country/ Americana genres.  His short tenure with The Byrds and somewhat longer one as a founder of The Flying Burrito Brothers, as well as his collaborations with Emmylou Harris, provided a tantalizing picture of what might have been had he not died tragically at the age of 26 from a drug and alcohol overdose.  Our song today, "Hickory Wind," was a Parsons/ Bob Buchanan composition that appeared on The Byrds' landmark "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" album in 1968. Friend and fellow Byrd/ Burrito Brother Chris Hillman said it was Parsons' "signature song;"  it features Parsons' vocals and Lloyd Green playing a Sho-Bud double 10 pedal steel guitar.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Retro Music Twofer

First, happy birthday to a founding member of The Byrds/ Flying Burrito Brothers/ Manassas/ Desert Rose Band, bassist Chris Hillman, who turns 76 (!) today. He co- wrote "So You Want To Be A Rock 'n' Roll Star" with Roger McGuinn in late 1966, supposedly as a swipe at manufactured rock groups like the Monkees.  It was included in the 1967 album "Younger Than Yesterday," features South African trumpet player Hugh Masekela, and has been covered by a host of musicians (including great ones by Patti Smith and Tom Petty).

We also want to feature a somewhat hidden gem from The Beatles, "I'll Be On My Way," a Lennon/ McCartney song that they gave to fellow Liverpudlians Billy J. Kramer with the Dakotas, who released it in 1963. This is the only recording The Beatles made of it -- a tight, live version at the BBC in June 1963.  It's been remarked how it demonstrates the influence Buddy Holly had on the group, and it would be hard to argue with that after hearing it.  Hope you enjoy.

 

  

 

Weekend Music

Former Byrds, CSN and CSNY founder David Crosby is 79 today.  Given his life history and fragile current circumstances, we try to note that remarkable occasion every year with a song or two from his catalogue.  We've featured both of today's songs in the past simply because we grew up with them and, of course, we like them.  The first, "What's Happening," from the "Fifth Dimension" album (1966), is one of the first compositions Crosby made for the Byrds catalog (his vocals nicely complemented by Roger McGuinn's 12- string Rickenbacker riffing and majestic coda).  Sometimes considered the "great lost Byrds hit," the second is  1967's "Lady Friend," the only Crosby composition to appear as an A-side Byrds single.  It likely would have appeared on the Byrds' "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" album (1968) but for bad vibes from the recording session, its disappointing sales and the fact that by then Crosby had been fired from the group.  (If you listen closely, Crosby says "Can't even talk, how can I sing" as the tape starts to roll.)  Happy birthday, Croz!  Hang in there.

Weekend Music Twofer

Texas trio Khruangbin and fellow Texan/ soul singer/ songwriter Leon Bridges collaborated on an EP, "Texas Sun," which will be out in February 2020.  We're highlighting the catchy title track from that EP.

We're also offering a belated happy 75th birthday to original Byrd, bassist Chris Hillman, whose birthday was December 4.  Here's an early composition by Hillman, "Have You Seen Her Face," from The Byrds' "Younger Than Yesterday" album.  The Allmusic guide considers it one of The Byrds' greatest songs, and we won't argue with that. Hope you enjoy the twofer.

Weekend Music

Allow us to indulge ourselves a little as we salute the late singer/ songwriter Gene Clark, who would've turned 75 on Sunday.  A founding member of The Byrds, Clark provided much of the songwriting clout for the group early on, then pursued a career pairing with various other artists as well as going solo.  (His acclaimed solo album "No Other" was commercially unsuccessful, though years later members of Beach House, Fleet Foxes, The Walkman and others thought so highly of it that they performed the album in its entirety in a number of concerts.)  Clark died at the age of 46 from natural causes stemming from a bleeding ulcer.

We're featuring three of his songs (and vocals) today, from his time with The Byrds: "Here Without You," from the "Mr. Tambourine Man" album, "She Don't Care About Time," the B- side to the "Turn! Turn! Turn!" single (with a Bach- inspired guitar solo by Roger McGuinn), and "Set You Free This Time," from the "Turn! Turn! Turn!" album.  Keep in mind Clark wrote these songs in his late teens (19 when he wrote "She Don't Care About Time") and early 20's.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music Twofer

After a too- long hiatus, indie band Wilco is releasing a new album, "Ode To Joy,"  in October.  It's first single, "Love Is Everywhere (Beware)", is just a beautiful Jeff Tweedy song, almost worth the wait.

It seems this is the year of folk- rock documentaries.  In May, we had "Echo In The Canyon," a look at the L.A. music scene centered around Laurel Canyon in the 60's.  Now, "David Crosby: Remember My Name" is in theaters, and we were inspired to go back to one of his songs featured in "Echo..." from his days with The Byrds, "What's Happening?"  It features some signature Byrds guitar euphoria and Crosby's great honey tenor.  Hope you enjoy.

Weekend Music Tribute

We recently saw "Echo in the Canyon," (a look at the musical scene centered around the Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles in the mid= '60s) and were going to feature a few of its songs today. Given the events of the week along the border, we scrapped some of the songs in favor of one that's briefly covered in the movie, one that we've featured here in the past.  It's lyrics are by Welsh poet Idiris Davies and it's music is by Pete Seeger. "The Bells of Rhymney" is about a Welsh mine disaster, ticking off the names of towns whose bells are ringing for the victims.

In our inadequate way, we'd like to offer this song, in all its ethereal beauty, in tribute to the memories of Oscar Ramirez and his daughter Valeria, as well as to all the other victims of the Trump regime's cruel immigration policy.

Weekend Horses Songs

With the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby tomorrow, why not feature some appropriate songs referring to our equine friends? Don't say neigh; enjoy the ride.

Weekend Music

On January 15 fifty-one years ago, The Byrds released their "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" album, which is now consistently ranked in the top tier of greatest rock albums of all time.  Perhaps the most familiar song from that album memorably appeared in the movie Easy Rider in 1969, "Wasn't Born To Follow." It serves as our musical tribute to the new Democratic House members who, unlike the previous Republican majority, weren't born...  to follow Trump.

Weekend Music

Fifty- five years ago yesterday, November 22, 1963. Dallas, Texas. And we were never quite the same country again.

Mid-Week Sweetheart Music

On August 30, 50 years ago, The Byrds released the landmark "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" album to decidedly mixed reviews. Now considered to be the genesis of the country rock movement (think Eagles, Poco, Flying Burrito Brothers, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc.), "Sweetheart" is ranked 117 on Rolling Stone's best albums of all time.  Giving up the jangly 12- string Rickenbacker guitar sound for a pedal steel guitar was a major departure for the band, heavily influenced by short- time band member Gram Parsons (they kept the gorgeous harmonies The Byrds are known for, though). These days, original members Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman are teaming up with Marty Stuart on a limited tour to celebrate the album's anniversary. Here are two cuts from "Sweetheart," Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere," and Parsons' "Hickory Wind," with session man Lloyd Green on pedal steel guitar. Hope you enjoy. (P.S. - the album title and cover are all- time greats, too, IMO.)

Weekend Music Twofer

Fifty years ago, January and February 1967, there was such a rush of creative, classic rock music being created and released that it's a bit mind boggling to look back.  For example,

-- on January 4, The Doors self- titled debut album was released;
-- on January 20, The Rolling Stones' "Between the Buttons" album was released;
-- on January 23, debut albums by Laura Nyro, The Youngbloods and The Stone Poneys (Linda Ronstadt's band) were released;
-- on February 1, Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow" was released;
-- on February 6, The Byrds' "Younger Than Yesterday" was released;
-- on February 13, The Beatles released their single "Penny Lane/ Strawberry Fields Forever";
-- on February 14, Aretha Franklin recorded "Respect"; and
-- in February, The Mamas and The Papas released their "Deliver" album.

We're going to feature two songs from this stunning array of rock genius that we hope you'll enjoy (and thanks for indulging our nostalgia), "Look Through My Window," and "Renaissance Fair."