I was in Dallas on a business trip a couple of months ago and on my way back to the airport to return my rental car I decided to flip on the radio to try and find some music representative of the great state of Texas.  I thought I’d find some local blues, Texas swing, maybe a little Tejano, but no…  station after station I heard a mishmash of the hits of today.  I kept hitting the seek button and finally came across something that caught my ear-  a song that sounded like an old classic but fresh and new at the same time.  However, after listening to it I got to thinking…  whatever happened to the good old days of corporate radio?

The song in question was “Rock and Roll Honky Tonk Ramblin’ Man” from Bruce Robison & the Back Porch Band, a countryesque ditty with a fun lyric and lazy cool vibe.  Oddly enough, my mind immediately flashed back to my younger radio listening days where the local top 40 station had an eclectic mix of songs from various genres-  everything from new wave (Gary Numan), country (Eddie Rabbit), disco (KC and the Sunshine Band), rock (Paul McCartney and Wings), R&B (Earth, Wind, & Fire) and on and on.  My first thought was…  how is this cool little song going to be heard by the general public when corporate radio playlists are so tight and follow the same formula?  There is no big production here; no big guitars, no click track, and no autotune but plenty of soul and a lot of feel.

Yeah, yeah, I’m sure some of you are saying…  you STILL listen to the radio?  Not really, and that’s part of the point-  I’ve given up on radio BECAUSE of the formula and tight playlists.  Too much of the same and not enough different and unfortunately, that is not going to change ever since regulations were relaxed in the 80s and even more so when President Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act in 1996.  This latter act removed restrictions on how many stations a company could own nationwide as well as in a single local market, essentially allowing larger companies with the most money to buy up as many stations as they pleased.  Unfortunately, this has led to a handful of large corporations controlling the bulk of the media outlets-  in my radio example, Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) went from a little over 40+ stations before the Telecommunications Act to as much as 1200+ in early 2000 (it now owns roughly 900+ stations).  In second place is Cumulus Media, which owns approximately 450 stations (a paltry number in comparison).  The remaining 30%(!) of stations are owned by multiple companies, of which only one owns more than 300.

As someone who loves (loved?) the industry and was a brief part of it in the late 80s (did a summer internship with Jacor Communications), I realize that “money talks” and the likelihood of change is slim to none.  Radio was an important gateway to my love of music but the depth and breadth of station playlists are a thing of the past.  Fortunately the internet has essentially saved the day for me and my fellow music nerds, but radio obviously still plays a huge part in breaking new artists to the general public.  Unfortunately, you’ll likely never hear an eclectic mix of artists like Blackberry Smoke, The Roots, Clutch, Rival Sons, Bruce Robison, Gary Clark Jr, Vintage Trouble, or Maggie Koerner on any ONE corporate owned radio station and RARELY on ANY corporate owned station.  While the independent radio stations are fantastic with what they do, they don’t have enough pull (nor the $$$) in the media world to give these artists their just due.  And that makes me shake my damn head…

I don’t know what to say…  words cannot express my utter shock and sadness around the death of the great Chris Cornell, but when someone this young dies unexpectedly and they are ONLY a couple of years older than you it’s often a time for reflection- especially when they have an impact on your life, however small that may be.  All I can really say is…  THANK YOU for the music you created.  Your voice and songwriting skills had a major impact on me and you will be greatly missed.  My condolences to friends, family, band mates, and fellow fans.

Thought I’d change things up with the Shuffle musings-  this time I’m going to offer up a few words on the first ten artists instead of the individual songs, plus give my top three songs well worth your money to download.

Y&T

California’s Y&T are a fine hard rock band that really have never been given their just due.  Fronted by lead singer/lead guitarist Dave Meniketti, the band started out as Yesterday & Today in the mid 70s and eventually shortened it to Y&T come the early 80s and gaining a modicum of success in the intervening years.  If you dig riffy hard rock a la Montrose, Riot, Sammy Hagar, and early KISS this is up your alley, plus also likely had some influence on the 80s hair metal scene.

Choice cuts:  “Black Tiger”, “Mean Streak”, “Summertime Girls”

Metallica

What can you say about Metallica?  I’ve been a fan since Master Of Puppets so I certainly lean more old school, although there is still a lot of goodness in their post Black Album period.   That said, my preferences lean heavily on the first four LPs (plus EPs) where the band made their mark on the thrash metal world before becoming (arguably) the reigning kings of the metal genre and (possibly) the band that has influenced heavy music moreso than any artist in history.

Choice cuts:  “Master Of Puppets”, “Creeping Death”, “Seek And Destroy”

Duane Allman

Duane Allman packed quite a punch in his short life, making his mark not only with the Allman Brothers but as a session musician for the likes of Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, and most notably Derek & The Dominoes (you know… with that Eric Clapton cat).  One of those artists where you think “what could have been?” if he had lived, especially with the Allmans becoming such a formidable live band during this period.  His prodigious talents were just starting to blossom.

Choice cuts (choosing solo, session, and Allmans):  “Happily Married Man”, “Layla”, “One Way Out”

The Who

For those dear readers of this blog, you’ve likely seen my “Favorite” band list where The Who ranks #3.  I could talk all day regarding my love for the band, personal influence on me, songwriting talents, and extraordinary musicianship but go read that blog for a good taste.  Fave period of the band of course is the early days up until Keith Moon’s death in 1978, although I do have some love for the early 80s material and their fairly recent Endless Wire disc.  Down to Pete and Rog now, they are still a favorite.

Choice cuts:  “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, “My Generation”, “Who Are You”

The Kinks

My all time favorite list of bands stopped at #5 but The Kinks would certainly be in my top ten.  My favorite period is the late 70s through early 80s, where the band dropped the concept album and became some serious arena rock players, led formidably by Dave Davies’ raunchy guitar riffing and brother Ray Davies’ charismatic stage presence.  And those songs!  Sure, their early years had all of the hits but they really came into their own in the US as they were out to show the punks and hard rockers who was boss.  The “One For The Road” live album is fantastic.

Choice cuts (go with the “One For The Road” versions):  “You Really Got Me”, “All Day And All Of The Night”, “Superman”

Foghat

Boogie!  Talk about a staple of classic rock radio, Foghat had a number of guitar driven rock cuts that slayed back in the day and are still readily heard today.  Led by the great vocals from “Lonesome” Dave Peverett, the band came to fruition in the early 70s behind a solid rhythm section and some fab slide work from guitarist Rod Price, releasing a number of fine studio albums and an excellent live album.  The band still tours today with original drummer Roger Earl and early period bassist Craig McGregor.

Choice cuts:  “Slow Ride”, “Fool For The City”, “Drivin’ Wheel”

Pink Floyd

Interestingly enough, I’ve become more of a Pink Floyd fan in my later years than when I first heard them as a wee lad.  Most likely this is due to their prevalence on the radio during those years, first hearing the hits from The Wall and the omnipresent Dark Side Of The Moon before I really gave the band justice in my late twenties/early thirties.  My preference certainly leans to their early to mid 70s spacier side although I do like the Dave Gilmour led version of the band as well.

Choice Cuts:  “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, “One Of These Days”, “Comfortably Numb”

Testament

People talk about “The Big Four” of thrash and rightly so, but the band that is still releasing product that is better than that lot these days is the mighty Testament.  The Bay Area bashers are still going strong and releasing some outstanding material and the band as a whole is arguably better than ever-  I’ve seen them twice over the past couple of years and this new lineup is incredible.  Hoglan and DiGiorgio are as ridiculously talented as the guitar tag team of Peterson/Skolnick, and Chuck Billy?  The greatest thrash vocalist EVER, bar none.

Choice cuts:  “Disciples Of The Watch”, “Into The Pit”, “Over The Wall”

Sacred Reich

Loading up on thrash bands in this post!  I miss these guys…  sure, they are still doing the occasional tour but they are not releasing any new material.  Which is a damn shame as this band’s mix of Sabbatherian swing, punk roots, and excellent lyrics (often with a political bent) were unique for the genre.  Their five albums, while all heavy, are all slightly different-  everything from muscular punk thrashiness to hefty swinging metal to mountain moving sludgy riffiness (how about those descriptions?)

Choice cuts:  “The American Way”, “Surf Nicaragua”, “Love… Hate”

Nevermore

Metal in the early to mid 90s was pretty much a dirty word-  grunge was king and many of the 80s bands changed their style to match, died an untimely death, or went into hiding.  Finding fresh new sounds was tough, but fortunately I latched onto Nevermore.  Oddly enough, the band formed in Seattle in the early 90s and leaned in a much heavier and atmospheric direction than their counterparts in the area. Featuring the incredible guitar work of Jeff Loomis and the sinister vocal stylings and roar from Warrel Dane, the band has released a number of heavy albums but are currently on hiatus.

Choice cuts:  “Seven Tongues Of God”, “Dreaming Neon Black”, “Born”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-p_sQX2ey0

Picture this…  let’s say we’re hanging at a bar on a Friday night after a long day’s work.  It’s still a little early and that night’s cover band is busy setting up their equipment for the evening entertainment, so you throw a dollar my way and say “fill up the jukebox!”.  So I grab the dollar, saunter over to the machine, and immediately look for something a bit funky…  a bit uptempo… and with a bit of a groove.  Something very much like…  Stevie Ray Vaughan’s, “Couldn’t Stand The Weather”.

Truer words have never been spoken although I’m one of the dudes in the band slipping coinage in the jukebox while I waited for the rest of the guys to set up 🙂  And yes, something like “Couldn’t Stand The Weather” was a prime choice to “get up and go” due to the intense groove and downright choppy funkiness on display; a bit like a quick shot of Jolt cola for the senses.  Sure, you got a little mood setting early that throws you off guard but when that Stevie Ray guitar riff comes in you are ELEVATED in a good way, kicking you in the seat of your pants and lifting those spirits ever higher.

So you gotta buddy out there that says the blues is boring?  Same chords, same tempos, same lyrical content, same repetitive patterns?  Uh huh… yeah riiiiight…  throw this on for him and ask “is THIS boring?”  No son… THIS is fire, THIS is intensity, and THIS is a master class in playing.  I mean, what else is there to say?

Well… other than to say we still miss you Stevie Ray!

Time to kiss April goodbye and ring in the month of May with a iPod shuffle post!

“Like An Arrow”, Blackberry Smoke Like An Arrow

Sounding a bit like an old school Joe Walsh riff, Blackberry Smoke toss a nod to a likely influence via this cut with its lazy as a slow rolling river riff and strong chorus.  If you’ve not bought into the Smoke hype, hop on the train and enjoy the greasy goodness that this band rolls out album after album.  Classic rock grooves or country throwbacks, they aim to please.

“I Go Swimming”, Peter Gabriel Plays Live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz524Cm4YRw

Kind of a fun Gabriel tune a la “Sledgehammer” or “Steam”, “Swimming” kind of presages those cuts with a fun and bopping new wave-y riff that never appeared on a studio album.  This version is from his early Plays Live LP and offers a bit of a stark contrast against some of the typically dark Gabriel material.  “I go swimming in water”…  well…  where else would you swim? 🙂

“The Blacker The Berrie”, Isley Brothers It’s Your Thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zYzZT1M5E0

Yeah man, some awesomely cool R&B/funk/soul for the head per the late 60s period of the great Isley Brothers.  Lead voice Ronald Isley is on fire here singing about something other than fruit (come ON, you know) over top an insistently smooth and groovy riff.  The horn arrangement here is off the charts (pun intended), all blasting trumpets and honking sax.  A fine, fine tune.

“A Different Drum”, Peter Gabriel Passion: Music From The Last Temptation Of Christ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUF_3oKlX_U

Two Gabriel cuts this post and they couldn’t be more polar opposites.  I don’t have a whole lot of soundtrack music on the iPod but this CD is a nice change of pace from the heavies.  Built around an insistent percussive pattern, this song weaves in bits of Middle Eastern exotics with Peter’s occasional beautiful melodies and synth work.  If you’re up for something different with a world music vibe this’ll do.

“Sucka”, Lynch Mob Sun Red Sun

Call me a hair metal blasphemer, but Lynch Mob stands just a shade taller than George Lynch’s original day job as lead guitarist in Dokken.  Granted, that band had some fantastic songs but my preferences lean to the harder, bluesier tones with the Mob plus singer Oni Logan has some fantastic pipes.  “Sucka” is prime Lynch riffing, nice and chunky and some always tasty lead work.

“I Have The Skill”, The Sherbs The Skill

A few posts ago I had “Obscurities Playlist” filled with goodies like this one from the early 80’s.  This is really a great tune, a nice mix of poppiness and semi-proggy keyboard tones with a sing-songy chorus and some punchy guitar, almost like a riffier late period Genesis that ends with a bash a la The Who.  These Aussies had a few other great cuts that deserve your attention as well.

“Rockin’ All Over The World”, John Fogerty Premonition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFs9YAH9Q_c

John Fogerty, American songwriting icon, leaves Creedence Clearwater Revival for solo career superstardom and releases this mid-70s classic which would have fit on any earlier CCR album with ease.  Really no more than a rockin’ boogie with a feel good riff and a joyfully shouted lyric that we all can relate to and sing along with as well.  You want a great rock song with non-stop danceability?  Look no further!

“Jeepster” T. Rex Electric Warrior

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IseXQNVdSBw

Immense fun and bopping grooveability here, kind of akin to the aforementioned Fogerty in level of fun but with more of a glammy playfulness via the rockabilly bop, lyrical content, and handclaps.  Everyone knows “Bang A Gong” in the Stats but Bolan had a slew of hits in Britain before meeting an untimely demise in the mid 70s.  Bowie, T Rex, Slade…  all originators of that early glam sound.

“No Line On The Horizon”, U2 No Line On The Horizon

Confession here… I didn’t realize this was on my iPod and this is the FIRST time I’ve ever listened to it.  So… first take, it’s not bad; as always with U2 they take more changes than other bands and aren’t afraid to stretch out.  Bono has a great vocal here and this was likely a live favorite on this tour.  Musically a rides an Adam Clayton bassline with solid band playing and different sound effects mixed in to color the tune.

“Tired Of Travellin'”, Ronnie Dawson Just Rockin’ And Rollin’

Thank God I got exposed to the great Ronnie Dawson’s music-  over the last ten years or so I’ve had a slight rockabilly itch and this cat has scratched it sufficiently.  The Texas musician passed away almost fifteen years ago and left some excellent music for us to enjoy, with “Tired Of Travellin'” as good as anything he’s put out.  A great groove, chickin’ pickin’ guitar, and some killer stand up basswork.  Thumbs up!

Wow, wow, wow…  cut of the week is VERY HARD.  I might have to go with “I Have The Skill” but any other day it might be “Tired Of Travellin'” or “Sucka”.  “Jeepster” and “Rockin’ All Over The World” are up there too.