Once again I must confess an affinity for origin tales of any sort. If I overhear someone telling the origin of the phrase 'Raining Cats and Dogs' or 'Throwing the baby out with the bath water' I lean in close to see if they are getting it right. And yes, I have inserted myself into their conversation to add color to their explanation or even in extreme cases, to correct them if they are wrong.
Soooo, our next foray into the land of origins is how some our most well known cities got their names. I will start with the ones closest to me and work out.
Denver - Colorado's capital was named after a 19th century man who only visited his namesake twice and was disgruntled when he left. James Denver served in Congress, fought in the army, and served as governor of the Kansas Territory. His dissatisfaction came after he arrived in the city in 1882 and no one gave him a hero's welcome.
Phoenix- This name was a tossup between what the city's founder, Jack Swilling, wanted - Stonewall - and what the majority the rest of the area's settlers wanted. They wanted something to honor the memory of the departed Native Americans. They chose a name that indicated the new city would 'rise from the ruins of a former civilization'.
Portland - At first this little town was simply know as 'The Clearing', but obviously things couldn't go on like that. Then a dispute happened between two prominent settlers, Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove. Both were from back east and wanted to name the burgeoning town after their own hometown. Lovejoy was from Boston. Pettygrove from Portland, Maine. The dispute was settled by the flipping of a coin - two out of three. The famous 'Portland Penny' is to this day on display at the Oregon Historical Society.
Cincinnati - Originally named Losantville, the name didn't sit well with territorial governor Arthur St. Clair (rumor had it that Losant was a rival of some sort). In 1790, Arthur changed the name to Cincinnati to honor the Society of Cincinnati of which he was a leading officer. No one knows what Losant thought of the change.
Atlanta - Originally called Marthasville after the Georgia governor's daughter Martha Lumpkin (it could be worse it could have called Lumpkinberg). How it became Atlanta is up for debate but who named it is not. J. Edgar Thomson, chief engineer of the Georgia Railroad was awarded the honor of the naming. There are three theories as to his inspiration. First Martha's middle name was Atlanta. Second it is a shortening of his original name: Atlanta-Pacifica. Third, Thomson was a fan of Greek mythology and named the city after the Greek Demigod Atlanta. I like the idea of it being named after Martha.
Chicago - Like many American cities Chicago got its name from an Indian word. In this case, shikaakwa, the word for 'Wild Onion' in the language of the Miami-Illinois tribe language.
And now the dreaded eponyms and their origins.
Dunce - Here is an example of history crapping ( I'm reminded of John Crapper the supposed inventor of the flushing toilet) on folks who fall out of favor. John Duns Scotus was a brilliant 14th century man who synthesized the philosophy of Aristotle with Christian theology. Unfortunately, after his death a new crop of theologians took a dim view of Scotus's writings and labeled his followers, first Scotists, then Dunsmen, and eventually merely Dunces. So, a smart man's name gave rise to a word that means 'dumber than a box of claw hammers.'
Slipping a Mickey - This is a term for putting something in someones drink to knock them out and the person who the term is named after fits the bill. Mickey Finn owned a sleazy Chicago bar at the turn of the twentieth century. He was know for serving patrons what he called the 'Mickey Finn Special'. The mixture contained chloral hydrate, a heavy sedative. Once the patron was unconscious, he hauled them off to his 'operating room where he relieved them of their valuables including their shoes.
Spoonerism - This term for switching the beginning letters of a pair of words - think "The Lord is a shoving leopard" - is named after the Reverend Archibald Spooner who was famous for muddling words in his sermons. I'm not sure if the reverend would be proud of his legacy but recently Spoonerisms was a category on the quiz show 'Jeopardy'.
Shrapnel - This word refers to the bits of destructive flotsam that explode out of bombs and do mayhem among the general populace. Again, this term is named after an individual, an English General Henry Shrapnel, who thought the killing power of cannonballs could vastly be improved if he fill his cannonballs with bullets and bits of metal that came flying out on impact. He called them 'Shrapnel Shells' or 'Shrapnel Barrages'. Pretty soon everyone was getting in on the act and in World War One shrapnel was all the rage when one wanted to up the pain and misery quotient. Thank you Henry.
Well, there you have it. Play around with Spoonerisms and have some fun. And as always, please visit the comment section below and enrich my life by sharing any info you might have on these or any other origin stories. Until next time, Bood Gy.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Another Fun List- Animals: Groups and Phrases
Another pair of lists that are not, by any stretch of the imagination, exhaustive. We will begin with a exotic animal pack names.
A CRASH of Rhinos
A SHREWDNESS of Apes
A PITYING of Turtledoves
A RAFTER of Turkeys
A SOUNDER of Boars
A SMACK of Jellyfish
A TOWER of Giraffes
A PARLIAMENT of Owls
A RUMBA of Rattlesnakes
A BLOAT of Hippos
Now the origins of some popular phrases involving animals.
Scapegoat - Nowadays this term refers to someone set up to take the blame but that is not what it originally meant. This one is the result of a case of a bad translation from Hebrew to English. Back in Biblical times, the Hebrew priests would lead two goats into the temple - The Lord's Goat and the Goat of Azazel. Unfortunately for The Lord's Goat, it was sacrificed. The Azazel Goat would live and be turned loose into the desert and take with it the sins of the people. Azazel literally meant The Goat of Escape or the goat who departs. English translators two thousand years later would translate this goat as the one who was sacrificed.
Pull the Wool Over Their Eyes - This one - a phrase meaning to deceive - dates back to when wearing a woolen wig of hair was all the rage. When going out in polite society, gentlemen donned these woolen wigs and thus looked ready to take on the world. Unfortunately, these wigs provided thieves with a means of distracting their victims. They would yank the wig over their victims eyes and steal their purse.
Red Herring - As a mystery writer, I'm familiar with this phrase meaning a character in a story who is set up to look guilty but usually isn't. This one goes back to the time when English lords would hunt on their own private lands. They would usually bring along a pack of hounds who would scent out the game before and after it had been shot. Poachers, who wanted to pilfer the wounded game would drag a clutch of rotten (or red as it looked when it was turning bad) herring across the path of the dogs and lead them away from the game. The dogs would follow this false trail and the poachers would get the meat. This worked because rotten fish, particularly herring, is how the dogs were trained to track in the first place.
Let the Cat out of Bag - Used when something has been revealed, this one is actually related to another animal phrase 'Never buy a pig in a poke', a poke being a bag used at animal and vegetable markets. Devious farmers would switch out customers suckling pigs for cats. I would imagine the unwary customer would be unhappy thinking they bought a roasting pig and ended up with a dead cat.
Hair of the dog - Usually refers to a dubious cure for a hangover where the sufferer drinks some more of the same liquor that gave them the hangover. This one goes back to the Middle Ages. In the 16th century it was believed that the best way to treat an injury or illness was with a relic of whatever caused the malady. So, if a rabid dog bit you the doctor would obtain some hair from the dog and sew it under the wound, thus, 'the hair of the dog' would be your remedy.
If you have any other unusual pack names or phrase origins, let me know.
A CRASH of Rhinos
A SHREWDNESS of Apes
A PITYING of Turtledoves
A RAFTER of Turkeys
A SOUNDER of Boars
A SMACK of Jellyfish
A TOWER of Giraffes
A PARLIAMENT of Owls
A RUMBA of Rattlesnakes
A BLOAT of Hippos
Now the origins of some popular phrases involving animals.
Scapegoat - Nowadays this term refers to someone set up to take the blame but that is not what it originally meant. This one is the result of a case of a bad translation from Hebrew to English. Back in Biblical times, the Hebrew priests would lead two goats into the temple - The Lord's Goat and the Goat of Azazel. Unfortunately for The Lord's Goat, it was sacrificed. The Azazel Goat would live and be turned loose into the desert and take with it the sins of the people. Azazel literally meant The Goat of Escape or the goat who departs. English translators two thousand years later would translate this goat as the one who was sacrificed.
Pull the Wool Over Their Eyes - This one - a phrase meaning to deceive - dates back to when wearing a woolen wig of hair was all the rage. When going out in polite society, gentlemen donned these woolen wigs and thus looked ready to take on the world. Unfortunately, these wigs provided thieves with a means of distracting their victims. They would yank the wig over their victims eyes and steal their purse.
Red Herring - As a mystery writer, I'm familiar with this phrase meaning a character in a story who is set up to look guilty but usually isn't. This one goes back to the time when English lords would hunt on their own private lands. They would usually bring along a pack of hounds who would scent out the game before and after it had been shot. Poachers, who wanted to pilfer the wounded game would drag a clutch of rotten (or red as it looked when it was turning bad) herring across the path of the dogs and lead them away from the game. The dogs would follow this false trail and the poachers would get the meat. This worked because rotten fish, particularly herring, is how the dogs were trained to track in the first place.
Let the Cat out of Bag - Used when something has been revealed, this one is actually related to another animal phrase 'Never buy a pig in a poke', a poke being a bag used at animal and vegetable markets. Devious farmers would switch out customers suckling pigs for cats. I would imagine the unwary customer would be unhappy thinking they bought a roasting pig and ended up with a dead cat.
Hair of the dog - Usually refers to a dubious cure for a hangover where the sufferer drinks some more of the same liquor that gave them the hangover. This one goes back to the Middle Ages. In the 16th century it was believed that the best way to treat an injury or illness was with a relic of whatever caused the malady. So, if a rabid dog bit you the doctor would obtain some hair from the dog and sew it under the wound, thus, 'the hair of the dog' would be your remedy.
If you have any other unusual pack names or phrase origins, let me know.
Monday, October 27, 2014
A couple of fun lists- Dwarfs and Cartoon Physics
DWARFS
I don't know how it works in your family but my wife and I have a running gag in that she'll mention something like slimy or icky and almost simultaneously we'll say these are two of the lesser known Dwarfs. I believe we've racked up about 25 extra dwarfs so far.
Now here's the cool thing. It seems the familiar dwarf names we've come to know and love weren't immediately agreed upon (or even the number of dwarfs). The folks at Disney went around and around with a number of other dwarf names before settling on the seven familiar ones.
Before you go getting all stressed trying to remember the seven dwarfs they are: Dopey, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, and ---I'll tell you the name of the seventh dwarf at the end and give you time to guess.
Now here are the names that were ultimately rejected:
Jumpy
Deafy - I'm not kidding.
Chesty
Hickey
Wheezy
Baldy
Gabby
Awful
Tubby
Burpy - I would have liked to have seen this one.
Now that we have dwarfs out of the way lets consider other things cartoony - I know that's not a word, but it should be. The subject of the moment is the Cartoon Laws of Physics. This may not be an exhaustive list so feel free to add any others that come to mind.
The Biggie - Violent death is not permanent. To witness this, one only has to watch an episode of Itchy and Scratchy on the Simpsons (that poor cat has been sliced and diced more times than I can count) or consider poor little Kenny McCormick on South Park (The bastards have killed Kenny). Yet on the next episode or sometimes even in the same episode, the character is hale and hardy.
Weapons - They don't work all that well. As a rule even the most lethal looking weapons - think Marvin the Martian's giant planet destroying cannon - is only partially lethal. Daffy Duck has been shot directly in the face by Elmer Fudd and has only had his face blackened or in extreme cases had his beak shot off, which he then reattaches. This speaks nothing of guns suddenly going limp and sagging or magically transforming into gag guns that merely shoot out a flag that says 'Bang'.
Bags, Buckets, Coat Pockets, etc have an infinite volume. These objects, when in the possession of a toon are four dimensional. It not unusual for a toon to pull a whale from a bucket or a piano from a jacket pocket. Think Bullwinkle and his magic hat. Lions and Rhinos emerged from this tiny chapeau and Bullwinkle's only explanation was, "Wrong hat." Dora the Explorer's backpack will produce twenty foot extension ladders and spacesuits.
Gravity is perceptual. When chasing the Road Runner Wile E Coyote will occasionally run off the lip of a cliff. He will not fall until he notices his situation. Once when Bugs Bunny and Marvin the Martian were plummeting to Earth in an out-of-control spaceship they stopped just inches before striking the surface. Their explanation, "Ran out of gas."
Cartoons leave cartoon-shaped holes or impressions in industrial materials (Brick walls, metal plates, etc). Again let us visit the world of the Simpsons. In the opening sequence Homer is propelled through space and leave a silhouette-hole in the garage door. Mr. Coyote performs this trick regularly when in pursuit of a skinny road runner.
There are many more rules of Physics peculiar to the world of toons and feel free to enlighten me.
Oh yeah, the name of the seventh dwarf is Sleepy.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Another List of Music - Blues Songs
Here's the deal. I know I'm walking on shaky ground when I pick my favorite blues tunes. I'm opening myself up to folks who eat and sleep the blues and have forgotten more about the blues than I will ever know. Soooooooo, let me just say right now - THESE ARE MY FAVORITES!
Next, you might ask, why start with blues favorites, why not Country, or Rock? The simple answer is I had to start somewhere. I promise I'll touch upon other songs in other genres in later posts but for now, these were fun to gather and hopefully you'll find at least one song that you didn't know that will make you smile.
Next, I'm not sure what order to put these in or even how many I want to share, but without further ado, here's my list of blues songs. enjoy!!!
1. The Very Thing That Makes Her Rich Will Make You Poor - Ry Cooder
Ry Cooder can play a slide guitar. Dare I say it he may be the best slide guitar on the planet. Some of his best work is on this song, (on the Bop 'til you Drop album) along with a message that talks of a man whose had a bad time at the hands of some very bad woman.
2. Loan Me a Dime - Boz Skaggs
Boz shares this song with Duane Allman, who plays lead. A ridiculously long song (over 11 minutes) this song has a lot of the standards that one finds in a blues songs,: horns, nice guitar work, a man who knows he's made a mistake and wants his woman back. Also, a nod toward a time when if you wanted to make a phone call you needed a pay phone.
3. Demon in Disguise - David Bromberg
This is old Bromberg from a time when he was considered crazy maybe even a little dangerous. I always loved that. The song speaks about sorcery and casting spells and By the Gods of Hogarth you better show some respect.
4. Soulful Dress - Ana Popovich
Ana can the sing the blues and gee whiz, looks great in high heels and even naked (which she is on her latest album, but hiding behind her electric guitar). Soulful dress speaks of a woman who knows she looks good and is gonna show it all off tonight. She even warns other women to keep a watch on their men.
5. Turtle Blues - Janis Joplin
Here's a song that speaks the truth - I'm not looking for a relationship, I just want a drinking partner - sung by maybe one of the most recognizable voices in all of music. She sings like she wants to rip out her own throat from the inside. Makes me swallow just to listen.
6. Fishin' Blues - Taj Mahal
There are some who might say that this is not a true blues song (although it has blues in its title). It a hybrid of folk and blues. a song about going fishin' it makes me smile and hum along every time.
7. Everything I Know About the Blues I Learned From You - Delbert McClinton
Delbert has a voice created to sing the blues. A voice meant to be displayed in smoky bars. A simple song about where he learned the important lessons in life. But make no mistake. No matter where he might have learned to make an omelet, he learned the blues all from a very mean woman.
8. Have You Ever Loved A Woman - Derek and the Dominoes
We're talking Eric Clapton here with Duane Allman, the two of them swapping leads and singing about loving a woman who belongs to another man. You can find this gem on one of the best albums ever released, 'Layla and Other Love Songs'.
9. Wang Dang Doodle - Koko Taylor
Legend has it that Willie Dixon stayed up late one night writing this song for a one particular voice, that of killer blues lady Koko Taylor. When he finished he immediately (three o'clock in the morning) called her on the phone and sang it to her. The party to end all parties - A Wang Dang Doodle.
10. Leave the Light On - Beth Hart
Beth Hart picked up the torch that Janis Joplin let fall when she died. Beth sings with urgency and pain and as if she needs to sing this song before she goes out and does something reckless and perhaps even fatal. Leave the Light On has a line that says 'I cut myself to make sure I'm alive.' Oh my God.
11. Whipping Post - Allman Brothers
A piano blues song, it speaks of a love so toxic and tragic that the lover feels as he is being beaten and tortured and 'tied to the whipping post'. In my opinion, one the Allman Brothers best songs.
12. Mercury Blues - David Lindly
With a little help from Jackson Browne, Lindley sings of one life's primal urges - the need to get a hot car. He wants to impress women and ride around town. Can't argue with that.
13. Cry Me a River - Joe Cocker
Now it's true that a buttload of people have sung this song and sung it well, including Etta James, but for my money Joe Cocker does it best. The premise is simple. You broke my heart you selfish bastard. If you want me back, prove it. Cry me a river of tears.
14. I Gotta Get Drunk - The Little Willies
Another of those songs that arguably might not be pure blues, but Nora Jones and a whole lot of great musicians sing about the joys of inebriation.
15. Steamroller Blues - James Taylor
On an album of terrific songs, 'Sweet Baby James' Taylor sings of his prowess as a lover and how he means to win (it sounds more like overpower ) one particular woman. This is the song which gave us 'I'm a steamin' hunk of steam engine' and the inference is that he's comin' for some lovin'.
16. Crossing Muddy Water - John Hiatt
This song owns me. I love it. It about a man's lady who ran away on a riverboat and left her husband and child. The man is bereft. Also the playing s off the charts.
17. Jelly Roll - Joe Bonamassa
Joe might be one of the truly great guitar players playing around today. The song is raunchy with the original meaning of Jelly Roll. He sings of his love for the stuff.
18. Way Over Yonder - Carol King
Soulful, heartfelt, smooth. Carol sings of a better place she'll go where the sun shines and pain can't reach you. great piano, great voice.
19. Cleaning My Gun - Mark Knopfler
That's right the Dire Straits guy. Writes terrific songs. Mark lays down some wonderful riffs and has that distinctive voice.
20. Sweet Home Chicago - Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Big Head Todd is a local (Colorado ) band that I think does everything well. They have a recent album of Robert Johnson songs. Sweet is another of those songs done by just about everybody including the Blues Brothers. The Monsters do a nice job and the truth is it feels more like the original Johnson song than the /Blues Brothers.
21.Come Into My Kitchen - Keb Mo
Keb Mo is just fun. When he plays and sings it feels effortless and he feels like a friend. Come into my Kitchen is a classic. Keb Mo does it well.
22. How Blue Can You Get - B B King
Here, ladies and gentlemen is the king of the blues. BB was born to sing the blues and play Lucille, his famous guitar. In case you've never heard this song, it's the one that had a line 'I gave you seven children, now you want to give them back.'
23. Blues so Bad - Tab Benoit
Cajun guitar slinger, adds a spicy bit of gumbo to his blues and is it ever tasty. Blues so bad has some nice guitar work and it just slithers down your spine and makes you glad to be alive.
24. Brown-eyed Handsome Man - Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett is so cool. He sings this old classic and makes it his own. Has a big band feel, but with a little Texas twang.
25 Candy Man - Hot Tuna
This band used to be part of the old Jefferson Airplane. They decided they wanted to sing more traditional stuff than the acid rock Jefferson airplane, so they split off. They had a distictive sound and just about everything they do sounds bluesish (is that a word?). Candy Man just trips along with nice guitar and some fancy blue fiddle by Papa John Creach. Very tasty.
26. Sweet Lovin' of Soul - Maria Muldaur
Old time barrel house blues. Silky voice, fun styling. Great old timey instrumentation. Big fun
I could go on and on but I'll leave you with a an unexplained listening list to go along with the explanations above. Some are additional songs by above-mentioned artists.
River Runs Deep - Eric Clapton
Keys to the Highway - Eric Clapton
Double Trouble - Clapton/Winwood
Hesitation Blues - Hot Tuna
Down on Me - Janis Joplin
Ball and Chain - Janis Joplin
Unchain my Heart - Joe Cocker
Jockey Full of Bourbon - Joe Bonamassa
Sweet Rowena - Joe Bonamassa
Lift Every Stone - John Hiatt
Don't Want to Leave You Now - John Hiatt
Suffer If You Want to Sing the Blues - David Bromberg
Down in Hollywood - Ry Cooder
Midnight in your Eyes - The Black Keys
Shelter From the Storm - Bob Dylan
Leopard-skin Pillbox Hat - Bob Dylan
Back Door Man - The Doors
Standin' on shaky Ground - Delbert McClinton
Hammerhead Stew - Delbert McClinton
Jungle Room - Delbert McClinton
The Monkey Song - Johnny Winter
Pack Your Bags - Johnny Winter
Born Under a Bad Sign - Paul Rogers
Red House - Jimi Hendrix
Your Time is Gonna Come - Led Zepplin
Band Failure Blues - Maria Muldaur
Well that's all I got for now. Next up on the lists will be favorite Rock songs of all time. Be well.
Next, you might ask, why start with blues favorites, why not Country, or Rock? The simple answer is I had to start somewhere. I promise I'll touch upon other songs in other genres in later posts but for now, these were fun to gather and hopefully you'll find at least one song that you didn't know that will make you smile.
Next, I'm not sure what order to put these in or even how many I want to share, but without further ado, here's my list of blues songs. enjoy!!!
1. The Very Thing That Makes Her Rich Will Make You Poor - Ry Cooder
Ry Cooder can play a slide guitar. Dare I say it he may be the best slide guitar on the planet. Some of his best work is on this song, (on the Bop 'til you Drop album) along with a message that talks of a man whose had a bad time at the hands of some very bad woman.
2. Loan Me a Dime - Boz Skaggs
Boz shares this song with Duane Allman, who plays lead. A ridiculously long song (over 11 minutes) this song has a lot of the standards that one finds in a blues songs,: horns, nice guitar work, a man who knows he's made a mistake and wants his woman back. Also, a nod toward a time when if you wanted to make a phone call you needed a pay phone.
3. Demon in Disguise - David Bromberg
This is old Bromberg from a time when he was considered crazy maybe even a little dangerous. I always loved that. The song speaks about sorcery and casting spells and By the Gods of Hogarth you better show some respect.
4. Soulful Dress - Ana Popovich
Ana can the sing the blues and gee whiz, looks great in high heels and even naked (which she is on her latest album, but hiding behind her electric guitar). Soulful dress speaks of a woman who knows she looks good and is gonna show it all off tonight. She even warns other women to keep a watch on their men.
5. Turtle Blues - Janis Joplin
Here's a song that speaks the truth - I'm not looking for a relationship, I just want a drinking partner - sung by maybe one of the most recognizable voices in all of music. She sings like she wants to rip out her own throat from the inside. Makes me swallow just to listen.
6. Fishin' Blues - Taj Mahal
There are some who might say that this is not a true blues song (although it has blues in its title). It a hybrid of folk and blues. a song about going fishin' it makes me smile and hum along every time.
7. Everything I Know About the Blues I Learned From You - Delbert McClinton
Delbert has a voice created to sing the blues. A voice meant to be displayed in smoky bars. A simple song about where he learned the important lessons in life. But make no mistake. No matter where he might have learned to make an omelet, he learned the blues all from a very mean woman.
8. Have You Ever Loved A Woman - Derek and the Dominoes
We're talking Eric Clapton here with Duane Allman, the two of them swapping leads and singing about loving a woman who belongs to another man. You can find this gem on one of the best albums ever released, 'Layla and Other Love Songs'.
9. Wang Dang Doodle - Koko Taylor
Legend has it that Willie Dixon stayed up late one night writing this song for a one particular voice, that of killer blues lady Koko Taylor. When he finished he immediately (three o'clock in the morning) called her on the phone and sang it to her. The party to end all parties - A Wang Dang Doodle.
10. Leave the Light On - Beth Hart
Beth Hart picked up the torch that Janis Joplin let fall when she died. Beth sings with urgency and pain and as if she needs to sing this song before she goes out and does something reckless and perhaps even fatal. Leave the Light On has a line that says 'I cut myself to make sure I'm alive.' Oh my God.
11. Whipping Post - Allman Brothers
A piano blues song, it speaks of a love so toxic and tragic that the lover feels as he is being beaten and tortured and 'tied to the whipping post'. In my opinion, one the Allman Brothers best songs.
12. Mercury Blues - David Lindly
With a little help from Jackson Browne, Lindley sings of one life's primal urges - the need to get a hot car. He wants to impress women and ride around town. Can't argue with that.
13. Cry Me a River - Joe Cocker
Now it's true that a buttload of people have sung this song and sung it well, including Etta James, but for my money Joe Cocker does it best. The premise is simple. You broke my heart you selfish bastard. If you want me back, prove it. Cry me a river of tears.
14. I Gotta Get Drunk - The Little Willies
Another of those songs that arguably might not be pure blues, but Nora Jones and a whole lot of great musicians sing about the joys of inebriation.
15. Steamroller Blues - James Taylor
On an album of terrific songs, 'Sweet Baby James' Taylor sings of his prowess as a lover and how he means to win (it sounds more like overpower ) one particular woman. This is the song which gave us 'I'm a steamin' hunk of steam engine' and the inference is that he's comin' for some lovin'.
16. Crossing Muddy Water - John Hiatt
This song owns me. I love it. It about a man's lady who ran away on a riverboat and left her husband and child. The man is bereft. Also the playing s off the charts.
17. Jelly Roll - Joe Bonamassa
Joe might be one of the truly great guitar players playing around today. The song is raunchy with the original meaning of Jelly Roll. He sings of his love for the stuff.
18. Way Over Yonder - Carol King
Soulful, heartfelt, smooth. Carol sings of a better place she'll go where the sun shines and pain can't reach you. great piano, great voice.
19. Cleaning My Gun - Mark Knopfler
That's right the Dire Straits guy. Writes terrific songs. Mark lays down some wonderful riffs and has that distinctive voice.
20. Sweet Home Chicago - Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Big Head Todd is a local (Colorado ) band that I think does everything well. They have a recent album of Robert Johnson songs. Sweet is another of those songs done by just about everybody including the Blues Brothers. The Monsters do a nice job and the truth is it feels more like the original Johnson song than the /Blues Brothers.
21.Come Into My Kitchen - Keb Mo
Keb Mo is just fun. When he plays and sings it feels effortless and he feels like a friend. Come into my Kitchen is a classic. Keb Mo does it well.
22. How Blue Can You Get - B B King
Here, ladies and gentlemen is the king of the blues. BB was born to sing the blues and play Lucille, his famous guitar. In case you've never heard this song, it's the one that had a line 'I gave you seven children, now you want to give them back.'
23. Blues so Bad - Tab Benoit
Cajun guitar slinger, adds a spicy bit of gumbo to his blues and is it ever tasty. Blues so bad has some nice guitar work and it just slithers down your spine and makes you glad to be alive.
24. Brown-eyed Handsome Man - Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett is so cool. He sings this old classic and makes it his own. Has a big band feel, but with a little Texas twang.
25 Candy Man - Hot Tuna
This band used to be part of the old Jefferson Airplane. They decided they wanted to sing more traditional stuff than the acid rock Jefferson airplane, so they split off. They had a distictive sound and just about everything they do sounds bluesish (is that a word?). Candy Man just trips along with nice guitar and some fancy blue fiddle by Papa John Creach. Very tasty.
26. Sweet Lovin' of Soul - Maria Muldaur
Old time barrel house blues. Silky voice, fun styling. Great old timey instrumentation. Big fun
I could go on and on but I'll leave you with a an unexplained listening list to go along with the explanations above. Some are additional songs by above-mentioned artists.
River Runs Deep - Eric Clapton
Keys to the Highway - Eric Clapton
Double Trouble - Clapton/Winwood
Hesitation Blues - Hot Tuna
Down on Me - Janis Joplin
Ball and Chain - Janis Joplin
Unchain my Heart - Joe Cocker
Jockey Full of Bourbon - Joe Bonamassa
Sweet Rowena - Joe Bonamassa
Lift Every Stone - John Hiatt
Don't Want to Leave You Now - John Hiatt
Suffer If You Want to Sing the Blues - David Bromberg
Down in Hollywood - Ry Cooder
Midnight in your Eyes - The Black Keys
Shelter From the Storm - Bob Dylan
Leopard-skin Pillbox Hat - Bob Dylan
Back Door Man - The Doors
Standin' on shaky Ground - Delbert McClinton
Hammerhead Stew - Delbert McClinton
Jungle Room - Delbert McClinton
The Monkey Song - Johnny Winter
Pack Your Bags - Johnny Winter
Born Under a Bad Sign - Paul Rogers
Red House - Jimi Hendrix
Your Time is Gonna Come - Led Zepplin
Band Failure Blues - Maria Muldaur
Well that's all I got for now. Next up on the lists will be favorite Rock songs of all time. Be well.
Monday, October 20, 2014
The Joy of Lists-Big Time Favorites
This is my second foray into lists of music. These differ from the first list in that these albums are more well known. It came to my attention that, although these song collections are staples to me, they may not be for everyone. After all, I am a bit older than some of my readers. So, maybe you'll find these a welcome surprise.
Keep in mind, as I said in my first posting on lists, I am a product of all things Sixties: protests, sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll, rainbow colored VW mini-vans...well you have the picture. Soooooo, without further ado (although I'm not sure we've had any initial ado), here are my favorite 20 Albums, well known to folks of my ilk:
20. Frampton Comes Alive - Peter Frampton
This album, at one time, was the best selling albums of all time. Incredible riffs, good songs, terrific use of the guitar mouth piece. Now, don't get me wrong. By endorsing this album I am not recommending any other Peter Frampton albums. I have not found them as delicious.
19. Tapestry - Carol King
Another super seller, this was the album that introduced Carol King to the world, who at just that moment, was on tour with James Taylor. In fact, James Taylor had just released one of Carol's songs, 'You've Got A Friend' as a single. But Tapestry was an album I played and played and played. Earthy songs that spoke of broken love, to happy songs that extolled the joys of friendship, to wise songs that told stories. Loved every one.
18. Who's Next - The Who
Let's just get this out of the way. I love The Who. From their performance at Woodstock, to their Rock Operas, from their penchant to destroy musical instruments, to the soaring vocals of Roger Daltry, I loved it all. But, Who's Next, in my opinion was their best. We're talking, 'Won't Get Fooled Again', 'Baba O'Reilly', 'Behind Blue Eyes' (this one was the ring tone on my phone for a number of years). If you've never heard this album, give it a listen as soon as possible.
17. Sticky Fingers - Rolling Stones
This is one of two Stones albums on this list. This is the Stones at the height of their powers. Bad boy rock, the original cover featured a pair of pants on the cover and a zipper you could pull down (succeeding reprints of the album did away with the functioning zipper). Terrific songs, terrific instrumentation, terrific writing by Keith Richards and of course terrific singing by Mick Jagger. My, my, my.
16. Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd
A few years back Rolling Stone magazine said that this twenty-five year old album was still selling 100,000 copies a year. I realized I wasn't surprised. I have owned several copies myself. Roger Waters writing and the unique musicianship of the songs on this album mesmerize me. To this day, if a song from this album is played on the radio, I am impelled to crank it up.
15. The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys - Traffic
Steve Winwood, in his many incarnations (Solo, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, etc) has made a butt load of outstanding music--shoot he's won a Grammy or two, but in my opinion, High Heeled Boys was the best. The title song was too long to be played by most of the radio stations at the time but the more adventurous stations played it and for me everything stopped when it came on. Good stuff.
14. Eliminator - ZZ Top
For three guys the members of ZZ Top made a lot of noise. Eliminator had most of their famous songs - 'Legs', 'Sharp Dressed Man', 'Gimme All Your Lovin',. These guys were outrageous and still are. Distinctive sound, driving leads, throaty singing, party music at its best.
13. Aqualung - Jethro Tull
The definitive Tull Album, Aqualung features most of the well know songs by this British Invasion band. Ian Anderson's rock flute is at its distinctive best. The title song sings about a a weird homeless person with breathing problems. My favorite is 'Locomotive Breath'. I used to do this song in a band I had once upon a time. Very, very tasty ear candy.
12. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
Now here's a toughee. I have every Bruce Springsteen album and love them all. Sooo, I picked Born to Run, not just because it holds some of Springsteen's best stuff but for sentimental reasons. My first year of teaching, my students gave me this album for a birthday present. "Born to Run' had long been the encore song for Springsteen concerts but this album also contains 'Jungleland', 'Thunder Road', 'East Avenue Freezeout' and a bunch more wonderful songs. You can't go wrong getting this beauty.
11. Abbey Road - The Beatles
The last studio album the Beatles made before they broke up is one of two Beatles albums on this list. It is a work of genius. Unique songs from Lennon and McCartney that sound just as good today as the day I unwrapped the vinyl. Give it a listen. You won't be disappointed.
10. Blood on the Tracks - Bob Dylan
Blood came out when I was in college and just blew me away. Every song was a winner and spoke of a man who wrote from his heart with intelligence and soul. As far as I'm concerned it is the best thing he's ever done and this includes the wonderful Highway 61 Revisited. I reach for this CD whenever I am on long trips so I can smile while I drive.
9. Change in Latitudes/Changes in Attitudes - Jimmy Buffett
Monster album for Buffett. Caught my notice a million years ago and I've been a Buffett fan ever since (just went to see him last Fall). The Title song is wonderful but the killer is 'Margaritaville'. I have sang this song in bars a dozen times and made a fool of myself, but the truth is I'd do it again tonight.
8. Tea for the Tillerman - Cat Stevens
For me it was a toss up between two of Cat's albums; this and Teaser and the Firecat. Both are sure-fire winners if you're looking for a dose of Cat Stevens. We're talking, 'Moonshadow', 'Morning has Broken', 'Hard World', 'Father and Son', oh my God wonderful stuff. And there are a whole lot more. Oh yeah, Cat was this year installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and he did 'Peace Train.'
7. Let it Bleed - The Rolling Stones
My second Stones pick, this one includes one of my favorite songs of all time, 'Gimme Shelter'. I love that song. If it's on and you are talking just be aware I'm not listening to you at all. Once again, Mick Jagger proves he was worthy of being picked by Rolling Stone magazine as the best Rock and Roll singer of all time.
6. Legend - Bob Marley
This is the only compilation album on this list, but it needed to be here. Featured in the Will Smith movie of the same name, several tracks are played throughout the movie. We're talking 'Jammin', 'Exodus', 'No Woman, No Cry'. Shoot this one has 'I Shot The Sheriff'. And it's true, he did not shoot the deputy.
5. Moondance - Van Morrison
Arguably, Van the Man's most famous album. A bit jazzy, a bit Celtic, a bit rock and roll, it obviously contains the title song but gee whiz, it has so much more. I love the sound of his voice and the instrumentation choices he made. A great, great album.
4. Hotel California - The Eagles
Contains two of the best Eagles songs ever written plus a lot of other gems. The title song is wonderfully weird and then there's 'Life in the Fast Lane'. Some would argue the album containing 'Desperado' is their best and you can't go wrong giving that one a listen as well. but Hotel California is tasty.
3. Layla and Other Love Songs - Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton and Duane Almann playing guitar on the same album. I have seen Eric Clapton a skillion times and when he kicks into the opening riff of 'Layla' I am on my feet. A double album full of amazing songs, this beauty is one of go to albums.
2. Sozo - Led Zepplin
Oh my God, what a great collection of Led songs. Robert Plant's vocals are simply mezmerizing. Don't get me wrong, I love just about every Led Zepplin album but this one has 'Stairway to Heaven' which seals the deal.
1. Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles
What can I say? I believe this work of art is perhaps the most perfect album ever made. So many gems on it from the title song to "When I'm Sixty Four' to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' to 'A Day in the Life' it is a masterpiece.
As I was compiling this list I realized it was too short so I'm going to add the titles of other wonderful albums that deserve a listen. If you are of an age that you haven't heard some of them give them a listen:
Green River - Credence Clearwater Revival
Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
Crosby, Stills, and Nash's first album
American Beauty - The Grateful Dead
Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
Madman Across the Water - Elton John
The Pearl - Janis Joplin
Kind of Blue - Miles Davis
Blind Faith - Blind Faith
And there's so many more that I better just stop her lest I overwhelm. No doubt you have heard of many of these and may even own a few, but it sure felt good listing them here. Enjoy!
Keep in mind, as I said in my first posting on lists, I am a product of all things Sixties: protests, sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll, rainbow colored VW mini-vans...well you have the picture. Soooooo, without further ado (although I'm not sure we've had any initial ado), here are my favorite 20 Albums, well known to folks of my ilk:
20. Frampton Comes Alive - Peter Frampton
This album, at one time, was the best selling albums of all time. Incredible riffs, good songs, terrific use of the guitar mouth piece. Now, don't get me wrong. By endorsing this album I am not recommending any other Peter Frampton albums. I have not found them as delicious.
19. Tapestry - Carol King
Another super seller, this was the album that introduced Carol King to the world, who at just that moment, was on tour with James Taylor. In fact, James Taylor had just released one of Carol's songs, 'You've Got A Friend' as a single. But Tapestry was an album I played and played and played. Earthy songs that spoke of broken love, to happy songs that extolled the joys of friendship, to wise songs that told stories. Loved every one.
18. Who's Next - The Who
Let's just get this out of the way. I love The Who. From their performance at Woodstock, to their Rock Operas, from their penchant to destroy musical instruments, to the soaring vocals of Roger Daltry, I loved it all. But, Who's Next, in my opinion was their best. We're talking, 'Won't Get Fooled Again', 'Baba O'Reilly', 'Behind Blue Eyes' (this one was the ring tone on my phone for a number of years). If you've never heard this album, give it a listen as soon as possible.
17. Sticky Fingers - Rolling Stones
This is one of two Stones albums on this list. This is the Stones at the height of their powers. Bad boy rock, the original cover featured a pair of pants on the cover and a zipper you could pull down (succeeding reprints of the album did away with the functioning zipper). Terrific songs, terrific instrumentation, terrific writing by Keith Richards and of course terrific singing by Mick Jagger. My, my, my.
16. Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd
A few years back Rolling Stone magazine said that this twenty-five year old album was still selling 100,000 copies a year. I realized I wasn't surprised. I have owned several copies myself. Roger Waters writing and the unique musicianship of the songs on this album mesmerize me. To this day, if a song from this album is played on the radio, I am impelled to crank it up.
15. The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys - Traffic
Steve Winwood, in his many incarnations (Solo, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, etc) has made a butt load of outstanding music--shoot he's won a Grammy or two, but in my opinion, High Heeled Boys was the best. The title song was too long to be played by most of the radio stations at the time but the more adventurous stations played it and for me everything stopped when it came on. Good stuff.
14. Eliminator - ZZ Top
For three guys the members of ZZ Top made a lot of noise. Eliminator had most of their famous songs - 'Legs', 'Sharp Dressed Man', 'Gimme All Your Lovin',. These guys were outrageous and still are. Distinctive sound, driving leads, throaty singing, party music at its best.
13. Aqualung - Jethro Tull
The definitive Tull Album, Aqualung features most of the well know songs by this British Invasion band. Ian Anderson's rock flute is at its distinctive best. The title song sings about a a weird homeless person with breathing problems. My favorite is 'Locomotive Breath'. I used to do this song in a band I had once upon a time. Very, very tasty ear candy.
12. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
Now here's a toughee. I have every Bruce Springsteen album and love them all. Sooo, I picked Born to Run, not just because it holds some of Springsteen's best stuff but for sentimental reasons. My first year of teaching, my students gave me this album for a birthday present. "Born to Run' had long been the encore song for Springsteen concerts but this album also contains 'Jungleland', 'Thunder Road', 'East Avenue Freezeout' and a bunch more wonderful songs. You can't go wrong getting this beauty.
11. Abbey Road - The Beatles
The last studio album the Beatles made before they broke up is one of two Beatles albums on this list. It is a work of genius. Unique songs from Lennon and McCartney that sound just as good today as the day I unwrapped the vinyl. Give it a listen. You won't be disappointed.
10. Blood on the Tracks - Bob Dylan
Blood came out when I was in college and just blew me away. Every song was a winner and spoke of a man who wrote from his heart with intelligence and soul. As far as I'm concerned it is the best thing he's ever done and this includes the wonderful Highway 61 Revisited. I reach for this CD whenever I am on long trips so I can smile while I drive.
9. Change in Latitudes/Changes in Attitudes - Jimmy Buffett
Monster album for Buffett. Caught my notice a million years ago and I've been a Buffett fan ever since (just went to see him last Fall). The Title song is wonderful but the killer is 'Margaritaville'. I have sang this song in bars a dozen times and made a fool of myself, but the truth is I'd do it again tonight.
8. Tea for the Tillerman - Cat Stevens
For me it was a toss up between two of Cat's albums; this and Teaser and the Firecat. Both are sure-fire winners if you're looking for a dose of Cat Stevens. We're talking, 'Moonshadow', 'Morning has Broken', 'Hard World', 'Father and Son', oh my God wonderful stuff. And there are a whole lot more. Oh yeah, Cat was this year installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and he did 'Peace Train.'
7. Let it Bleed - The Rolling Stones
My second Stones pick, this one includes one of my favorite songs of all time, 'Gimme Shelter'. I love that song. If it's on and you are talking just be aware I'm not listening to you at all. Once again, Mick Jagger proves he was worthy of being picked by Rolling Stone magazine as the best Rock and Roll singer of all time.
6. Legend - Bob Marley
This is the only compilation album on this list, but it needed to be here. Featured in the Will Smith movie of the same name, several tracks are played throughout the movie. We're talking 'Jammin', 'Exodus', 'No Woman, No Cry'. Shoot this one has 'I Shot The Sheriff'. And it's true, he did not shoot the deputy.
5. Moondance - Van Morrison
Arguably, Van the Man's most famous album. A bit jazzy, a bit Celtic, a bit rock and roll, it obviously contains the title song but gee whiz, it has so much more. I love the sound of his voice and the instrumentation choices he made. A great, great album.
4. Hotel California - The Eagles
Contains two of the best Eagles songs ever written plus a lot of other gems. The title song is wonderfully weird and then there's 'Life in the Fast Lane'. Some would argue the album containing 'Desperado' is their best and you can't go wrong giving that one a listen as well. but Hotel California is tasty.
3. Layla and Other Love Songs - Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton and Duane Almann playing guitar on the same album. I have seen Eric Clapton a skillion times and when he kicks into the opening riff of 'Layla' I am on my feet. A double album full of amazing songs, this beauty is one of go to albums.
2. Sozo - Led Zepplin
Oh my God, what a great collection of Led songs. Robert Plant's vocals are simply mezmerizing. Don't get me wrong, I love just about every Led Zepplin album but this one has 'Stairway to Heaven' which seals the deal.
1. Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles
What can I say? I believe this work of art is perhaps the most perfect album ever made. So many gems on it from the title song to "When I'm Sixty Four' to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds' to 'A Day in the Life' it is a masterpiece.
As I was compiling this list I realized it was too short so I'm going to add the titles of other wonderful albums that deserve a listen. If you are of an age that you haven't heard some of them give them a listen:
Green River - Credence Clearwater Revival
Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
Crosby, Stills, and Nash's first album
American Beauty - The Grateful Dead
Sweet Baby James - James Taylor
Madman Across the Water - Elton John
The Pearl - Janis Joplin
Kind of Blue - Miles Davis
Blind Faith - Blind Faith
And there's so many more that I better just stop her lest I overwhelm. No doubt you have heard of many of these and may even own a few, but it sure felt good listing them here. Enjoy!
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