HAPPY VALENTINES DAY
For me, jazz pianist Bill Evans is the coolest.
Released a little over 60 years ago, the tune “Peace Piece” on his album Everybody Digs Bill Evans has everything: it’s romantic, transcendental and groundbreaking.
Category: Vinyl / Tunes Blog
ROCK PHOTOGRAPHER GUY WEBSTER
Hollywood photographer Guy Webster passed away today at 79. He created several iconic ’60s album covers, including The Doors, The Byrds, Simon and Garfunkel, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and The Mamas and the Papas. Continue reading “”
THE KINKS ARE THE VILLAGE GREEN
The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society is one of my favorite albums. 50 years ago it failed to chart upon its release. Imagine it competing against the likes of The White Album. Now considered a classic for its depiction of English country life. Continue reading “”
WHY MUST I ALWAYS EXPLAIN
THE BEATLES “WHITE ALBUM”
50 years ago this week The Beatles, better known as “The White Album”, hit record store worldwide.
After Rubber Soul and the artistic heights of Revolver and Sgt. Pepper, The Beatles followed up in 1968 by forming Apple Records and releasing a double LP that would go on to become their biggest seller.
Sporting a clean white cover and featuring only their embossed name and a serial number printed in gray ink, The Beatles was a strong departure from what had come before. Continue reading “”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEIL AND JONI
Yeah, it’s been awhile since I posted some tunes.
They’re all personal and hopefully a bit soulful. I spent a few coins at the jukebox over the years on these two. Continue reading “”
THE LONG WAY ROUND
When you’ve been a full-time pro for as long as I have, you end up seeing a lot of stuff. Most of it is positively amazing. Like the first time you see the sun rise as an ocean storm clears in the middle of nowhere. Some of it is not, like professional jealousy.
There is always room at the top, though. And if you are lucky enough to have a partner that understands your journey – and you have talent, make smart choices, and are persistent – you can actually get there. Thanks, honey.
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WHY NO AIRPLAY FOR AIMEE’S FIRST RECORD?
Whatever was the first solo record from Aimee Mann. It was released over 25 years ago this month to little fanfare, although it is arguably one of 1993’s best albums. Continue reading “”
THE ULTIMATE 928 DIY RESTORATION
“Minerva’s Journey” is a behind the scenes look at what it takes to rebuild a 166,000-mile Porsche from the tub up to “as new” stock condition nearly 40 years after it left the factory.
William Anast and Rob Edwards deserve big kudos for this month’s publication of their 1978 928 refurbishment in PCA’s Panorama Magazine. This was an epic journey in more ways than one. No traffic on the Balboa Island ferry… Continue reading “”
IT DOESN’T MATTER
Stephen Stills and Manassas were a short-lived super group in the early 1970s. They made some great music together. Here’s proof.
Big Gretsch guitars, big hair, big mutton chops…
“Moment by moment. One day at a time. It doesn’t matter. It’s nothing but dreaming anyhow.” Continue reading “”
DEBRIS
One of my favorite songs. And my favorite Ron Wood riff on any album. Here’s a Ronnie Lane tune from 1971 with Rod Stewart, and the rest of Faces, with producer Glyn Johns on board. It just gets better with age. A Nod is as Good As a Wink, indeed. Continue reading “”
MONORAUL REMINISCING
The Beatles in mono are still a great listen, and one of their songs on the recently reissued 1967 Sgt. Pepper LP I’m playing today. It was the B-side to “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”. McCartney wrote it when he was 16. Continue reading “”
HAPPY VALENTINE DAY TRAVELS!
Somehow, I never got around to this. But in 2018, I’ll be spending some time visiting hotels with vinyl and turntables. There are some pretty cool suites where a guest can play LPs in their room. First stop is the Kimpton Goodland in Santa Barbara. Continue reading “”
SCARE EASY
Tom Petty spoke to me with this song. Having grown up in Alaska with a don’t mess with me attitude I understand. R.I.P. You will be missed, Tom Petty! Continue reading “”
PIGS (Three Different Ones)
It’s 2017 and the first day of fall. It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been forty years since Pink Floyd released Animals. This album is still a great listen. Especially this track. All 17 minutes of it. The original UK vinyl sounds incredible. This is true for all Pink Floyd LPs, including the holy grail for record collectors. Continue reading “”