That time of the month, the time where we all see what the others have been listening too. You can tell the passing of John Mayall hit a lot of us as he popped up on a lot of lists here and got me some listening to some of his stuff I didn’t give a listen to in the past. As Cornel put on his list “Dedicated To John Mayall.” Here is the August edition of Drop The Needle.
All Your Love – John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers
This Otis Rush classic is an incredible cover! From 1966 on the album “Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton,” the song features Mayall’s lonely vocals and Clapton’s searing guitar work…But for me the highlight is John Mayall letting loose on harmonica as the tune draws to an end. – Cornel
Have You Heard – John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers
One of the foundations of Rock N Roll moved on this past week so, it’s only fitting we all listen to one of the treats he’s left us. Some of the greats passed through The Bluesbreakers, Clapton, Jack Bruce,
Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, just to mention a few. – Dom
The Laws Must Change – John Mayall
When I hear the term “Godfather Of British Blues” this is the song I think of. It’s downhome blues from the master. His voice paired with his harmonica work make you wonder if he really was born in England and not the Mississippi Delta – Bear
Double Crossing Time – John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers
This is a killer blues track written by John Mayall and featuring Eric Clapton on guitar. Released in 1966 on the album “Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton”…Clapton’s solos are some of his best-ever…John Mayall demanded GREATNESS from EC during their time together. – Cornel
What’d I Say – John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers
The Godfather of British Blues also passed away this week at the age of 90. His influence stretches far into the blues world with the likes of Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Peter Green and many others. His 1966 album with Eric Clapton is certainly one of the greatest blues albums not only for its content but the number of songs. RIP John. – Pritch
Dirty Water (70th Birthday Concert) – John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers
Since we’re taking a moment to listen to the greatness that was John Mayall, you got to listen to Dirty Water from his 70th Birthday concert. hard to imagine that he played for another 22 years. – Dom
Under a Raging Moon – Roger Daltrey
A song recorded by both Daltrey and bandmate John Entwhistle, John Parr’s tribute to Keith Moon explodes out of the speakers with solos by seven different drummers including Moon’s eventual replacement Zak Starkey, ELP’s Carl Palmer, Martin Chambers from the Pretenders, Queen’s Roger Taylor, Stewart Copeland from the Police, Cozy Powell and Big Country’s Mark Brzezicki. This is a song for that vintage 80s stereo system. – Mike Olszewski
Crawling up a Hill – John Mayall
This is a blues standard written by Katie Webster, but John Mayall’s version is off-the-hook! Released in 1964 on the album “John Mayall Plays John Mayall,” the song features Mayall’s great lead vocal and blues harp solos that became a “live” staple of Mayall shows for years to come.. – Cornel
Need Your Love So Bad – Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac
Obviously I’ve been listening to a lot of John Mayall recently and it’s taken me in different directions, and it brought me to this tune I’ve not heard in decades. Peter Green on this track is so laid back and soulful you forget he is known more for his guitar work but on this track he lays it bare with his voice. – Bear
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – The Four Tops
The last surviving founding member of the Four Tops passed away this past week at the age of 88. Abdul “Duke” Fakir, a native of Detroit, sang tenor in the group with original members Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo “Obie” Benson. At their peak in the mid-60s, they had two number one singles and eleven top 20 hits. This song always made me smile and has never gotten old. – Pritch
Lovers in a Dangerous Time – Bruce Cockburn
Barenaked Ladies also do a solid version of this song, but I’m a fan of the original which is a tad more upbeat with the same urgent message. – Mike Olszewski
So Hard To Share – John Mayall
This is John Mayall going acoustic…No heavy guitar–and believe it or not–no drums! John Mayall was searching for a fresh sound. He pissed off a lot of folks when he released “The Turning Point” album in 1969. More jazzy than bluesy, but a really cool late-night listen with a fine cigar and glass of bourbon. Johnny Almond playing tenor sax is worth the listen…Kids today would say this track is “chill”. – Cornel
We Belong Together – Rickie Lee Jones
This song is so intricate, the subtle introduction of instruments in the beginning rising to Rickie’s amazing voice as it enters takes you on a new direction then bam when you hear the bass drum come it the song just takes off. I used to use this song when I would test speakers because if a speaker could reproduce those subtle tones, they worth buying. Still one of my favorites from her catalogue. – Bear
I Love You – The Zombies
Always a top draw at the Kent Stage and across Northeast Ohio, this early Zombies hit really showcases both soaring vocals of Colin Blunstone and the exceptional songwriting skills of bassist Chris White. The band is winding down a bit with Rod Argent’s health concerns, but memories of their local shows will stay with us forever – Mike Olszewski
Beg Steal or Borrow – Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs
A little number about life as it pertains to achieving only what your father did in a low end job, which many have done. Probably not the best thing but to each his own. His voice is so smoky and cool and I really like him better when he plays with the Pariah Dogs. A much more full sound that accentuates his voice. Live your life. – Pritch
Anyhow – Tedeschi Trucks Band
Okay I might have a little crush on Susan Tedeschi ever since I interviewed her back in 2009 she has been one of my favorite artists out there. When she teamed up with her husband Derek Trucks they have been putting out some of the best new music I’ve come across. “Anyhow” is one of those tracks. It just highlights her bluesy tones then at the outro with Derek just kicking the crap out of the strings of his guitar. This song is meant to be played loud and all of my neighbors know it. – Bear
The Love’s Still Growing – Buzzy Linhart
Carly Simon did a very well received cover of this tune, but former Clevelander Buzzy Linhart wrote it and does an equally compelling version – Mike Olszewski
Time Waits for No One – The Rolling Stones
Well after discussing death, it became apparent that I needed some life and a message regarding how fast it goes. I have always loved this song for its riff, Mick Taylor’s solo, Mick/Keith’s harmonizing and Charlie on the drums. The message is clear: we cannot change time and the more we understand that and utilize each and every day, the richer our lives. So let’s get crackin’. – Pritch
Something In The Air – Thunderclap Newman
I don’t know why I keep coming back to this song but I like it. Thunderclap Newman only put out one album and this single was actually released four months before the album came out. I still remember hearing this for the first time, I was high as a kite at the time. Forgot about this song for decades until I heard it in the movie “Almost Famous.” Since then it has been a constant on my playlist. A little-known fact, Peter Townshend of The Who plays bass on the track. – Bear
The River is Wide – The Forum
A song that was released on several labels and was actually a hit in some markets. The version that’s probably best known was issued by the Grass Roots, but this one-hit wonder from the Forum holds its own. – Mike Olszewski
