You can tell it’s winter no matter where you are. Cold, windy, gray. Time to get some hot chocolate and play some tunes. Here is what we have been listening to, hopefully it will give you some ideas
The Thrill Is Gone – Joe Bonamassa
It’s only fitting that he does this BB King tune, considering at the age of twelve he opened for BB King. You’ll have a chance to see his mastery February 22nd at the State Theater. – Dom
Chest Fever – The Band
Upon the death of Garth Hudson, all original members of this awesome band (what a name) have passed. Thank God for recording though so we can keep listening. His opening organ propels the song about a guy who becomes sick after his love is spurned by a woman. Damn, women. Whoops I didn’t mean that one. RIP Garth. – Pritch
Love Itis – The J. Geils Band
February is for LOVERS! I know the obvious choice by J. Geils would be “Love Stinks”, but I love this little gem even more—especially the version from their legendary “live” album BLOW YOUR FACE OUT! One reviewer called this performance “a contagious disease like the boogie woogie flu, but it’s a bug you won’t mind having.” Agreed! – Cornel
I’m the Urban Spaceman – Bonzo Doo Dah Dog Band
Fame can be fleeting but for those who have endured over the years the big names sometimes like to use pseudonyms. Granted, they may also be forced to at times, but here’s a quick quiz to see if you can name these stars all with a common bond who decided to go “undercover”. This 1968 tune was a hit overseas and produced by Apollo C. Vermouth who was a longtime fan of the group. Apollo C. Vermouth goes by his real name of Paul McCartney – Mike O.
Dani California – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
From their ninth album Stadium Arcadium This song received two Grammy’s in 2006.
They were elected to the Rock Hall in 2012 and on February 22nd you’ll have a chance to see them at the Templelive Cleveland Masonic – Dom
Illegal Allien – Genesis
Now I prefer earlier Genesis over mainstream Genesis, but this song certainly is appropriate at this time with Trump sending aliens back any way he deems feasible. Good Phil Collins lyrics in this one. – Pritch
Space Man – Harry Nilsson
Richie Snare is featured on drums for this track on the “Son of Schmilsson” LP. Richie Snare is also known at Ringo Starr – Mike O.
Love On The Wrong Side Of The Tracks – Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes
Co-written by Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt, this 1977 track is a staple in the Jukes catalog—and nobody makes it come to life more than Southside Johnny on lead vocals.
“Bye-bye, baby, our love is tumblin’ down
I can’t be hangin’ around
Love on the wrong side of town”
Now that’s some heartbreaking shit! – Cornel
I Still Believe – The Call Ft. Robert Levon Been
An underappreciated band in my opinion. Michael Been’s song always had a message.
This is one of his tunes done by his son after his father’s passing. He used his father’s bass guitar and sang the vocals. – Dom
You Love The Thunder – Jackson Browne
Another good number from the Running on Empty album re: a relationship between a musician and his woman. Of course having Danny Kortchmar, Riuss Kunkel and Leland Sklar playing on this tune helps. Rosemary Butler singing background vocals completes this upbeat tune. – Pritch
Costafine Town – Splinter
Oddly reminiscent of a Billy Joel style tune, P.Roducer was both a name and title on this album. George Harrison used the name P.Roducer because Splinter was on his Dark Horse label, but he was prohibited from using his name because he was under contract to Apple Records. – Mike O.
Love Interruption – Jack White
The was first single White released after the White Stripes called it quits. Jack White said, “I really wanted to stir up the notion of what love could mean, and what we really want when we say that word.” Mission accomplished! – Cornel
Mud in the Water – The Gasoline Gypsies
Back in 2017 they were considered “one of the three best unsigned bands in the USA” From the Detroit area they combine rock with a bit of folk and have crisp harmonies. If you like this one, you’ll want more. – Dom
Looking for You (I Was) – Patti Smith
The driving guitar and drums of this song pop you right in the nose from the get go. Clearly not one of her more punk driven earlier songs but still weakly echoes some of that genre. Aren’t we all looking for something. Hope you find it! – Pritch
Love Is Just A Four Letter Word – Joan Baez
A song written sometime in 1965 by Mr. Dylan, who never released a version of his song, and, according to his website, he has never performed the song live. This was Joan at her creative best. If you’re putting together a “Best of Joan Baez” playlist, make sure you include this incredible track about the heartache and dark secrets only true love can uncover. – Cornel
Lucy In The Sky – Elton John
Known for the quote, “Madness is the first sign of dandruff”, the name Winson O’Boogie should be a dead giveaway. Of course, one of John Lennon’s favorite pseudonyms (along with Mel Torment) was Winston O’Boogie. – Mike O.
