TRILOGY OF TUNES #1:
THE MOTELS
Recommended titles by THE MOTELS
(First 2 albums on 1 CD)
(3rd and 4th albums on 2 CDs + bonus tracks)
Showing posts with label Capitol Records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Capitol Records. Show all posts
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Monday, June 18, 2012
SPAZ slobbers all over THE BEACH BOYS' That's Why God Made The Radio!
And to think I thought that they don't make albums like this anymore....
I have to admit that the thought that it would be strange to hear THE BEACH BOYS singing about surf, music, love, cars and all the other stuff that goes with growing up in California. I mean, they were young when they started the band and it was OK back then... but c'mon, that was then and this is now! It's been 50 years since they guys first came together and it seemed kind of creepy for someone pushing 70 to sing about teenage love...
But that was until I heard That's Why God Made The Radio!
What I wasn't comprehending until I heard the album was that Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnson and David Marks aren't really literally singing about young love, they are singing about the FEELINGS of being young and in love. They are singing about the emotions that rule the mind, body and spirit when you are at an age when life is sweet. And for many of us, those feelings still ring true, no matter what age. I mean, who doesn't remember the golden years of our lives right before responsibility and adulthood robbed us of our hopes and dreams? It is those wonderful memories that rise to the surface as the listener experiences what is the best new Beach Boys studio album since the deliciously off-kilter music they released in the '70s. For the record, while I like the tune "Getcha Back" from '85, the self-titled album that song was pulled from was killed by '80s production. And furthermore, I'm still not quite sure about "Kokomo"... still on the fence about that one!
While the five members are augmented by session players and vocalists, this is definitely the work of Brian Wilson and his lifetime friends. From the glorious intro that spotlights the BB's signature harmonies, this is a special treat for fans, new and old. It is obvious that they try to recreate some of the sounds of their golden years, but they also sound fresh, vibrant and alive. Nobody sounds quite like the Beach Boys and believe me, there are some great artists out there who successfully re-create the style but they end up lacking the true spirit of the BB's California sound.
"That's Why God Made The Radio" speaks of an era when the radio brought people together, brought joy to the listener and spread the gospel of the power of music. It is a song that does just that. While the chorus' melody is faintly reminiscent of the them from "Midnight Cowboy", that doesn't stop it from reaching down inside you and stirring up emotions of a time in your life when the radio was your best friend when you were alone...
And the magic doesn't stop there!
"Isn't It Time", "Spring Vacation", "Shelter", "Beaches In Mind", "From There To Back Again", "Pacific Coast Highway" and "Summer's Gone" are amazing slices of Beach Boys pop filled with harmonies and hope. Only "The Private Life Of Bill And Sue" falls flat, but that's a minor complaint that I won't spend any more time talking about.
That's Why God Made The Radio is one of the best albums of the year and ensures that the Beach Boys' legacy is stronger than ever. By the time the sound of the waves close the album, there's a certain sadness that is washed away when you start the whole album again.
This is the sound of the California dream.... something that every generation can understand and relate to. And it will touch you right down to the core of your being. The album encapsulates the band's career while delivering a bittersweet joy that can only be felt by those with a heart and soul. God Bless The Beach Boys!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
An EXCLUSIVE interview with GRAFITTI6's JAMIE SCOTT!
Regardless of what you may have heard, the music industry is alive and well and cranking out tunes by the hundreds, if not thousands, each and every week. From DIY efforts recorded in small bedrooms around the world to big budget studio recordings funded by major labels, the parade of tunes can make your head spin. Trying to find something that connects to head, heart and soul can be a bit of a chore, though. But when that song hits you, it feels like a momentous mix of Christmas and the Fourth of July. Graffiti6’s U.S. debut single “Free” is one of those songs.
Released towards the end of 2011, “Free” is the perfect combination of modern and retro styles: a production that blends electronics and acoustic Pop with a melody that sounds like it’s straight off a vintage Northern Soul single. Vocalist Jamie Scott’s heartfelt vocals and TommyD’s pristine production add a timeless quality to “Free”, ensuring that it’s magic will sound just as captivating 10 years from now.
The British duo’s full length debut, Colours, expands upon the musical blueprint of “Free” by adding even more genres and creating one delicious Pop pie of an album. From Soul to Pop, Electro to Folk, Colours is as perfect as modern Pop music gets. It is an album that will satisfy music fans looking for something with substance yet it is slick enough to shift millions of units. Colours is the kind of album that bridges the gap between the cool and the commercial. It’s jam packed full of songs that are sophisticated yet easy to love.
While both of Graffiti6’s members have made a name for themselves in the business (including TommyD’s production work and two albums from Jamie Scott & The Town), this collaboration is perhaps the most fully realized outing that either has been involved with. The album has been long in the making (they began working together in 2008) but it has been worth the wait. Judging by the reaction from audiences so far, its probably safe to say that Jamie and Tommy will have to leave their solo careers on the backburner and concentrate on this project full time.
Stephen SPAZ Schnee was able to catch up with Jamie to discuss the band, the album and more…
SPAZ: Your debut album, Colours, is just about to drop. How are you feeling about the album and the reaction you have encountered so far?
JAMIE SCOTT: Really excited because I have been waiting for the album to be released in the U.S. for a while now and the reaction we have got so far from playing shows and touring America has been overwhelming
SPAZ: Pop music today seems more about style over substance, yet Graffiti6 bucks the trend and puts the heart and soul back into the music. Did you realize that you were doing something a little different when you began putting the album together?
JAMIE: I think we never really sat down and questioned what we were writing and producing. That was really the reason it flowed like it did. But it’s cool to hear people say that about our music
SPAZ: When writing for the album, where did you draw your greatest inspiration from? Does it tend to be music or other forms of art that inspire you?
JAMIE: The inspiration lyrically for the album and for anything that we wrote or I've written for myself has always been from personal experience. In terms of musical inspiration, I think everyone has influences but the idea is that you find your own style I suppose. The collaboration between Tommy and myself became a mix of genres because of our eclectic mix of influences.
SPAZ: While the album is lushly produced, the songs remain the primary focus. Are the songs usually born on an acoustic guitar, or perhaps based around a studio-created groove? Maybe a bit of both? JAMIE: Most of the album was written on the guitar or wurly first before any production took place but there were a few tracks like “Colours” and “Calm The Storm” that we were just jamming in the studio and became songs.
SPAZ: Production-wise, when putting together the album, did you both work out each track together or did you lay down the basics and let Tommy D take it to the next level?
JAMIE: We pretty much worked together on everything. That became the signature sound of what we were doing. It was the chemistry we both had when playing together.
SPAZ: Is there a difference between your approach to songwriting in the context of Graffiti6 versus your solo material?
JAMIE: No, not really. It's still about writing a good song.
SPAZ: Were there moments when a song would take a completely different direction than what you imagined when writing it? And were there times when you had to set a song aside because you had two differing opinions and couldn’t reach a compromise?
JAMIE: We only recorded 17 songs in all. 12 made the album, a further 3 made the EP and the remaining tracks were the ones that we both weren't convinced about. So yes, I would say that is correct. IN terms of direction, we both worked together so much on the album, that was really never an issue.
SPAZ: The album is very cohesive yet takes many detours down various musical paths including House, R&B, Pop, etc. Where do you think Graffiti6 fits in?
JAMIE: We've already seen the album as a merge of Folk, Blues and Northern Soul but after touring we have had so many different references that I'm not sure any more. But I suppose that's the whole point of music - you take your own personal view on things.
SPAZ: When you write a song like “Free”, which is by far the best single of 2011, at which point did you realize “OK, I think we might have something here?”
JAMIE: The minute we first started writing the verse, actually. I felt that something was really special about it already.
SPAZ: Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse in regards to Graffiti6?
JAMIE: When we first released the record on our own label in the UK, the internet was actually a blessing because it enabled us to reach a lot of people without spending much money that we didn't have.
SPAZ: What’s next for Graffiti6?
JAMIE: Touring America, hopefully, for the rest of the year and playing to big crowds after the record comes out.
SPAZ: What is currently spinning on your CD and DVD players?
JAMIE: (CD) Lewis Taylor’s Bitter Sweet and Ryan Adams’ new record. (DVD) Flight Of The Conchords.
Thanks to Jamie Scott
Special thanks to Jacki Feldstein, Alexis Goldberg and Richard Wilson
Friday, April 8, 2011
ELIZA DOOLITTLE: Self-Titled debut album available April 19th, 2011
U.S. debut album from the British singer/songwriter. Informed by the stresses of modern city life, teenage aggro, classic Pop, old Soul and the appeal of simple, strong melodies built from clanking percussion and jazzy licks, Eliza’s eponymous debut album is bursting at the seams with life and enthusiasm and vigor: just like its creator. On her debut album, Eliza marries breezily beautiful melodies and witty, erudite lyrics with a delightfully off-kilter twist and a knack for a killer hook. The album has been a run away success in the UK where it spent nine weeks in the Top 10, peaking at #3 and already achieving Platinum status. The album has been propelled by 'Pack Up', which spent numerous weeks in the Top 10, peaking at #5 and achieving Gold status
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
SANTA RECOMMENDS...CROWDED HOUSE
Hello, kids!
CHRISTMAS is almost here! My elves are busy building toys, reading your e-mails and keeping busy. A few of them spend far too much time on Facebook these days, but we're still on schedule so I won't complain.
Have you written out your Christmas wish list yet? No? Well, you better get busy. There's only a little time left before I load my sleigh up with gifts and make my journey around the world on Christmas night!
If you are having a hard time deciding what you want, may I suggest this?
Arising from the ashes of Australian legends Split Enz, Crowded House was led by the enormously talented Neil Finn. With drummer Paul Hester and bassist Nick Seymour at his side, they had a huge hit right out of the box with "Don't Dream It's Over". For the next few years, the band was unstoppable. Their career highpoint was when Neil's big brother Tim joined the band for their Woodface album and a slew of hit singles that made them superstars in Europe, Australia and elsewhere. The band managed to squeak only one album out after Tim left and they broke up in the mid '90s. Thankfully, they've reunited and are creating music today, 25 years after originally forming. This collection contains their most memorable hits and longtime favorites and is the perfect introduction to a band that really deserves more attention than you've given them in the past. They are one of the most consistently magical bands on the planet and this is a release that should be stuffed in every stocking this year.
I must get going now. Mrs. Claus needs some help in eating those cinnamon rolls and I don't want to miss out! They are fresh out of the oven, you know! Yum Yum!
I must get going now. Mrs. Claus needs some help in eating those cinnamon rolls and I don't want to miss out! They are fresh out of the oven, you know! Yum Yum!
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Santa
Friday, August 6, 2010
APPLE RECORDS/Best Of, catalog reissues and more... Available October 26th, 2010!
The first commercial multi-artist compilation in Apple’s history set for release on October 26th, 2010
The Radha Krishna Temple added to historic release of original apple albums from 1968 to 1973: Remastered CDs and Apple’s first digital downloads due October 26th, 2010
London, England – August 5, 2010 - The dazzling range of music originally issued by Apple Records between 1968 and 1973, which is now the subject of an unprecedented multi-album worldwide campaign starting October 26th – including remastered CDs (with bonus material revealed for the first time below) and Apple’s first digital downloads – will now be augmented by two additional titles: Come and Get It: The Best Of Apple Records
, the first commercially issued multi-artist compilation in the label’s history; and The Radha Krishna Temple, the self-titled album of devotional music produced by George Harrison.
, the first commercially issued multi-artist compilation in the label’s history; and The Radha Krishna Temple, the self-titled album of devotional music produced by George Harrison.Come and Get It: The Best Of Apple Records, a 21-track compilation of singles, ranging from the folk-rooted tunes of Mary Hopkin and James Taylor, and the energetic rock of Badfinger (also The Iveys) and Jackie Lomax, to the deep soul of Doris Troy and Billy Preston, will also be released in the physical and digital marketplace on October 26th, 2010.
, a 21-track compilation of singles, ranging from the folk-rooted tunes of Mary Hopkin and James Taylor, and the energetic rock of Badfinger (also The Iveys) and Jackie Lomax, to the deep soul of Doris Troy and Billy Preston, will also be released in the physical and digital marketplace on October 26th, 2010. Come and Get It displays Apple’s vibrant years of musical experimentation in full flower, from bona fide hit singles to the cult classics of the catalogue, as represented by brass band The Black Dyke Mills Band, Cajun collective The Sundown Playboys, and more. Hot Chocolate (as ‘The Hot Chocolate Band’) makes an appearance, as does Ronnie Spector, Bill Elliot & The Elastic Oz Band, Chris Hodge, Brute Force, and others.
Launched by The Beatles in 1968, Apple served as the new outlet for their own recordings as well as the music of an eclectic roster of artists who were all personally brought to the label by The Beatles (individually and/or collectively). In the revolutionary spirit of the times, Apple’s utopian artist-orientated mission celebrated diversity in a friendly creative environment. The result was a rainbow spectrum of music, from folk, rock and soul to The Modern Jazz Quartet and the work of contemporary British classical composer John Tavener.
As Apple Corps Ltd. and EMI Music prepare for the upcoming 17 album CD and digital download release, it is a reminder that the introduction of an artist on The Beatles' record label was avidly followed by fans across the universe – then and now. Each of the albums has been digitally remastered at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London by the same dedicated team of engineers behind The Beatles' recent remastered catalogue releases of 2009.
Details of Come And Get It and each original album along with newly announced bonus material are as follows:
and each original album along with newly announced bonus material are as follows:1 Those Were The Days / Mary Hopkin
2 Carolina In My Mind / James Taylor
3 Maybe Tomorrow / The Iveys
4 Thingumybob / The Black Dyke Mills Band
5 King Of Fuh / Brute Force
6 Sour Milk Sea / Jackie Lomax
7 Goodbye / Mary Hopkin
8 That's The Way God Planned It / Billy Preston
9 New Day / Jackie Lomax
10 Golden Slumbers-Carry That Weight / Trash
11 Give Peace A Chance / Hot Chocolate Band
12 Come And Get It / Badfinger
13 Ain't That Cute / Doris Troy
14 My Sweet Lord / Billy Preston
15 Try Some Buy Some / Ronnie Spector
16 Govinda / Radha Krishna Temple
17 We're On Our Way / Chris Hodge
18 Saturday Nite Special / The Sundown Playboys
19 God Save Us / Bill Elliot & The Elastic Oz Band
20 Sweet Music / Lon & Derrek van Eaton
21 Day After Day / Badfinger
The Digitally Remastered reissues (each including bonus material):
JAMES TAYLOR (1968) by James Taylor
James Taylor’s debut album, recorded in 1968, includes two of his best loved songs, ‘Something In The Way She Moves’ and ‘Carolina In My Mind’. Both are familiar to millions from the 1976 versions that open his 11 x Platinum Greatest Hits, but were first recorded for Apple Records in 1968. Here are the original recordings, alongside 10 equally strong others, made in London with a little help from top musicians and some baroque English strings.
MAGIC CHRISTIAN MUSIC (1970) by Badfinger
Magic Christian Music is a sweet, colorful pop album packed full of early gems from the songwriting powerhouse that began as The Iveys and later became Badfinger. Also featuring the worldwide smash hit 'Come And Get It', written and produced by Paul McCartney for the 1969 Peter Sellers / Ringo Starr movie The Magic Christian.
NO DICE (1970) by Badfinger
The first album with guitarist and singer-songwriter Joey Molland, No Dice is a watershed collection of power pop that bridges the band's commercial instincts with the classic, no-frills rock that became their trademark. Includes the Top 10 single, 'No Matter What', and the original version of the Ivor Novello and Grammy Award winning ‘Without You’, made famous by Harry Nilsson, and later Mariah Carey.
STRAIGHT UP (1972) by Badfinger
Long considered to be the group's finest album, Straight Up is a glorious collection of strong melodies, insightful lyrics and deep emotion. Produced in part by George Harrison and containing the U.S. hit, 'Baby Blue', plus the worldwide smash 'Day After Day' — featuring George and the group's Pete Ham joining forces on the superb synchronized slide guitar solo.
ASS (1974) by Badfinger
Joey Molland assumes half the songwriting on this, the group's heaviest and most serious album. Ass is solid gold Badfinger. It was partly recorded at the then state-of-the-art Apple Studios at 3 Savile Row, London, and contains the group's valedictory 'Apple Of My Eye', written by Pete Ham. The album was produced by Badfinger with Chris Thomas.
POST CARD (1968) by Mary Hopkin
Mary Hopkin's debut is a treasury of popular song. Produced by Paul McCartney and featuring numbers from Donovan, Harry Nilsson and, in rare songwriting mode, George Martin; plus classics from the Gershwins and Irving Berlin. Mary's pure, folk-inspired vocals make for a beguiling, dreamy album. Although not included on the original UK LP, Mary’s global smash hit ‘Those Were The Days’ is now the staple track on Post Card.
EARTH SONG / OCEAN SONG (1971) by Mary Hopkin
Issued in 1971, this is Mary Hopkin's coming-of-age collection, packed with socially-conscious, lyrically-aware anthems from the cream of the era's folk protagonists: Ralph McTell, Gallagher & Lyle, Tom Paxton, Cat Stevens, Harvey Andrews and the relatively unknown Liz Thorsen who wrote the collection’s title songs, ‘Earth Song’ and ‘Ocean Song’. Mary defines her art on this album, co-ordinated by legendary producer and Mary's husband-to-be at the time, Tony Visconti.
THAT’S THE WAY GOD PLANNED IT (1969) by Billy Preston
Billy Preston’s debut album for Apple Records was his vocal album debut too. Before this Billy was renowned merely as a wizard instrumentalist. Here, his impassioned vocals help create one of the best soul records of the 1960s. Produced by George Harrison, That’s The Way… expands Billy’s palette of gospel and R&B to embrace rock elements brought in by A-list players Keith Richards, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton.
ENCOURAGING WORDS (1970) by Billy Preston
Encouraging Words is steeped in exemplary playing and songwriting… and pure funky soul. Produced by George Harrison and Billy together, it is packed with originals and inspired covers, including 'My Sweet Lord' and 'All Things (Must) Pass' — donated by George before he released them himself — and a unique Harrison-Preston songwriting collaboration, the gospel hymn 'Sing One For The Lord'. This is Billy on the launch pad just before he rocketed to U.S. No.2 success with 'Outta Space' for A&M Records.
DORIS TROY (1970) by Doris Troy
The self-titled Apple album from the legendary Doris Troy, nicknamed ‘Mama Soul’ by her British fans, is an exciting union of R&B, gospel and rock. It showcases four little-known songs that Doris co-wrote with George Harrison, two of which also credit Stephen Stills and Ringo Starr. Other guests include Billy Preston, Peter Frampton and Eric Clapton.
IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT? (1968) by Jackie Lomax
Yes! This is a cracking album of powerful late-Sixties rock and blue-eyed soul originals by Liverpool vocalist Jackie Lomax. Among the many highlights is the one cover, George Harrison's otherwise unavailable 'White Album'-era song 'Sour Milk Sea', given to Jackie and featuring guest players including George, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton.
UNDER THE JASMIN TREE (1968) & SPACE (1969) by the Modern Jazz Quartet (a 2-on-1 CD)
Two albums of high-class improvisational bebop recorded by Atlantic Records legends the MJQ while on secondment to Apple. With their unique line-up of piano, vibes, bass and drums, the Quartet brought old-style tuxedo excellence and cool organic jazz to the Apple catalogue.
THE WHALE (1970) & CELTIC REQUIEM (1971) by John Tavener (a 2-on-1 CD)
Sir John Tavener was knighted by The Queen in 2000 for his services to music, and he remains one of Britain’s most popular classical composers. Back in the late Sixties, John Tavener was championed by John & Yoko, and befriended by Ringo Starr. Apple's recordings of The Whale, his avant-garde oratorio, and Celtic Requiem, written for soprano, orchestra and children’s choir, were his first ever full-length releases, and remain extraordinary examples of British contemporary classical music.
RADHA KRISHNA TEMPLE (1971) by the Radha Krishna Temple (London)
The latest addition to the 2010 Reissue campaign is The Radha Krishna Temple album, which was recorded by the London chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and was produced by George Harrison. The album is a collection of devotional chants and prayers to Krishna (another name for God) and to the movement’s own divinely-inspired spiritual masters. It spawned two Top 30 UK singles, ‘Hare Krishna Mantra’ (No. 12) and ‘Govinda’ (No. 23), and said George: “It was the greatest fun of all, really, to see Krishna on Top Of The Pops”. Krishna Consciousness can be defined as a “process of plain living and high thinking” that leads to spiritual knowledge, self-realization, as well as the greater goal of peace and happiness in the wider world.
NEWS FLASH! ELI "PAPERBOY" REED releases one of the finest albums of 2010!
So, you've already been hearing the buzz about this album, right? Well, all I can tell you right now folks is that this album is BETTER than you can possibly imagine! I'll have a real honest to goodness review for you but wanted to kick y'all in the rear and remind you that this is a fab album that is calling out your name and begging you to take it home and cuddle with it! Man, this kid is pure dynamite!
And when have I ever let you down? Huh? Well, OK, so the Spice Girls may not have become the next Rolling Stones like I predicted.... and I was wrong when I said that the Flock Of Seagulls hairstyle would be all the rage in 2010.....and I was a little premature in saying that Justin Bieber's 2nd release was going to be better than Abbey Road.... but that's all in the past. Eli PAPERBOY Reed is the now, baby! So dig!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
ELI PAPERBOY REED/Come And Get It: Available August 10th, 2010!
2010 album from the dynamic Soul/Rock vocalist. Think big-name modern crooners like Michael Buble`, Harry Connick Jr. and Jamie Cullum that capture the nostalgic hearts of the older baby-boomer consumer but also think Amy Winehouse, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and Duffy that attract the young hipsters and that is who Eli 'Paperboy' Reed appeals to. His music is an authentic throwback to R&B/Soul of the 1960s yet also fresh, accessible and modern. He is a progressive Soul-revivalist and it's with a broad appeal that Mr. Paperboy is setting out to conquer the world as the next big thing.
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