The Daily Vinyl Blog

Next year is the 20-yr anniversary of the album “Union” by prog-rock band YES.

The 70′s and 80′s had been good to YES and they were coming into the 90′s with an intersting and amazing project. A union of 8 of the most classic members. Jon Anderson (lead vocals) had left the band (for the 2nd time) after the “Big Generator” tour. Frustrated w/ the pop direction the band had taken following the mega-hits “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” and “Leave It” (from 1983′s “90125″) and the minor hits “Love Will Find A Way” and “Rhythm Of Love” (from 1987′s “Big Generator”).

Anderson regrouped with 70′s-Yes alumnis Steve Howe (guitar), Rick Wakeman (keyboards)and Bill Bruford (drums). They called themselves Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe. (Sounding very much like a law firm.) They were joined on bass with Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel’s studio and stage bass player and met Bruford during their stint with King Crimson in the early 80′s.)

The remaining members of YES were Chris Squire (bass, backing vocals – and the only member to appear on every YES record), Trevor Rabin (guitar – the “new guy” and primary inspiration and songwriter for those big 80′s hits), and Tony Kaye (keyboards – the original keyboard player on their 1st three records. But was fired in favor of a more dynamic player: Rick Wakeman. Kaye rejoined just before the 90125 album was record and my understanding is that he was actually used very little on those records as Trevor Rabin was a fairly accomplished on the keys.) and Alan White (drums. Only the 2nd drummer in Yes’ history. Pretty good.)

After Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe’s self-titled debut was released to fairly good reviews and a successful tour, they had little quality material for the follow-up. Jon Anderson was urged to approach Trevor Rabin about writing some new material for them.

Eventually the stage was set for the first YES record to feature those 8 alumni.

Could have been amazing. Could have.

Unfortunately, the record label pressured for quick release. The album was rushed, studio musician were brought in (I think there is like 8 keyboard players listed in the credits). And for the most part, the songs are just not good. The 8 musicians did not play on any song together. It was still the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe & Levin (with some new backing vocals provided by Squire) and Rabin, Squire, Kaye, White with lead vocals by Anderson.

The tour was great. I saw them in Miami. Fabulous show. Terrible record.

But for some strange reason, I pulled it up on my iPod while washing the dishes and I wonder if it could have been better if the song listing was different. Maybe not, but it couldn’t have hurt! Although some reviews on Amazon praise the beginning of the album, the first time I listened to it I wanted to vomit, hating the first 3 songs.

Here is the original track listing w/ the primary YES version (ABWH or ARSW)

1. I Would Have Waited Forever – ABWH
2. Shock to the System – ABWH
3. Masquerade – Steve Howe guitar solo
4. Lift Me Up – ARSW
5. Without Hope You Cannot Start the Day – ABWH
6. Saving My Heart – ARSW
7. Miracle of Life – ARSW
8. Silent Talking – ABWH
9. More We Live/Let Go – ARSW
10. Angkor Wat – ABWH
11. Dangerous (Look in the Light of What You’re Searching For) – ABWH
12. Holding On – ABWH
13. Evensong – a Bruford/Levin improvisation
14. Take the Water to the Mountain – ABWH
15. Give & Take [import version] – ABWH

First off, I think there are too many songs. I would’ve pulled a few tracks and saved the rest for a “Lift Me Up” CD single. For instance, the Steve Howe solo “Masquerade”, to me, is just awful. It sounds like he screws up the timing and hits a few duff notes. “Evensong” is fine, it’s a short mellow sound improvisation w/ few chords played on the bass (Tony Levin) and electronic drumming by Bill Bruford. I personally can’t stand “Without Hope You Cannot Start the Day” and “Shock To The System”. They just hit me so wrong. Here’s how I would’ve released the record. (I’m not sure if they released “Union” on LP, but because this IS The Daily Vinyl, I thought of it terms of side A & B):

Side A
1. Lift Me Up – ARSW
2. Dangerous (Look in the Light of What You’re Searching For) – ABWH
3. Miracle of Life – ARSW
4. Holding On – ABWH
5. Take the Water to the Mountain – ABWH

Side B
1. I Would Have Waited Forever – ABWH
2. Saving My Heart – ARSW
3. More We Live/Let Go – ARSW
4. Silent Talking – ABWH
5. Angkor Wat – ABWH

“Lift Me Up” EP
1. Lift Me Up (radio edit)
2. Shock to the System – ABWH
3. Give & Take [only released on the Japanese version] – ABWH
4. Masquerade – Steve Howe guitar solo
5. Without Hope You Cannot Start the Day – ABWH
6. Evensong – a Bruford/Levin improvisation

Any of you familiar w/ this record care to comment?

I have begun uploading the hour of video I filmed at the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville. This July 26th 2010 concert was the very first time Paul McCartney EVER performed in Nashville (as a Beatle, in Wings, solo — ever!), so it was quite funny when he said “Hello Nashville! It’s good to be back!”

He opened the show with “Venus and Mars” > “RockShow” > “Jet”. Although this version of RockShow is extrememly abridged, it was still the first time he performed it live since the 1976 “Wings Over America” tour. Pretty amazing.

The second (well, I guess technically it’s the fourth song) of the evening was The Beatles classic “All My Loving”

He then rocked it out with another song from the 1975 Wings album “Venus & Mars” — “Letting Go”

Back to the Beatles cannon — “Got To Get You Into My Life” from the 1966 album “Revolver.”

And now he’d like to do a song by his alter-ego… called The Firemen. The song is “Highway” from the album “Electric Arguments.” This tour is interesting because he is not actively promoting a new record. His last tour was to promote this album and “Memory Almost Full.” So for that reason, there were only 4 post-Wings songs played! Although, I enjoy seeing and hearing the new stuff, knowing that most of it will never be played live again, it was fun to get a healthier dose of classics this time around. (I also saw him in ’89 in Miami and ’93 in Orlando where he was promoting “Flowers In The Dirt” and “Off The Ground” respectively.)

I’ve added some live videos to my YouTube page, but have not posted them here, until now. The first ones I added were of the Aimee Mann show/Squeeze show on September 3, 2008.

Aimee Mann opened the evening with a wonderful performance (despite the fact the lady has no idea how to smile).

The video is very shaky because I was nervous about “being caught”. Later, the ushers said I was free to film, so the videos of Squeeze are awesome!

Here’s the final number of the evening: Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)

Be sure and check out the other Squeeze videos, if you’d like.

As a final note about this concert; This show will always be special to me as it was probably the last full concert a very dear friend of mine ever attended. Miss you sweet Melissa.

Becuase I think it’s only right that if I share a band’s music, I should provide a link to purchase it… here is some stuff I recommend. Here’s the AMAZING soundtrack to the 1999 film “Magnolia” featuring Aimee Mann’s best stuff! (and some Supertramp hits!)

and here’s a great SQUEEZE compilation that you can pre-order:

Enjoy the new LIVE CONCERT VIDEOS category. Up next—- PAUL MCCARTNEY!!!!

On July 10th, former Pink Floyd bandmates David Gilmour and Roger Waters performed together for the first time since Live 8 in 2005 at the Hoping Foundation Benefit Evening, held at Kiddington Hall in Oxfordshire, England.

The band consisted of Gilmour, Waters, Guy Pratt (bass and acoustic guitar), Harry Waters (keyboards), Andy Newmark (drums), Chester Kamen (guitar) and Jonjo Grisdale (keyboards). The line-up performed in front of 200 people, raising some £350,000 for the Hoping Foundation (Hope and Optimism for Palestinians In the Next Generation) in the process.

The tracks performed were “To Know Him Is To Love Him”, “Wish You Were Here”, Comfortably Numb” and “Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2).

May 14, 2010 — Ahhh yes!!! The beach! The Daily Vinyl braves the wind blowing sand all around like crazy to present The Daily Vinyl music video #41 – “The Beach Boys Medley”. This medley, to my knowledge, is not available of CD or download anywhere!

In order, the songs of the medley include:
“Good Vibrations”
“Help Me, Rhonda”
“I Get Around”
“Shut Down”
“Surfin’ Safari”
“Barbara Ann”
“Surfin’ USA”
“Fun, Fun, Fun”

The first three songs in the medley represent, in reverse chronological order, the group’s three #1 hits from the 60′s. 4 of the other 5 songs reached at least the Top 5 (the exception being “Surfin’ Safari.”)

The medley reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981, becoming the band’s highest charting hit in the U.S. in over five years. And I love playing this song when I’m DJ’ing pool parties. But ya gotta have the 45!

BTW, this was filmed at the beach in Destin, Florida on Spring Break.

30 songs for $11. Great deal. Classics too! (and some of my favorite tunes that most people don’t know, like “Heroes & Villains,” “Do It Again,” “Wild Honey” – awesome tracks!)

April 28, 2010 — The third installment of highlights from “The Beatles” (aka “The White Album”), featuring “Mother Nature’s Son” / “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey” / “Sexy Sadie”. Big BIG thanks to the East Nashville art group, The Collective Muse. They completely brainstormed this idea. It took us several meetings to nail down the pre-planning … and then we threw it all out the window and just ran with it in the moment.

March 08, 2010 — The Daily Vinyl video #39: “The Show Must Go On” by Three Dog Night

“The Dude’s” 2 little girls were in a Circus Acrobatics class at Studio 1406 in East Nashville. The music playing every week kept reminding me of this song. So, thank goodness I held on to this 45 since 1974. (Used to be my big brothers, whom I must thank/blame for their musical influence.) The video concludes with their receital.

I hope you enjoy. Feel free to rate, comment & subscribe.

(21 songs for under $12. Pretty good deal. Cheaper than downloading one-at-a-time!)

Life has been busy in “The Dude’s” world. I have several vinyl videos filmed and ready to be edited and uploaded. Just trying to get the time. Sorry my Vinyl Video fans…! Coming soon, I promise.

In the meantime, I thought I’d talk about some cool things I want to get.

#1 — BOOK: Drugs, Divorce and a Slipping Image – The Complete, Unauthorized Story of The Beatles’ ‘Get Back’ Sessions
I own the previous version of this book entitled “Get Back: the unauthorized… somethingsomtheingsomething.” And what a facinating read! It chronicled every musical performance during the recording & filming of The Beatles when they were creating the Get Back/Let It Be record in January 1969. The tapes were rolling and they were jamming all sorts of songs. Some of which I have acquired (primarily “Thirty Days” – a 17 CD set and various other sources). Apparently, this version has been completely re-written with more source material located.

2. — CD: Doves – The Places Between (The Best Of Doves) – 2CD + DVD!

Anyone following The Daily Vinyl knows that The Dude LOVES Doves! I cannot get enough of this band. This best of collection looks awesome. Although I do have all their albums & several b-sides, there is a DVD included with 13 music videos. (None feature The Daily Vinyl, unfortuately, but you can see the one I made for “Kingdom of Rust” and “Winter Hill” here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHwhJqsXRfM

3) DVD: Lagaan – Once Upon a Time in India

Ok, so my two little girls watched the movie which we borrowed from a friend. It’s four hours long and they completely hang with this Bollywood flick. The music is amazing (which is their favorite part.) It’s by A.R. Rahman, whom I just discovered. He also did the music for Slumdog Millionaire

4) 1/8″ or Headphone extension cable. So check this out. It’s only 1 cent! I’m totally getting, like, 2!

5) Book – yep another Beatles book. This looks fascinating too!

Let me know if you check any of these things out.

Over 30 years ago, a band called The Knack catapulted to stardom with its hit, “My Sharona.” It also made a star out of its muse, a woman named — not surprisingly — Sharona.

The Knack’s lead singer Doug Fieger wrote the song for the then-teenager who would become his girlfriend, Sharona Alperin. Fieger died last month after a battle with lung cancer. Alperin, who stayed friends with him, was one of the people at his side during those last days.

Sharona Alperin is now a real estate agent in Los Angeles. But she still remembers when she was introduced to Doug Fieger, by his girlfriend.

“I was about 16 or 17 at the time,” Alperin told host Guy Raz. “He was nine years older than me. And within a month or two later, he told me that, ‘I’m in love with you, you’re my soulmate, you’re my other half, we’re going to be together one day.’ And I was madly in love with my boyfriend at the time, and so it took a year for me to leave my boyfriend.”

Alperin remembers the day when she first heard “My Sharona” — before she and Fieger were an item.

“One day, on my lunch break from my clothing store, I went to their [The Knack's] rehearsal,” she says. “And I saw maybe Burton [Averee] or Doug [Fieger] say, ‘Should we play it? Should we play it? All right, let’s play it for her.’ And I sat down. Cut to: I’m driving back to the clothing store, and I’m thinking, ‘Did I just hear a song with my name in it?’”

The cover art of the single “My Sharona” actually features Alperin posing in a revealing tank top and tight jeans. For some time, she was famous in her own right.

“That was, like, my normal outfit, what I wore all the time, by the way,” she says, laughing. “I guess I didn’t look at myself as a celebrity, but people were very excited when they met me. And I remember going on tour, and seeing sometimes people dress up. And I’d say, ‘What are you dressed up as?’ And they would say, ‘Sharonas.’

“Not everybody knew that Sharona was a person, or they thought maybe it was a thing. I think in Japan, they might have thought it was the male organ — that’s what I heard.”

Fieger and Alperin eventually got married to separate people, but they remained in touch. Fieger died on Valentine’s Day this year, but Alperin says she went to see him frequently in his final months.

“A lot of his idols, people that meant so much to him in the music industry, came to pay their respects to him,” she says. “And it was really beautiful.”

(This article is posted from NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124397021&ft=1&f=1039)

Indie rock fans’ prayers were finally answered Monday night in Auckland, NZ. Yep, it really happened: Pavement reunited for their first live concert in more than 10 years.

At the 1,600-capacity Town Hall, the quintet — guitarist, vocalist Stephen Malkmus; guitarist Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg; drummer Steve West; bassist Mark Ibold; and multi-instrumentalist Bob Nastanovich — kicked off their world tour, which hits Australia and Japan before heading stateside this spring for fests like Coachella and Sasquatch!

The band rocked through a 25-song set — which they refined during two weeks of rehearsals in Portland, OR — including plenty of tracks from SPIN’s dream setlist: show-opener “In the Mouth a Desert,” from the band’s 1992 full-length debut Slanted and Enchanted, Wowee Zowee gem “Grounded,” and Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain standouts “Cut Your Hair,” “Gold Soundz,” and “Range Life.”

Spiral Stairs took to his blog to post a few photos from the show — including this charming backstage shot. “We were seriously nervous!” he wrote in the post. “The show was great. The fans were unreal. Whew… all those Pavement anxiety dreams can now go away!”

Source: http://www.spin.com/articles/pavement-play-first-show-10-years