Paul And Ringo’s Mini-Beatles Reunion!

This funny image is from the music video for “So Bad”, one of the playful songs from “Pipes Of Peace”. Ringo and Paul recorded together again after years apart. “Pipes” is a “debated” entry in the McCartney solo canon – some like it for the collection of pop hits it contains, while others decry the saccharine nature of some of the music…so which is it?

Let’s take a listen!

Analyzing Paul’s “Pipes!”

“Pipes Of Peace” was released in 1983, and was the follow-up to Paul’s popular “Tug of War” album, which included Paul’s poignant song to John Lennon, “Here Today.”

“Pipes” has many similarities to “Tug” – partly because some of the songs were recorded during the “Tug Of War” sessions!

More “Tug Of War” Comparisons!

As I said, many of the songs were actually recorded during the “Tug” sessions, and was originally considered for a double album release. “Pipes” was produced by George Martin, and both albums featured Paul singing two songs with other Artists. On “Tug” is was Stevie Wonder, and on “Pipes”, Paul sang twice with Michael Jackson.

(FILES) Photo dated on December 19, 1983 shows British singer Paul McCartney and US pop star Michael Jackson (R). Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world and tributes pouring for the tortured music icon revered as the “King of Pop.” AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)

Here are the songs on “Pipes Of Peace”, beginning with the title track:

“Pipes of Peace”

The lyrics offer up a straightforward call to peace:

“All’round The World
Little Children Being Born To The World
Got To Give Them All We Can ‘Til The War Is Won
Then Will The Work Be Done

Help Them To Learn (Help Them To Learn)
Songs Of Joy Instead Of Burn, Baby, Burn (Burn, Baby Burn)
Let Us Show Them How To Play The Pipes Of Peace
Play The Pipes Of Peace”

Here is the official music video, with Paul playing a World War 1 soldier:

Next up is the album’s biggest hit single, the duet with Michael Jackson:

“Say Say Say”

The music video was directed by Bob Giraldi, and the song became a number one hit in the US after its release in 1983.

Watch Linda ask the crowd to “step right up!” to open the video:

“The Other Me” and “Keep Under Cover” are next – two mid-tempo pop songs that are clearly album tracks but nice to listen to, then comes a song that speaks to what divides fans about this album:

“So Bad”

Some fans love the beautiful melody of “So Bad”, while others have posted comments against the song, which explodes into a syrupy sounding chorus that is highly orchestrated and very saccharine…watch the music video and decide for yourself:

Side two is up next, and it begins with the other Michael Jackson collaboration:

“The Man”

“The Man” is also a great melody that is very heavily produced.

Here is the song’s music video, covered with a lot of great home video footage. As noted on YouTube:

“Michael Jackson was invited to stay with the McCartney family during 1981, during which time he and Paul wrote ‘Say Say Say’. Rare and previously unreleased home movie footage filmed by Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney, Sussex 1981.”

Check it out:

Bravo to “JThrillington” for sharing on Youtube…fascinating behind-the-scenes material of Paul and Michael, as well as Macca’s family.

“Sweetest Little Show” and “Average Person” are next, more catchy pop clocking in under three minutes each.

“Average Person” reminds me of Paul’s standard groove – a slice of pop with a catchy beat.

“Hey Hey”

This is a song that, to me, showed Paul’s interest in experimentation, something he has done throughout his career.

This track begins with a somewhat raucous instrumental, which wouldn’t be out of place on “Back To The Egg” or “McCartney 2” – and then at 1:24 into the song, it shifts to a soft melodic groove, then back to the crunchy rock groove….

As I said, I like this kind of experimentation, which Macca had just done a couple years earlier with his electronic “McCartney 2” – also polarizing when released, now considered a masterpiece…see some of those incredible videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/28/mccartney-ii-paul-mccartneys-experimental-masterpiece-the-secret-stories-of-mccartney-ii/

This leads to McCartney’s unique “mashup” of “Tug Of War” AND “Pipes Of Peace”:

“Tug of Peace”

This song begins with an audio montage of voices and beats, suggesting another instrumental with a jazzy funk to it – then jumps into a “It’s a Tug Of War” chant – and Paul raps!

“It’s a tug of war
No no, your troubles cease when you learn to play the pipes of peace”

Yes, Paul talks over the chanting of the opening track to his previous album! It’s offered up with a funky bass line laid down underneath…a very unique song.
On the next track, “Tug Of Peace” Paul is clearly rapping some of the lyrics – in 1983!

“Through Our Love”

The album ends with a big love song, pure McCartney, but as with the other songs on the albums, barely three-and-a-half minutes…all of the songs are economical – set up the chorus, knock it out of the park, go home!

No “Peace” From The Critics!

While “Tug Of War” was given strong reviews, Critics didn’t feel the same way about “Pipes”:

The British magazine NME called it:

“a dull, tired and empty collection of quasi-funk and gooey rock arrangements … with McCartney cooing platitudinous sentiments on a set of lyrics seemingly made up on the spur of the moment.”

Time Has Been More Kind:

Paul released a special edition of the album in 20915, and Pitchfork Media notes that at the time of the original release:

“Some critics derided McCartney for aging gracelessly”, yet “a good listen to the album today reveals some ways it was ahead of its time.”

“Pipes Of Peace” came close to matching the commercial success of “Tug Of War”, and had two big hit singles: “Say Say Say” and the title track.

McCartney went right from recording the album to working on “Give My Regards To Broad Street”, his movie musical.

That movie didn’t do well, but Paul just kept on making music: however, next up, Paul made one of his rare mis-steps: an album with no hit singles, a very 80’s sound that for many felt out of touch with who Paul is as an Artist, and it bombed:

“Press To Play” sounds very much like the 80’s, and for some fans, didn’t sound enough like Paul.

Read all about “Press To Play” by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/24/paul-mccartneys-press-to-play-disaster-a-critical-re-examination/

Paul never slowed down, even with failure, continuing to record music – and next, he took on a writing partner as well!

Take a look at his triumphant return to form with “Flowers In The Dirt” – and his musical collaboration with Elvis Costello – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/28/paul-mccartney-meets-elvis-costello-raucous-macca-ensues-on-flowers-in-the-dirt/

Let me know what you think of “Pipes Of Peace.”

If I want more peace in the world
Then I must make peace with myself

Time to look at “2nd Wind”, which was Todd Rundgren’s thirteenth solo studio album, and as always, Todd came up with a unique way of recording the album. It followed the release of one of his most acclaimed records.

Todd’s previous album, “Nearly Human” almost cracked the top 100, and “The Want Of A Nail” was a #15 hit on “Mainstream Rock” charts. It was hailed by critics and fans alike as one of this many masterpieces. Here is a look at that classic:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/26/todd-rundgren-is-nearly-human-todds-6-fingered-masterpiece/

As with its predecessor, “Nearly Human”, Rundgren chose to record “2nd Wind” ‘live’ with a full band, as opposed to playing all of the instruments himself.

That’s right: once again Todd chose a unique recording method for the album – “2nd Wind” was a collection of new songs recorded in studio live.

The album was recorded at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California. The album kicks off with one of my favorite Todd songs:

“Change Myself”

The album begins with a great song that showcase a more reflective Todd:

“I want to change the world
I want to make it well
How can I change the world
When I can’t change myself
Try again tomorrow
I’d love to change your mind
Capture your citadel
How could I change your mind

If I can’t change myself
Try again tomorrow”

Take a look at the music video:

Thanks to kruegerVP | Visual Production – who posted this on Youtube with this note:

“My first collaboration with Todd Rundgren (1990), this was the first all 3D computer animated music video.”

Todd was really into video and computer animation – and I own one of these!

Yes, a VHS of the recording sessions – a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the album! I also own this, which is a collection that has some of the album’s material on it as well…

And thanks to “HarryRunt danu” for this – the next three songs on the album from that terrific BTS/performance clip!

“Love Science” / “Who’s Sorry Now?” / “The Smell of Money”

Here is a look at these three songs in order – the first two classic Todd songs, the third from a unique source…first, take a look:

Bravo to “HarryRunt danu” for sharing this great BTS/perfomrance video on Youtube! Now, as for “The Smell Of Money”…

The album includes three songs (“The Smell of Money”, “If I Have to Be Alone” and “Love in Disguise”) written for Rundgren’s musical version of the Joe Orton play/screenplay “Up Against It.” Here is the list of songs from that project:

The full suite of Todd’s songs for the musical was released as an album only in Japan. A more upbeat version of the song “Parallel Lines” also appeared on “Nearly Human”.

“If I Have to Be Alone” and “Love in Disguise” are next, both from “Up Against It”…here is a beautiful live version from 2012 of “If I Have To Be Alone”, which begins as a soft ballad and then builds into a mighty crescendo…you can imagine how powerful it would be if performed on a Broadway stage:

“Kindness” and “Public Servant” are next, then a beautiful, spiritual song:

“Gaya’s Eyes”

“Gaya’s crying, cant you hear her crying
Like a whisper, oh so very soft and low
If you listen, underneath the status quo
Will she still be friends and once again
Pardon our ignorance?
Can we make amends so near the end?
Is there no second chance?

No one hears when Gaya cries
No one cares to wonder why
Cant they see the tears in Gaya’s eyes?
Gaya’s crying (yes she is)”

Here is the live version from the recording sessions – audio only – but you can really hear the perfect balance of orchestra and Utopia backup singing….

“Second Wind”

The album ends with the title track, an inspiring song that speaks to his looking forward:

“Old rocking chair
It beckons you like a junkie’s needle
Start thinking feeble
Cowardly lion
The special today is karma yoga
Glued to the sofa
Where was I when we lost power?
Where was I when lies were spoken?
Where was I when evil snuck in?
Where was I when hope was choking?
A spy in the house
Someday one of the kids may catch us cussing
Then turn us in
Family ties
They used to be colors in a rainbow
Now we fly solo
Give me back the passion flower
Give me back the nonconsumer
Give me back my lack of reason
Give me back my sense of humor
Blow like cyclone my second wind
Blow like typhoon my second wind
Blow like tempest my second wind”

Here is Todd performing it live with the Metropole Orchestra in 2012:

Always a believer in cutting-edge technology, Todd used the video for the album’s only single, “Change Myself,” as a showcase for the NewTek Video Toaster, a desktop video card for the Commodore Amiga computer.

Here’s a look at how Todd created some of Apple’s first graphics!

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/10/todd-rundgrens-early-ipad-invention-todds-itablet-graphic-flowfazer/

Todd spent a lot of time in the 80’s at the forefront of the video revolution. He also turned out great albums as well.

“2nd Wind” was released in 1991 and reached number one-hundred and eighteen on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Reports at the time said that Todd grew tired of the label’s insistence that he include more “single worthy” songs on his albums.

Todd wouldn’t release an album with a record label again for more than a decade, until 2004’s “Liars.”

Instead, Todd continued to explore new musical avenues, including interactivity!

Here is a look at Todd’s “No World Order” album that followed:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/07/todd-rundgren-is-the-individualist-todds-no-world-order-tr-i-todd-gets-interactive/

Let me know what your favorite song is from “2nd Wind!”

Warren Zevon NEVER Threw Up His Hands!

No, he was too busy playing piano and writing some of music’s most memorable songs!

Yes, of course there is this one:

“Werewolves Of London” is his signature song, from the classic album “Excitable Boy”, which also gave us “Lawyers, Guns & Money”:

Zevon’s brilliant album may be considered a career highlight, but there is so much more to Zevon – you can read my review of “Excitable Boy” AND see Zevon’s poignant final appearance on David Letterman here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/14/warren-zevon-werewolves-of-london-brilliant-letterman-final-appearance-musics-mutineer/

But his followup album also included some classic Zevon songs, along with a growth in his writing – always acerbic, now even more nuanced and playful….time to get some “Bad Luck!”

“Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School!”

“Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School” was Warren Zevon’s fourth studio album, released in 1980.

According to wikipedia, there were three singles released from the album, one of which charted, with “A Certain Girl” – a song previously recorded by Ernie K-Doe and The Yardbirds – reaching #57 on the Billboard Hot 100.

About the title: the term “dancing school” has been used as a euphemism for a brothel since the mid-17th century. That’s right: Warren is singing about his bad luck in a brothel!

With the back of the album as your guide, let’s take a look at some of the album highlights, beginning with the title track:

“Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School”

The album gets off to a strong start with this crunchy rocker – a feisty, catchy song that has some great Zevon vocals, and short but sweet lyrics:

“Pauline, don’t make me beg
Bad luck streak in dancing school
Down on my knees in pain
I’ve been acting like a fool
Pauline I swear I’ll change
Down on my knees in pain”

Here is a great live version from 1980:

“A Certain Girl”

Zevon’s cover is upbeat, fun and feisty in equal measure, and here is a great live version from 1982:

The crunchy rocker “Jungle Work” is next, with a hard driving beat throughout, followed by the beautiful ballad “Empty-Handed Heart”:

“All these empty places
I try so hard to fill
Will I find another love?
I pray to God I will
Girl, we had some good times
But time does not stand still
It’s rolling like a rockslide down a hill

I’ve met someone I care for
I know she cares for me
Will I fall in love again?
It’s a possibility
Girl, we had some good times
That time cannot undo
No one will ever take the place of you”

The short “Interlude No. 1” leader to one of his greatest songs:

“Play It All Night Long”

“Play It All Night Long” is a commentary on those who listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Wikipedia says that Zevon supposes these people only listen to the song because country life is so intolerable!

“Grandpa pissed his pants again
He don’t give a damn
Brother Billy has both guns drawn
He ain’t been right since Vietnam

“Sweet home Alabama”
Play that dead band’s song
Turn those speakers up full blast
Play it all night long”

Here’s a great live version from 1993 that I found on youtube:

“Jeannie Needs a Shooter”

Bruce Springsteen shows up as co-songwriter for this great song, and you can see Bruce’s influence on the lyrics:

“From the first time I laid eyes on her I know that she’d be mine
Her father was a lawman, he swore he’d shoot me dead
‘Cause he knew I wanted Jeannie and I’d have her like I said
Jeannie needs a shooter
Shooter like me”

Here is the great live version from 1982:

A second short “Interlude No. 2” leads into the short “Bill Lee” – and then, another of his masterworks…

“Gorilla, You’re a Desperado”

Another Zevon gem: acerbic lyrics with a great chorus!

“Big gorilla at the L.A. zoo
Snatched the glasses right off my face
Took the keys to my BMW
Left me here to take his place

I wish the ape a lot of success
I’m sorry my apartment’s a mess
Most of all I’m sorry if I made you blue
I’m betting the gorilla will too

They say Jesus will find you wherever you go
But when He’ll come looking for you, they don’t know
In the mean time, keep your profile low
Gorilla, you’re a desperado”

Here is a rare TV clip from the show “Fridays”, with Zevon performing it live:

Thanks to the great youtube channel “WarrenZevonAddict” for sharing this rare clip!

The album ends with “Bed of Coals”, co-written with T-Bone Burnett – an anthemic, powerful song that brings the album to a majestic close…and then “Wild Age”, which is also hypnotic and anthemic – here is “WarrenZevonAddict”‘s shared live version – audio only – from 1982:

“Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School” is a great album, and deserves more time on everyone’s iPod…let me know what you think!

“It was a disco spoof, but it was a hoot to record and I remember laughing so hard I cried.”

Todd Rundgren And Utopia Go “Disco!”

Not familiar with this Utopia album? Well that’s because it was never released! More on its ultimate resurrection in a minute, but first, it’s time to listen to Utopia’s legendary “lost” album, the wacky and wonderful “Disco Jets!”

In 1976, Todd Rundgren, Roger Powell, John Siegler and Willie Wilcox were Utopia – and they recorded an instrumental album that took an offbeat look at the current disco craze!

Of course, Bearsville Records chose not to release it, so no videos were made, but here is the title track as shared on YouTube – audio only:

The phenomenal book “A Wizard A True Star: Todd Rundgren In The Studio” by Paul Myers discusses this project.

Here is what Myers writes:

“Shortly after ‘Faithful’ was finished, the Rundgren, Siegler, Powell, and Wilcox line-up went back into Bearsville to record another entire album’s worth of instrumental disco tracks, which made up the infamous ‘lost album, Disco Jets.”

He continues:

“A completely tongue-in-cheek exercise…’Disco Jets’ had begun after Rundgren had painstakingly rearranged the theme from ‘Star Trek’, one of his favorite TV shows…”

“Disco” Shatner!

Since Todd was a huge “Star Trek” fans, he reimagined the theme, making it “disco-fied” of course, and the band sounds like they are having a blast.

Here is that effort from the album – again, no music videos, just an audio-only version from YouTube – and yes, it is as magnificent as it sounds!

Since it was the Bicentennial, the band also wrote and recorded a song called ‘Spirit of 76’ as well. The album had a terrific cover, too!

Utopia member Roger Powell remembers the band knocking out the album in one long weekend.

“It was a disco spoof, but it was a hoot to record and I remember laughing so hard I cried”, he told Myers.

Here is how “Record Collector” magazine described it:

“Disco, once reviled by “real music” fans, has now been reappraised, exonerated and welcomed into the fold: there’s no time like a recession to make people appreciate the value of a source of unfettered, uncomplicated joy.

And so to Disco Jets: a loopy instrumental undertaking but with minimal, winningly gimmicky vocal interjections.”

It goes on to say:

“Largely conceived as a spoof, ‘Disco Jets’ is performed with such perky chutzpah that it actually works as a disco artefact. Same joie de vivre, see. The squelchy funk of Black Hole and Time Warp recalls the 70s Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, while the title track and VHF, overlaid with synth-spray sonic jism, boast the kind of sinuous, sunburst melodies that only Rundgren and Frank Zappa could devise.”

The great “A Dream Goes On Forever Vol. 1” by Billy James includes some quotes from Todd as well about the album:

“We just did it for fun, over a two day period, recorded a disco album, like a dance record.”

The book goes on to include a Todd interview from 1999, when he says:

“It was the last thing that John Siegler did with the band. And as i recall, we just went in there thinking we were going to do a while mix of pop music that we thought was just so incredible silly we couldn’t’ overlook it!”

Todd also says that the record label never really showed any interest in releasing the album, so it languished unheard for decades.

Bravo To Cherry Red Records!

Lucky for all of us diehard Utopia fans, the album was first included on a Japan “outtakes” compilation, and then officially released in the great version I’ve shared here in 2001 by Cherry Red records…

The terrific booklet that is included shares a lot of great insight on the album, like this:

“Interestingly, in April 1977, soon after the release of Todd’s classic solo album ‘Hermit Of Mink Hollow’, a new mix was undertaken of the ‘Disco Jets’ sessions, one which was destined to remained unreleased in any form for another twenty four years.”

The next Utopia album would end up being “RA”.

Wow! I think that, in hindsight, the record label should have added this as a bonus CD on that release – much like Todd added the extra songs “Time Heals” and “Tiny Demons” to “Healing”. But they didn’t, so it became a legend for years before seeing the light of day…

As I said, according to the booklet, Todd went back and played around again with “Disco Jets” after releasing his “Hermit” masterpiece – here is a look at that album:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/25/todd-rundgren-a-brilliant-hermit-mink-hollows-power-pop-masterpiece/

As I said at the top of this story, Utopia recorded the “Disco Jets” album right after the release of another solo Todd masterpiece:

“Faithful” is one side full of faithful covers of his favorite songs, and a side of original music that is among his greatest ever – see some of the music videos form his brilliant album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/14/todd-rundgren-stays-faithful-a-shocking-record-label-betrayal-beatles-covers-brilliant-new-songs/

“Disco Jets” wasn’t released when recorded – and I have to believe it would have confused some causal fans, just as this Utopia album did:

Decades later, this is another GREAT Utopia album, but it was polarizing at the time – see the music videos and my story about the album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/03/todd-rundgren-defaces-the-music-todds-beatles-homage-divides-utopia/

Finally, as a huge fan of Utopia, I bought everything they released, included this great 80’s power pop classic:

See more of this classic album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/30/todd-rundgrens-utopia-2-a-neglected-80s-power-pop-classic-kasim-sultans-departure-and-return/

Let me know if you own “Disco Jets!”

Paul McCartney’s One Time Only Supergroup – Macca’s “Rockestra!”

The great “Rockestra Theme” is one of Paul McCartney’s great instrumentals – and the last song ever performed with Wings! It’s also a Grammy winning song that started a whole new category for those awards…time to celebrate this song – performed by an all-star band!

“Rockestra” Visits Abbey Road!

The song “Rockestra Theme” is the last song on the “Back To The Egg” album, and was recorded on October 3 1978 at Abbey Road Studios by an all-star collection of musicians dubbed “Rockestra”!

The studio was full of big name musicians taking part – take a look at the music video – you will see a number of familiar faces!

The All-Star Band!

A lot of friends were there that day playing on the record. Among the Musicians who performed on this song:

David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, The Who’s Pete Townshend, and legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, along with Zeppelin bandmate John Paul Jones!

Thanks to youtube, here is a vintage ten minute promotional reel of the recording session for the song – wth lots of guest appearances and fun behind-the-scenes moments!

In a 2001 interview on VH1, McCartney said Keith Moon was to have taken part in “Rockestra” but died one month before the recording sessions took place.

The Concerts For The People Of Kampuchea!

The “Rockestra Theme” was a great collaboration from a number of great Musicians.

The song was performed one more time – live this time, at an amazing charity event. “The Concerts for the People of Kampuchea” was a huge fundraising concert that featured Queen, The Clash, The Pretenders, The Who, Elvis Costello, Wings, Robert Plant and many more artists – it took place at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England in December 1979 to raise money for the victims of war-torn Cambodia.

Here is a look at the tracks that are on the live double album – which I own:

The event was organized by McCartney and Kurt Waldheim, and it raised a ton of money – and more importantly awareness – for the war-town country.

One Whole Side Of Wings”

The double album included a whole side of Wings music – along with some Beatles AND a new McCartney solo song, “Coming Up!” – check it out!

These concerts helped raise money for a great cause, and the concert and album was a great success. It was however, the last time that Wings would perform live…

Time To “Rockestra” Live!

The huge finale was the live performance of the “Rockestra Theme”, with an all-star cast onstage.

Here is that amazing live performance, with a stage full of guitarists, led by Pete Townsend:

Polish That “Silver Wear”!

Most of the Rockestra wore silver suits for this performance – except for Pete Townsend, who decided not to – you can see him standing out on the live performance – because he’s the one without the Silver Coat!

The Song Gets Grammy Gold!

The live version of “Rockestra Theme” is terrific, and it is always great to see musicians taking part in good causes like this. Even though the song wasn’t a hit, “Rockestra Theme” won the first Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

In fact, the album wasn’t a hit as well…”Back To The Egg” didn’t perform like the band’s previous work – music had changed and the songs seemed out of touch with the times…it is, however, another brilliant album by the group.

Here is an in depth look at the “Back To The Egg” album, the last from Wings.

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/30/paul-mccartneys-cracked-back-to-the-egg-the-all-star-rockestra-band-a-musical-farewell-to-wings/

Wings lasted about the same amount of time as The Beatles did, and they had massive hits like these:

Read all about the chaotic events that led to this masterpiece here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/01/band-on-the-run-paul-mccartneys-triumph-over-adversity-classic-chaos-creation/

Wings were a huge band throughout the 70’s, including the classic “Venus And Mar” – see the music videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/07/venus-and-mars-paul-mccarneys-classic-rock-show-an-almost-lennon-mccartney-reunion/

The second Wings album is one of my favorites, the great “Red Rose Speedway”…see some great music videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/21/paul-mccartneys-brilliant-ram-2-wings-soar-with-red-rose-speedway/

Of course, the band had a rough start – the first Wings album was a critical and commercial disaster!

You can see videos from this first Wings album, and read some great trivia as well here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/13/paul-mccartneys-wild-life-the-disastrous-debut-of-wings-mccartneys-plea-to-john-lennon/

As I said, Wings performed “Coming Up” at the concert, but it was actually Paul’s next single from his solo album:

“McCartney II” was very experimental, and has grown in stature in time – it is another one of his brilliant albums – see the music videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/28/mccartney-ii-paul-mccartneys-experimental-masterpiece-the-secret-stories-of-mccartney-ii/

Let me know if you own the “Concert For Kampuchea!”

I drive by this site almost every single day:

Does it remind you of something? Well it should, since it’s the “hotel” that the Eagles made famous:

Welcome To The Hotel California!

It’s the Beverly Hills Hotel, located on Sunset Boulevard. It will always be known as the hotel that adorns the cover of one of the greatest albums of all time!

It begins with some of music’s most well-known lyrics:

“On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night…”

And it ends with these words:

“And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
They stand up and sing about
what it’s like up there
They call it paradise
I don’t know why
You call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye…”

In between those opening and closing lyrics is the fifth Eagles album – one of rock’s greatest achievements…welcome to the Hotel California!

Hello Joe!

There was a lot going on with the band at the time of the album’s release. It was their first album with guitarist Joe Walsh, who had replaced founding member Bernie Leadon.

Before dissecting the entire album, let’s get right to their masterpiece of a title track – here is a live performance from 1977:

Eagles singer/drummer Don Henley decided on the theme of “Hotel California”, saying that The Beverly Hills Hotel had become a literal and symbolic focal point of their lives at that time.

Here is how Henley describes the band’s personal and professional life:

“We were getting an extensive education, in life, in love, in business. Beverly Hills was still a mythical place to us. In that sense it became something of a symbol, and the ‘Hotel’ the focus of all that LA had come to mean for us. In a sentence, I’d sum it up as the end of the innocence, round one.”

Glenn Frey’s Cinematic Approach To the Music!

According to Wikipedia, Frey came up with a cinematic scenario of a person who, tired from driving a long distance in a desert, saw a place for a rest and pulled in for the night, but entered “a weird world peopled by freaky characters”, and then was:

“quickly spooked by the claustrophobic feeling of being caught in a disturbing web from which he may never escape.”

In an interview with Cameron Crowe, Frey said that he and Henley wanted the song “to open like an episode of the Twilight Zone”, and added:

“We take this guy and make him like a character in The Magus, where every time he walks through a door there’s a new version of reality. We wanted to write a song just like it was a movie.”

In the 2013 documentary, “The History of the Eagles”, Henley reiterated his thoughts about the concept of the album:

“On just about every album we made, there was some kind of commentary on the music business, and on American culture in general. The hotel itself could be taken as a metaphor not only for the myth-making of Southern California, but for the myth-making that is the American Dream, because it is a fine line between the American Dream, and the American nightmare.”

As you can see, there has been a TON of reflection on what this album was meant to be, but it was, above all else, a great musical achievement for the band!

What they created was a masterpiece that continues to resonate. Here’s a look at the album:

“Hotel California”

“Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place)
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year (any time of year) you can find it here…”

Wow, thanks to Getty Images for this terrific shot of the two…

Henley and Frey wrote the lyrics to the opening song, using a riff from Don Felder as inspiration. You hear Felder’s guitar opening, one of the most iconic in all of music, before the lyrics kick in:

“On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night…”

The lyrics of the song have been given various interpretations, but the band themselves described the song as their “interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles”. In the 2013 documentary, Henley said that the song was about “a journey from innocence to experience… that’s all…”

Glenn Frey Namechecks Steely Dan!

According to Glenn Frey’s liner notes for “The Very Best Of The Eagles”, there was a reason he used the word “steely” in the lyrics:

“They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can’t kill the beast

It’s was Frey’s playful nod to the band Steely Dan, who had included the lyric “Turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening” in their song “Everything You Did”!

Touche!

“New Kid in Town”

After the powerful opening song, Henley and Frey wrote this one with longtime collaborate J.D. Souther, and it was the first single from the album.

Here is a live performance from 1977 – Glenn Frey’s voice is silky smooth:

“Life in the Fast Lane”

Joe Walsh announced his arrival in the band by co-writing this iconic rocker with Henley and Frey.

“He had a nasty reputation as a cruel dude
They said he was ruthless said he was crude
They had one thing in common: they were good in bed
She’d say, “Faster, faster. “The lights are turning red.”
Life in the fast lane Surely make you lose your mind
Life in the fast lane”

Here’s a great solo performance by Walsh:

“Wasted Time”

Side one ends with a beautiful ballad by Henley and Frey

“You never thought you’d be alone this far down the line
And I know what’s been on your mind
You’re afraid it’s all been wasted time”

The duo write intelligent and insightful lyrics, and of course a haunting melody as well…

Side two begins with a beautiful instrumental reprise of “Waste Time” first, then it goes right into a raucous, blistering “Victim of Love”, another song that tears into the morality of Los Angeles…

“Victim of love, you’re just a victim of love
I could be wrong , but I’m not
Victim of love, now you’re a victim of love
What kind of love have you got?
What kind of love have you got?
What kind of love have you got?”

Here is an audio-only live version from the Millennium Concert:

“Pretty Maids All in a Row”

Joe Walsh and co-writer Joe Vitale offer up an absolutely gorgeous ballad next…here is a beautiful live version – note that the first :20 is black with audio, then the video kicks in for a great closeup performance:

“Try and Love Again”

Another terrific ballad is next, Randy Meisner’s gorgeous love song…

“Should I stay or go?
I really want to know
Would I lose or win
If I try and love again?
Gonna try and love again
I’m gonna try and love again”

Meisner would leave the band after recording this album, and this is the only song he wrote solo for the album…

Here is an audio-only version – with some of Meisner’s most beautiful vocals…

“The Last Resort”

The album ends with a look at a fading resort – and a culture at risk:

“They call it paradise
I don’t know why
You call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye…”

A beautiful, majestic orchestral end, with a simple light touch to close out one of rock’s greatest works…

The Grammys Check In As Well!

The Eagles won the 1977 Grammy Award for Record of the Year for “Hotel California”, and one for “New Kid in Town” as well. The album was nominated for Album of the Year but lost to Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors!”

“Hotel California” was a mega hit for the band, and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The album was ranked number 37 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

As I said, Joe Walsh joined the band at the very end of “One Of These Nights”, after Bernie Leadon quit amid some controversy after that #1 album:

See all the music videos and more trivia about “One Of These Nights” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/16/one-of-these-nights-the-eagles-meltdown-at-1-bernie-leadon-quits-joe-walsh-electrifies-the-band/

I was lucky enough to see the terrific “History Of The Eagles” concert in 2013:

I loved seeing Bernie Leadon rejoin the group to perform many of the early songs. Here is a look at that show, with some videos I took at the show:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/21/history-of-the-eagles-amazing-concert-old-friends-return/

Let me know your favorite “Hotel California” songs!

John Lennon And Elton John – LIVE!

It’s one of the greatest moments in rock history, but forgotten to time – John Lennon’s LAST live performance of all time – which ended with him performing a classic Beatles song – originally sung by Paul!

John Lennon Loses A Bet – And Performs Live!

John Lennon‘s last ever live appearance was on Nov. 28, 1974 – on stage with Elton John at Madison Square Garden: and he only appeared because he lost a bet!

John’s Musical Comeback!

In the mid-70’s, Lennon’s musical output was spotty, so when he went into the studio in 1974, he was ready for a renaissance. He reached out to his pal Elton John, who sang and played piano on two songs: “Surprise Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” and “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night”.

As “Ultimate Classic Rocks” reports:

“To that point, Lennon had been the only former Beatle who’d never achieved a solo No. 1 single — a streak Elton suggested would be snapped by “Whatever.” So confident was Elton, in fact, that he suggested a little wager.

“He sang harmony on it and he really did a damn good job,” Lennon told David Sheff in 1980. “So, I sort of halfheartedly promised that if ‘Whatever Gets You Thru the Night’ became No. 1, which I had no reason to expect, I’d do Madison Square Garden with him. So one day Elton called and said, ‘Remember when you promised…’”

“Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” had moved past Bachman-Turner Overdrive‘s “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” that November to top the Billboard singles charts!”

The article continues:

“Lennon hadn’t made a full-length performance since 1972’s One to One concert, also held at the Garden. To get over the pre-show jitters, he’d actually slipped into an earlier Elton John show at Boston. “I was thinking ‘Thank God it isn’t me,’ as he was getting dressed to go on,” Lennon told Scheff. “I went through my stage fright at Boston so, by the time I got to Madison Square, I had a good time — and when I walked on they were all screaming and shouting. It was like Beatlemania. I was thinking ‘What is this?’ ’cause I hadn’t heard it since the Beatles.”

Carrying a black Fender Telecaster, Lennon performed a total of only three songs, opening with the new hit then following with “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” — which Elton John had recently covered with Lennon on vocals and guitar, releasing it just 10 days before this show — and a surprise nugget from even further back in the Beatles catalog.”

“Whatever Gets You Through The Night” Live!

So John took the stage with Elton’s band and launched into a spirited live version of the song.

Here is a masterful reconstruction of the night, with real audio and a mix of footage to cover from a variety of recreated sources:

A Beatles Classic Live!

After the incredible response from he audience, Lennon introduced an “old favorite” with one of his classic quips:

“We tried to think of a number to finish off with so I can get out of here and be sick, and we thought we’d do a number of an old, estranged fiance of mine, called Paul. This is one I never sang, it’s an old Beatle number, and we just about know it.”

They then launched into “I Saw Her Standing There!”

Here is some great trivia:

“The setlist was actually a point of contention, as Elton initially insisted that Lennon perform his 1971 anthem “Imagine.” Lennon demurred, telling Scheff that he “didn’t want to come on like Dean Martin doing my classic hits. I wanted to have some fun and play some rock and roll — and I didn’t want to do more than three, because it was Elton’s show after all.” Their live take on “I Saw Her Standing There” later appeared as the b-side to Elton John’s single “Philadelphia Freedom” in February 1975.”

Read the entire story, thanks to the great website “Ultimateclassicrock”:

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/john-lennon-last-concert/?trackback=tsmclip

The album was a huge hit for Lennon, thanks to “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” as well as another hit single, “#9 Dream.”

Here is the promo video for that song, which recounts a dream John had one night – a beautiful song:

The entire album is a great return to form for Lennon!

Here is a great commercial for the album, narrated by Ringo!

Here’s a great clip from Youtube: On November 15, 1974 a two-man BBC film crew, directed by John, spent a day with him around Central Park and various other locations in New York, to shoot a 16mm colour promotional film for the song “Whatever Gets You Through The Night”.

Thanks to “Lost Weekend” for posting that incredible clip on Youtube!

What was so great about the album cover was the front, which was cut horizontally into thirds, so you could change up the look – a collection of John’s drawings as a child:

“Walls & Bridges” is a great album that put John back in the musical spotlight, and got him some gold records as well!

Now, what about his on-stage partner that night? Well, he was doing just fine. This was at a time when Elton John was the biggest musical star in the world, and he dressed like it!

Elton John released an amazing amount of classic music in the 70’s – see some of those great performances here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/15/elton-johns-70s-musical-madness-brilliant-creativity-outrageous-outfits-biggest-selling-song-of-all-time/

Lennon’s #1 hit returned him to the top of the charts, after years away in a boozy descent into madness – along with his friend Harry Nilsson:

They did collaborate on some music – see that story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/29/lime-in-the-coconut-harry-nilssons-musical-madness-john-lennon-shenanigans/

Bravo to John lennon for paying off his bet in rollicking style!

Are You A Fan Of Percy Thrillington?

The odds are you own a LOT of his music…take a look and this and let me know…

Check Out Paul McCartney’s Musical Catalog!

I love this wallpaper, which shows the incredible catalog of music from Paul McCartney – but here is one you may never have heard of – because Paul WAS Percy Thrillington!

Behold The Orchestral Majesty Of “Thrillington!”

This is one of Paul McCartney’s most obscure albums, but it’s an amazing achievement! First, meet the creator of the album:

Meet Record Producer Percy “Thrills” Thrillington!

Percy Thrillington was a name that Paul McCartney gave himself in order to do something very experimental – he wanted to do an orchestral version of his latest album “RAM!”

Here’s how it all happened: as fans know, “RAM” was the only album credited to Paul and Linda McCartney. Paul was in the midst of his huge post-Beatles battle, and he and Linda headed to their farm to record this brilliant album.

According to wikipedia, “Arranger Richard Hewson was asked to arrange the orchestration before Ram had yet been released and it was recorded in June 1971 – with McCartney as producer – and with an intended release shortly thereafter. Paul and Linda’s decision to form Wings resulted in the album being shelved until 1977.”

The ad for that 1977 release made it clear it was a musical reworking of McCartney’s “RAM”, but Paul’s name is not on the credits. It’s a fun, experimental album – something Macca was known for all throughout his career…let’s take a listen to his unique musical homage to “RAM!”

In preparation for the release of Thrillington, McCartney invented the fictitious socialite Percy Thrillington, and even took out ads in various UK music papers announcing Thrillington’s so-called comings and goings to generate curiosity and interest.

Here is a look at the back of the album, with some fun information to share – but what about the album itself!

It all begins with he band warming up, bits of music and chatter, before you hear the band start in, with a chorus also involved – here is an audio only version of “Too Many People”:

Next up is a jazzy big band sound, which actually gives a very expansive vibe to the original song “Three Legs”:

Here’s a 50’s “doo wop” version of “Dear Boy” – as you can see, each song is given a unique twist:

Here is an audio-only version of “Uncle Albert / Albert Halsey” – this song is one of “RAM’s” many masterpieces, and it’s great to hear Paul playing with in this this unique way:

The rest of the album continues this experimental take on “RAM”…and for years, this was never acknowledged as being done by Paul!

Released in April 1977, McCartney’s name was mentioned only in the main liner notes where he is described as a friend of Percy. Thrillington went mostly unnoticed upon its release although it was mentioned in the “Random Notes” page of Rolling Stone magazine. Here are some press notes released by McCartney:

McCartney was never asked about his role on the album until he finally admitted it to journalist Peter Palmiere at a Los Angeles press conference in 1989, during the second leg of his world tour at the time. McCartney told Palmiere:

“What a great question to end the conference. The world needs to know! But seriously it was me and Linda – and we kept it a secret for a long time but now the world knows – you blew it!”

The full story of the “Thrillington” album was told in music journalist Ian Peel’s book “The Unknown Paul McCartney” from 2002.

Peel tracked down various musicians who brought McCartney’s vision to life – including Richard Hewson, Herbie Flowers and The Mike Sammes Singers – as well as those that were responsible in creating its mythology.

Of course, one reason the album is so much fun is that it’s an orchestral version of a masterpiece!

“Ram” On!

“RAM” is the only album ever credited to “Paul and Linda McCartney” – and it is a beautiful album that showcases them both…but there was a reason for that credit…see why here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/20/macca-ram-on-paul-mccartneys-masterpiece-john-lennons-fury-a-beatles-c-c-c-catfight/

As great as “RAM” is, it’s also amazing that so much music was left over – and it ended up here:

That’s right, “Red Rose Speedway” was partially recorded during the “RAM” sessions! See some more great trivia about this terrific Wings album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/21/paul-mccartneys-brilliant-ram-2-wings-soar-with-red-rose-speedway/

Finally, Macca has always had an experimental streak…that’s why he made this incredible album:

Yes, “Twin Freaks” is a McCartney album as well…see some incredible videos for this unique collaboration here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/20/twin-freaks-the-fireman-paul-mccartneys-neglected-solo-music-masterpieces/

Of course, Paul also knew how to knock out a straightforward classic rocker – like the best James Bond theme song of all time!

“Live And Let Die” is the greatest Bond theme ever…here are some of the other good ones – and the awful ones too – can you hear me, Madonna?

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/05/rock-on-007-the-best-and-worst-james-bond-theme-songs/

Let me know what you think of “Thrillington!”

Utopia’s Lost Treasure!

All hardcore Todd Rundgren and Utopia fans know about this album, but for the more “casual” Todd Rundgren fan, you may have missed one of Utopia’s neglected gems: a terrific collection of power pop tunes – as the band had a terrific creative run in the early 80’s before finally disbanding…

None Blacker!

That line, paraphrased from “This Is Spinal Tap”, says it all…the cover is completely black, with an embossed title and Utopia logo…stark, and certainly darker than the great power pop inside…here’s a listen:

ca. 1983 — Members of the band Utopia from left to right: Jon Wilcox, Todd Rundgren, Kasim Sulton, and Roger Powell. — Image by © CORBIS

All of the songs on “Oblivion” are credited as written by Utopia, a true group effort…

The album begins with “Itch in My Brain”, a power pop song that has a muscular hook, great harmonies, and a tight sound….here is an audio only version from the album:

“Love with a Thinker” and “Bring Me My Longbow” are next, then a “why wasn’t this a hit single?” song:

“If I Didn’t Try”

“If I didn’t care, if I didn’t care
Sometimes I think I must be crazy for doing this
(You can never run away)
But how would I know it’s a losing cause
If I didn’t try, if I didn’t try”

“If I Didn’t Try” is a great ballad, with Todd’s strong vocals matched by great , creative musicianship around it.

I can’t find any videos at all for this gem, but here is the audio:

“Too Much Water” is next: a terrific power pop song with an infectious, calypso beat – again, I haven’t found a live versions on YouTube to share, but here is the audio:

“Maybe I Could Change” follows, with lead vocals by Kasim Sulton. This is another mid-tempo ballad with great harmonies.

Here is a great live version from Kasim in 2015:

Yes, A Music Video!

Finally, the album has a music video, and it’s a great one! “Crybaby” is pure power pop, an uptempo rocker that is Utopia at its power pop best.

Here is the terrific music video for the song:

“Welcome to My Revolution” and “Winston Smith Takes It on the Jaw” are next, another pair of upbeat examples of 80’s power pop.

The album wraps with a beautiful love song “I Will Wait” – with a cascading waterfall of harmonies at the end…

“Oblivion” was just that, as the album only made to to #74 on the charts, and none of the singles charted…too bad as it was, once again, great 80’s power pop!

I mentioned that the black album cover reminds me of Spinal Tap – did you know that Utopia was an inspiration for one of the funniest moments in the film?

Yes, the hilarious “broken egg” sequence in the film was inspired by an early Utopia concert! Read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/13/these-go-to-eleven-todd-rundgrens-spinal-tap-connection/

Utopia had a number of great albums, including this classic:

Their second self-titled “Utopia” album was great power pop – see some music videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/30/todd-rundgrens-utopia-2-a-neglected-80s-power-pop-classic-kasim-sultans-departure-and-return/

Finally, I talk a lot about “power pop”, which was a very popular genre in the 80’s:

Todd was a master genre – here are some of my favorite Todd power pop songs:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/02/todd-rundgrens-power-pop-the-finger-snapping-story-of-a-pop-music-sound/

Let me know your “Oblivion” favorites!

Happy 74th Birthday Jimi Hendrix!

November 27 is the birthday of one of rock’s most iconic figures – the legendary Jimi Hendrix!

There is a new documentary out that shows you, in a rarely seen live performance – just how incredible Jimi Hendrix was!

Playing Guitar – With His Teeth!

Yes, Jimi plays the guitar with his teeth during the performance – but what is so incredible about this documentary is that it was shot just a few months before Hendrix died…and includes material that has never been seen before!

Key Art for the SHOWTIME documentary Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church. PHOTO: Courtesy of SHOWTIME

Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church!

Showtime premiered this incredible documentary, that captured Jimi’s performance at the Atlanta International Pop Festival in 1970, where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to hear him play at the so-called “southern Woodstock.”

Here is the trailer:

What’s amazing is that the festival footage was shot by “Can’t Buy Me Love” director Steve Rash, and it went unreleased after a deal to turn it into a documentary back in the ’70s fell through – so it sat undeveloped in his garage for decades!

The film is also a fascinating historical document, as it shows the racial unrest in the south leading up to the show – and how the “hippies” took over a small southern town with only one police officer!

An Iconic Jimi Hendrix Performance!

Jimi Hendrix performs for a half hour, and it’s a “greatest hits” of all of his best songs, performed with effortless brilliance by Jimi…this is a great historical record of an amazing performer at the prime of his career…

And yes, HE PLAYS WITH HIS TEETH!

Since this show was on July 4th, Hendrix does his electric version of “The Star Spangled Banner”, but he also performed that at another big show:

Woodstock was the “Godfather” of festival shows, but Atlanta’s was just as big!

If you want to see more about Woodstock, you can read by story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/01/celebrating-woodstock-3-days-of-pop-culture-magic-the-music-the-nudity-the-brown-acid/

There are a ton of great stories about the Artists who performed at Woodstock, especially about this incredibly talented singer, shown here reclining for Photographer Jim Hendrix:

That’s legendary singer Janis Joplin posing for Hendrix – she was another legend who died way too early….

Janis Joplin at Woodstock
no publication after December 31, 2009

Janis Joplin died the same year as Hendrix, and if you want to find out more about her, there is an incredible new documentary out right now as well!

You can read all about it by clicking on my story here:

Janis Joplin! “Little Girl Blue” Documentary! Rock’s Greatest Voice!

For those who don’t know her, Laura Nyro was also an amazingly talented singer/songwriter, who has a fascinating story that involves Joplin:

According to Music Mogul Clive Davis, shown here with his client Janis Joplin, Janis was jealous of the attention that David gave to Nyro….you can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/03/laura-nyros-legendary-audition-for-music-mogul-clive-davis-janis-joplins-jealousy/

Happy birthday to Jimi Hendrix, and as you can see, there are so many ties between Artist. November 27th is also the birthday of the legendary Bruce Lee, who also died far too early:

He had an incredible movie career, and was an amazing Athlete as well – here is a look at him playing a Ping Pong game against two of the best players in the world – and Lee is only using his nunchucks!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/27/happy-birthday-bruce-lee-lees-amazing-nunchuck-ping-pong-his-brilliant-movie-career/

Happy Birthday Jimi and Bruce!

A Father Breaks The Internet!

This video is amazing: a father teaches his young son to sing along with the Beatles classic “Don’t Let Me Down”…and the Internet loved it!

This has been around for awhile, but it is worth sharing for anyone who missed it – or for us music fans who just want to enjoy it again…click to watch and feel your heart fill with joy:

I love this video SO much – and kudos to the father who loves music, and wants to share it with his son.

Speaking of sharing:

Share The Fab Four For The Holidays!

This amazing new documentary is now out on blu-ray – a great gift for the holiday! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/06/the-beatles-first-us-tour-new-movie-the-fab-fours-segregation-battle-ron-howards-fascinating-new-beatles-documentary/

And if you really want to make a Betles fan happy,, then don’t forget this:

The “1” Blu-Ray collection is all of their #1 hits – and amazing promotional videos and early music videos of the band…check them out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/18/the-beatles-exclusive-new-release-incredible-beatles-music-videos-the-beatles-1-is-here/

Celebrate the holidays with the Fab Four!

Breaking news from the music world: the group “Flo & Eddie” has prevailed against SiriusXM in their fight to be paid for use of their music….

You will know “Flo & Eddie” better as Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, founding members of The Turtles, the 60’s pop band with hits such as “Eleanore”, “You Don’t Have To Walk In The Rain” and their iconic single, “Happy Together.”

Remember how great that song is? Take look:

For many Musicians, the value of their 60’s music has been decimated by satellite radio and online sales, which returns very little to the Artists.

Flo & Eddie were the duo formed by Volman and Kaylan after The Turtles broke up in 1970. They heard their songs being used on satellite radio and sued for some of the profit – based on the ruling yesterday, they won!

Here is the story, according to The Hollywood Reporter:

“SiriusXM has agreed to pay Flo & Eddie, and the other pre-1972 song rights owners in their class, at least $25 million as part of a settlement reached earlier this month on the eve of a California federal trial. Depending on appeals, the figure could rise to $40 million to resolve claims of past misappropriation plus an estimated $45 to $59 million for a 10-year licensing deal moving forward. All together, pending a judge’s approval, SiriusXM could be looking at paying $99 million to independent musicians for the rights to perform “Happy Together” and other older hits.”

“We are grateful to our clients, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan of Flo & Eddie and The Turtles, who had the tenacity to stay the course over three grueling years of litigation on behalf of all members of the class, because they believed in what was right,” says attorney Henry Gradstein.

Pre-1972 sound recordings aren’t protected by federal copyright. So two members of oldies band The Turtles, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan (Flo & Eddie), sued under various state laws to be compensated for what was played on stations like SiriusXM Radio’s ’60s on 6.

The Turtles had some great pop hits, like the classic “Elenore”:

“Your looks intoxicate me
Even though your parents hate me…”

“Elenore” has clever lyrics and a dynamite hook.

Here is their classic performance of the song:

This is an interesting story for anyone who loves music – Artists fighting to keep value for their work.

Read the entire story here at The Hollywood Reporter:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/siriusxm-could-pay-up-99m-as-part-flo-eddie-settlement-950914

The clip of “Happy Together” has an E! logo on it – that’s because The Turtles performed it on The Smothers Brothers Show, that was re-aired on E!

I was involved in that project, and I spent a lot of time with the Brothers…here is my story about how The Beatles hung out with them as well!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/18/john-lennon-beds-tommy-smothers-incredible-give-peace-a-chance-story-the-beatles-get-political/

“Hey, Bud, let’s party!”

One of cinema’s greatest one-liners captured perfectly an age when growing up meant hanging out in a suburban shopping mall, trying desperately to impress a girl – or at least get high and cruise through life:

It was a time when getting high led to only one thing:

[Spicoli, talking on the phone, hits his head with a shoe]
Jeff Spicoli: That was my skull! I’m so wasted!

Time to celebrate one of the greatest movies ever about growing up in America…

“Fast Times At Ridgemont High”!

This 1982 film launched the movie careers of many of its young stars, and is one of the best comedies about the angst of growing up in America there has ever been!

“Fast Times At Ridgemont High” was directed by Amy Heckerling, who went on to make the classic teen comedy “Clueless” – she really knew how to capture the humor, warmth, angst and confusion of these “Times” in our lives…

The Movie Is Based On A True Story!

Writer/Director Cameron Crowe actually wrote the book – when he went back to school for a year in order write the real story of students at a high school in Southern California.

The resulting movie is an 80’s classic, introducing us to one of cinema’s most hilarious stoners – first, check out the trailer:

“Hey, Bud, let’s party!”

Sean Penn has never been better as Jeff Spicoli, who is always stoned and hilariously funny! , and the cast include Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and a very young Forest Whitaker…

It was also Nicolas Cage’s first film appearance…but it is perhaps Phoebe Cates who made film history thanks to one iconic dream sequence:

The Bikini Shot Heard Around The World!

Phoebe Cates admitted she was nervous to shoot this scene, but it has become an iconic movie moment.

This legendary scene begins when Phoebe Cates and Jennifer Jason Leigh are hanging out by the pool – and when Judge Reinhold comes home from work and goes to the bathroom, he begins to fantasize about Cates – who calls out to him as she gets out of the pool, before removing her top…

That fantasy leads to the moment in real life when she accidentally walks in on him masturbating to her!

“Jeez! Doesn’t anyone fucking knock any more?”

According to IMDB, Reinhold secretly had a dildo in his hand, so Phoebe’s shocked and disgusted reaction was real!

Because this book was written about a year in the life of real high school students, the film deals with real issues about growing up in America. Jennifer Jason Leigh is terrific in the film, baring her soul – and a lot more – as a young woman who feels compelled to lose her virginity to keep up with her more beautiful friend.

This subplot is very serious, and the film doesn’t shy away from any of it.

That said, it’s also one of the funniest films ever, thanks to this guy!

Meet Jeff Spicoli!

Without a doubt, the most legendary character in the film is Jeff Spicoli!

As IMDB says:

“during shooting of the film, Sean Penn got so into character that he only answered as Spicoli. In fact, the door on his dressing room was labeled “Spicoli” instead of ‘Sean Penn’!”

Spicoli meets his match in Mr. Hand, plays beautifully by Ray Walston, who had a long career in movies and TV. Here is how they meet:

Jeff Spicoli: Hey, you’re ripping my card.
Mr. Hand: Yes.
Jeff Spicoli: Hey bud, what’s your problem?
Mr. Hand: No problem at all. I think you know where the front office is.
Jeff Spicoli: [stunned] You dick!

Here’s more from IMDB:

Ray Walston was at the time, best known for his role as Uncle Martin on My Favorite Martian (1963). Unfortunately Walston, like many actors of that era, was typecast in the role and couldn’t book serious roles until the decade ended. Walston said that after the release of this film, he’d be walking down the street and young people would see him and shout “Mr. Hand!”. Walston was grateful for that, as it finally meant that he had torn away from being only associated with playing Uncle Martin.

Even their relationship ends on a warm high note…”Fast Times At Ridgmont High” is one of the greatest “growing up” movies ever…

Crowe would go on to direct his own films, including “Jerry Maguire” and the autobiographical film about his own life, “Almost Famous.”

“Almost Famous” is one of the best films about the impact that music has on young people – and captures a great time in music history – because Crowe wrote for Rolling Stone as a teenager! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/12/01/pamela-des-barres-the-groupie-trilogy-almost-famous-the-groupie-life/

Let me know your favorite moments from “Fast Times!”

Time For Some Eagles Christmas Magic!

There is nothing better than holiday music – everyone from Paul McCartney to his long-time writing partner John Lennon has written hit holiday singles:

The Eagles Come Home For Christmas!

And of course, The Eagles had one of the most beautiful holiday songs of all!

“Please Come Home for Christmas” was the band’s cover version of a 1960 holiday song – a plaintiff wail for a lost lover to return for the holidays…

The immediately recognizable voice of Don Henley kicks it off in classic Eagles style…

“Bells will be ringing this sad sad news
Oh what a Christmas to have the blues
My baby’s gone I have no friends
To wish me greetings once again

Choirs will be singing “Silent Night”
Christmas carols by candlelight
Please come home for Christmas
Please come home for Christmas

If not for Christmas by New Years night…”

Unfortunately, I cannot find a live version or music video, but here is the gorgeous audio only version to share with you:

The Eagles Go Top 20!

The Eagles released the song as a holiday single in 1978. Their version peaked at #18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the first Christmas song to reach the Top 20 on that chart since Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Paper” in 1963!

The Eagles Offer Up A “Funky New Year” Too!

“Please Come Home For Christmas” is a truly beautiful ballad – but for the end of that year, the band also offered up another holiday song – but now, it was time to party!

“Funky New Year!”

This song was the b-side to their Christmas single, and was written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Glenn Lewis. It is a great way to celebrate the new year!

“Went to a party just last night
Wanted to bring the year in right
Woke up this morning I don’t know how
Last night I was a happy man, but the way I feel right now
It’s gonna be a FUNKY NEW YEAR
FUNKY NEW YEAR
Ooo, Ahh, got to be a FUNKY NEW YEAR
FUNKY NEW YEAR
Can’t remember when I ever felt worse
Nothing matters and everything hurts
They were passin’ round the bottle, made me feel brand new
Trouble with the new man he wants a hit too, hit me
FUNKY NEW YEAR”

Here is the audio-only version – what a great song!

The Eagles were, of course, one of the world’s greatest bands at that point – having released one of the greatest albums of all time:

Here is a look at the band’s “Hotel California”:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/15/welcome-to-the-eagles-hotel-california-joe-walsh-checks-in-brilliant-henleyfrey-music-steely-dan-shout-out/

As I said a the beginning, everyone from Elton John to Bruce Springsteen has released holiday music, but here is one of my favorites:

Daryl Hall and John Oates have put out a terrific holiday album, check out the videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/07/its-a-hall-oates-holiday-classic-christmas-music-macy-greys-santa-claus-shoutout/

Let me know your favorite holiday songs!

“Now I understand what you have to do: Put your political message across with a little honey.”

With those words, John Lennon created a holiday song with a powerful message of peace. Time to celebrate his iconic Christmas single!

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” was released in 1971 as a single by John and Yoko, along with their Plastic Ono Band – and great harmonies by the Harlem Community Choir. The lyrics are set to the traditional English ballad “Skewball”.

“Imagine” A Powerful Anti-War Message!

Here’s how it all came together. After the success of his song “Imagine”, Jennon said:

“Now I understand what you have to do: Put your political message across with a little honey”.

At the time, John and Yoko were heavily involved in the anti-war movement in the US. He decided a holiday message was necessary to keep the momentum going.

First, let’s take a listen to the song:

“And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let’s stop all the fight
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy new year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear…”

Here is a YouTube video of the song:

Thanks to “TheFabFour14” on YouTube for sharing this, you can see the official Facebook page for news, updates, and exclusives on all things Beatles…

The backing chorus is sung by The Harlem Community Choir – a group of thirty children between four and twelve years of age – they ere called to the studio on October 31 to record backing vocals.

The song was released on December 1, 1971.

As wikipedia points out:

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” was the culmination of more than two years of peace activism undertaken by John Lennon and Yoko Ono that began with the bed-ins they convened in March and May 1969, the first of which took place during their honeymoon.”

John and Yoko Against The Vietnam War!

John and Yoko had begun an international multimedia campaign in 1969 that primarily consisted of renting billboard space in 12 major cities around the world for the display of black-and-white posters that declared:

“WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko”

The couple was famous for their “bed-in for peace” in Toronto, where they courted press for a month to sell their “anti-war” message to the public.

While there, they recorded “Give Peace A Chance” – you can see Comedian Tommy Smothers on guitar – well, Tommy told me a great story about recording with John Lennon – see the whole story here:

John Lennon “Beds” Tommy Smothers! Incredible “Give Peace A Chance” Story! The Beatles Get Political!

Lennon’s holiday song is one of my favorites, as is this one as well:

The Eagles recorded one of the most popular of all time, see the whole story about their holiday classic here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/02/the-eagles-beautiful-christmas-single-please-come-home-for-christmas-funky-new-year-too/

Bravo to John and Yoko for their holiday classic!

“Love it or hate it, few songs within the McCartney oeuvre have provoked such strong reactions.”

So what Paul McCartney song is under this microscope?

Paul McCartney’s $$$ Christmas Single!

“Wonderful Christmastime” is the 1979 Christmas song by Paul McCartney. It is one of the more well-known pop holiday songs, a hugely profitable song for Paul, and also one of the more polarizing songs in his catalog…

For fans of Paul McCartney, his music has always been wildly varied in style and tone. For every crunching rocker like “Jet” or “Let Me Roll It”, there was an equally “soft” pop hit like “My Love” and “Silly Love Songs.”

Without a doubt, “Wonderful Christmastime” is a light, cotton-candy confection by McCartney, an upbeat celebration of the holiday season…check out the music video:

The Wings Single That Wasn’t!

Even though Wings released “Back To The Egg” that same year, this isn’t a Wings song.

McCartney recorded the song separately, during the sessions for his next album, the solo “McCartney II.”

Even though Wings were not involved recording the song, they appear in the promotional music video…

Beyond that, Wings performed the song during their UK tour in 1979…this was, of course, the last tour by the group before they disbanded…

Polarizing But Amazingly Popular!

According to wikipedia, Beatles author Robert Rodriguez had this to say about “Wonderful Christmastime”:

“Love it or hate it, few songs within the McCartney oeuvre have provoked such strong reactions.”

Every holiday, fans share the video, and some then dismiss it with disdain or worse…but that said, the song is a holiday perennial, and a ton of bands have recorded the song!

The band Chicago recorded it with Dolly Parton, and Artists as disparate as Kelly Rowland to Jars Of Clay have recorded versions of it…

A “Margaritaville” Take On It!

The song has been “covered” dozens of times over the years…just this year, Jimmy Buffet recorded his take on it – take a listen:

According to wikipedia, “Wonderful Christmastime” has proven to be an amazingly lucrative song for McCartney as well:

“Including royalties from cover versions, it is estimated that McCartney makes $400,000 a year from this song, which puts its cumulative earnings at near $15 million.”

Paul has even had some fun with the song…

McCartney re-recorded the song in 2013 with the “a cappella” group Straight No Chaser for their EP called “Under the Influence: Holiday Edition”.

And don’t forget the quirky “B”-side that Macca included on this single – his quick little “Rudolph” ditty…take a listen:

I am listening to a mix of holiday songs, and guess what shows up along with “Wonderful Christmastime?”

Yes, this traditional folk song from Paul is not only a holiday favorite as well, it’s the biggest selling single of his entire career!

See more about this great song, an outtake from the “London Town” sessions, by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/07/25/paul-mccartneys-neglected-masterpiece-london-town-maccas-biggest-single-ever-rock-out-to-the-girls/

Of course, Paul wasn’t the only ex-Beatle to release a holiday song:

John and Yoko released the powerful “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” in 1971 – here is the music video and some great trivia about the recording of the song:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/06/happy-xmas-war-is-over-john-lennons-powerful-anti-war-christmas-song/

One of the most unique holiday songs is the gorgeous duet between David Bowie and Bing Crosby:

UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: (AUSTRALIA OUT) Photo of Bing CROSBY and David BOWIE; with Bing Crosby, performing Little Drummer Boy (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)

Here is my story about the recording of “Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth” – and the fact that Bowie didn’t want to sing it! Click here for more:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/10/david-bowie-duets-with-bing-crosby-the-secrets-behind-the-greatest-holiday-song-of-all-time/

One other great band also recorded a holiday classic:

Here are some great stories about the recording of this holiday classic:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/02/the-eagles-beautiful-christmas-single-please-come-home-for-christmas-funky-new-year-too/

Let me know what you think of Macca’s holiday song!

“One of the great Italian American pop crooners…”

It’s An Iconic Al Martino Christmas!

This holiday season I have been sharing some of my favorite holiday music, and I didn’t want to forget this classic holiday album from the iconic Al Martino, who has been described as one of the “great Italian American pop crooners!”

Al Martino’s Decades Of Smash Hits!

Martino was one of the most popular singers in America – decades full of hit albums, TV appearances, tours and movies as well.

Martino’s first #1 hit was “Here In My Heart” in 1952, and in the decades that followed, Martino sold millions of albums – and starred in the greatest film ever made…more on his most famous role in “The Godfather” in a moment…

In 1963, Martino had one of his biggest U.S. chart successes with “I Love You Because”. Martino had four other U.S. top 10 hits in 1963 and 1964 – “Painted, Tainted Rose”, “I Love You More and More Every Day”, “Tears and Roses”, and “Silver Bells”.

Martino’s Platinum “Spanish Eyes”

Martino is also known for the classic song “Spanish Eyes”, which went platinum in the mid-60’s.

Here is a great live performance from German television in 1967:

“You’re All I Want For Christmas”

But now it’s time to talk Santa Claus and more.

I wanted to share some of Martino’s great holiday music – classic songs that are timeless.

This album means so much to his family – as his daughter Alison told me:

“My parents actually met on a plane ride while dad was promoting that record. It was 1964 and my mother was an American Airlines stewardess at the time and he signed her a copy of that LP. It was a short flight, but was love at first “flight”.

Here is the audio-only of Martino’s classic holiday hit “You’re All I Want For Christmas”:

Martino left us with lots of great Christmas classics, like “What Child Is This”:

Martino has a lot of great holiday songs that you can buy, like this holiday classic “White Christmas”:

Alison has posted many great photos of her Mom and Dad. Here she is as a VERY young girl!

She and her Mom love listening to all of her Dad’s music, but the holiday music is also very special to her. As Alison told me:

“Dad’s Christmas album is truly our gift during the holidays. We lost him in 2009, but because of that record we hear him every year.”

UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Al Martino Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Martino’s music can be downloaded or purchased from Amazon as well as other outlets – here is a link to his Christmas album…

https://www.amazon.com/Merry-Christmas-Al-Martino/dp/B00006LI14

I love this music – an era when Martino, Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett created a classic “Mad Men” sound, and on these holidays songs his voice is as smooth as silk…he was a huge star, and made his mark in movies as well…

Johnny Fontane Gets Smacked By The Godfather!

Martino famously portrayed washed-up Singer Johnny Fontane in “The Godfather”, and shares a great moment in the film with “Godfather” Marlon Brando.

Martino’s daughter Alison shared this anecdote with me:

“When dad was about to film that scene, he overheard Marlon Brando tell Frances Coppola:

“You better give Al a stiff drink before we shoot that scene”.

You know the moment, right when Johnny makes the mistake of saying “I don’t know what to do” to Don Corleone:

“You Can Act Like A Man!”

As you can see, The Godfather erupts with passion and screams at Fontaine: “you can act like a man!”

He also slaps him – something that wasn’t in the script and Martino had no idea was coming – his reaction is real!

As Alison adds about Brando’s warning to Coppola:

“After the scene was filmed, Dad knew why he said that. It was a hard slap!”

James Caan, who played Sonny Corleone, agreed. According to Caan:

“Martino didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!”

THE GODFATHER, Al Martino, Marlon Brando, 1972

Alison also shared this:

“During ‘The Godfather’, Dad recorded and additional Christmas song for the movie. It was “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and it plays in the scene where Michael sees the news about him pop in the paper being shot! Here’s the scene:”

Alison points out that her Dad’s version of the song has never been released commercially!

Alison’s Effort To Keep Vintage Los Angeles Alive!

Martino’s daughter Alison is an industry professional and entertainment insider who is passionate about saving “classic Hollywood” for future generations to enjoy:

Alison took part in a great “Godfather” screening here in Los Angeles, and she shared this “slap” story with Film Critic Kenneth Turan on stage – and she shows off her Dad’s personal copy of the film’s script!

She also tells a great story about how her Dad got new “Managers” unexpectedly when he was starting out – the Mob!

Check out this fascinating conversation here!

Alison’s terrific website “Vintage Los Angeles” is documenting the history of Hollywood so that it’s not forgotten…check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/15/destroying-hollywoods-soul-goodbye-dominicks-vintage-los-angeles-alison-martino-fights-to-save-tinseltowns-iconic-past/

There have been so many great Artists who have released holiday music…I’m a Paul McCartney fan, and he wrote one of the most popular songs:

You can see the music video from 1979 here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/17/paul-mccartneys-wonderful-christmastime-maccas-big-money-holiday-hit/

Paul wasn’t the only ex-Beatle to release a holiday tune, but this one was a bit more political in tone:

John and Yoko released the powerful “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” in 1971 – here is the music video and some great trivia about the recording of the song:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/06/happy-xmas-war-is-over-john-lennons-powerful-anti-war-christmas-song/

One of the most unique holiday songs is the gorgeous duet between David Bowie and Bing Crosby:

UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: (AUSTRALIA OUT) Photo of Bing CROSBY and David BOWIE; with Bing Crosby, performing Little Drummer Boy (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)

Here is my story about the recording of “Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth” – and the fact that Bowie didn’t want to sing it! Click here for more:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/10/david-bowie-duets-with-bing-crosby-the-secrets-behind-the-greatest-holiday-song-of-all-time/

Many other performers and great bands also recorded a holiday classic:

Here are some great stories about the recording of this holiday classic:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/02/the-eagles-beautiful-christmas-single-please-come-home-for-christmas-funky-new-year-too/

Happy Holidays From Al!

The Eagles End “The Long Run!”

After almost a decade in the music business, a phenomenal band called it quits – torn apart by feuding band members after creating a decade of incredible music.

The Eagles formed in 1971, and over the course of that decade, they released six albums that are as popular today as when they were released. Their final album came at the very end of 1979, when the band called it quits.

Time to celebrate the end of their 70’s musical output with “The Long Run!”

“The Long Run” was the sixth album by the band. It was the first Eagles album with Timothy B. Schmit, who had replaced founding member Randy Meisner, who left the band after “Hotel California”.

Here’s how the great website UltimateClassicRock.com describes that time in the band’s history:

“The Eagles scored a career-defining smash with 1976’s Hotel California – and then spent the better part of the next three years trying to figure out how to follow it.

“I suppose we’d eventually finish some songs if we didn’t have the pressure, but up to now it’s been that way,” Don Henley admitted in a 1977 interview. “I remember an interview I read a long time ago where [John] Lennon and [Paul] McCartney said that the only way they ever finished anything was to have a deadline, some kind of pressure.”

The Pressures Of Success…

The article goes on to quote Glenn Frey on the pressure in the band at the time.

“There was so much pressure that Don and I didn’t have time to enjoy our friendship,” he remembered. “We always had to worry about doing this or living up to that. We could talk about girls or football for a while, but it wouldn’t be long before we’d remember that we had to make a decision about this – or that we had to get another song written for the next album.”

You can read more from this great article – “36 Years Ago: The Eagles Grind to a Halt with ‘The Long Run'” here:

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-long-run/?trackback=tsmclip

The history of the Eagles includes a number of personnel changes…even the mega-success of “Hotel Califormia” didn’t stop the changes within the band…after that album, founding member Randy Meisner quit, and Timothy B. Schmidt joined the group.

Let’s look at the great music on the album.

Side One Of “The Long Run”:

The album begins with the title track, written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, a mid-tempo love song that could also be written about the band at the time.

Well, we’re scared, but we ain’t shakin’
Kinda bent, but we ain’t breakin’
in the long run…

Here is the band in the studio, the video on Vimeo:

“I Can’t Tell You Why” is next – written by Henley, Frey, and new member Timothy B. Schmit, who handles the vocals.

This was a huge hit, and one of the band’s most popular ballads.

Here is the video on Dailymotion:

“In the City” is next. This great rocker was written by Barry De Vorzon and Joe Walsh, who performs lead vocals.

This song was used in the film “The Warriors” that same year.

Here is the band performing it live in 2010, captured by a fan:

Next up is “The Disco Strangler”, written by Don Felder, along with Henley and Frey.

“He’s been around here all along, baby,
Been waiting for his time to come.
You lookin’ for attention, darlin’
He will surely give you some

He’s the crimson in your face du jour,
the fiddler in your darkest night.
He’s the melody without a cure and
Rome is burning, but that’s all right.
Just slip into the arms of the disco strangler…”

Here is an audio-only clip with disco stills covering…

Next up is one of those classic Henley and Frey compositions, looking at the decay and rot of Hollywood…

“King of Hollywood” slowly fades in with a tight guitar intro, smooth and silky, then goes into a dark dark tale of a Hollywood Tycoon who uses his position to have anyone he wants…

“We gon’ get you an apartment, honey.
We gon’ get you a car.
(spoken) Yeah, we’re gonna take care of you, darlin’.
We gon’ make you a movie star.
For years I’ve seen ’em come and go.”
He says, “I’ve had ’em all, ‘ya know.
I handled everything in my own way.
I made ’em what they are today.”

This is great storytelling about the decay of Hollywood. Here is an audio only version:

Side two of “The Long Run” kicks off with another hit single:

“Heartache Tonight” is a fun, upbeat rocker written by Henley and Frey along with their friends Bob Seger and J. D. Souther.

There is a great anecdote on the “History Of The Eagles” documentary where their songwriting friend Andrew Gold says he had a song with handicapping on it, played it for Henley, and then those same claps showed up on “Heartache.”

Here’s a great live version of the song from that “History” tour:

“Those Shoes” by Felder, Henley and Frey is up next – another indictment of Hollywood hustlers.

“You just want someone to talk to
They just wanna get their hands on you
You get whatever you choose
Oh, no, you can’t do that,
Once you started wearin’ those shoes.”

Don Felder and Joe Walsh did a double talk-box guitar solo at the end, one of the earliest times it was used.

“Teenage Jail” by Henley, Frey and J. D. Souther is next.

“Stare out the window,
You can’t make the time go
You don’t even know why you’re here
Wait for the weekend to go off the deep end
and make everything disappear
You’re lost in a teenage jail…”

The Eagles have some fun with the raucous “The Greeks Don’t Want No Freaks”, written by Henley and Frey, with backing vocals by Jimmy Buffett and “The Monstertones”!

Here is an audio only clip of this party song:

The album ends with “The Sad Café” – written by Henley, Frey, Walsh and Souther, a reflective piece about time fading away…

“Maybe the time has drawn the faces I recall
But things in this life change very slowly,
if they ever change at all
no use in asking why,
it just turned out that way
So meet me at midnight baby
inside the Sad Cafe.
Why don’t you meet me at midnight, babe,
inside the Sad Cafe.”

The album ends on this reflective note, with gorgeous Eagles harmonies…

Here is a link to a music video on Vimeo:

Here’s an interesting piece of trivia: the original vinyl record pressings of “The Long Run” had short pieces of text engraved in the run-out groove of each side, something the band started doing with “One Of These Nights”. Here is what each one said:

Side one: “Never let your monster lay down”
Side two: “From the Polack who sailed north”

Since I own the original album, here is an attempt to get a picture of those:

You can make out “Never let your monster lay down” a bit…but it is cut into the black vinyl, so hard to capture…

“The Long Run” had three Top 10 singles: “Heartache Tonight”, the album’s title cut, and “I Can’t Tell You Why”.

The band also won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1980 for “Heartache Tonight”.

For the Eagles, their run lasted for six albums – and it was a ride that included many changes behind-the-scenes.

Here are the stories I have posted about each album:

The first album was full of country rock and made Winslow, Arizona iconic forever…here is the whole story:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/14/the-eagles-their-smash-hit-debut-album-the-iconic-winslow-arizona-statue/

The followup album was also terrific, but it was a commercial disappointment…here is a look at “Desperado”:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/04/the-eagles-desperado-disaster-brilliant-music-shocking-album-snub-beautiful-tequila-sunrise/

For the third album, “On The Border”, their original Producer Gynn Johns was fired, and Guitarist Don Felder joined the group. Here are some great live performances of some of the songs:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/14/on-the-border-the-eagles-say-hello-to-don-felder-goodbye-to-glyn-johns-don-henleys-brilliant-1-best-of-my-love/

After their next smash hit album “One Of These Nights”, founding member Bernie Leadon left the band. Here is a look at that conflict within the band – even as they released their biggest hit album ever:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/16/one-of-these-nights-the-eagles-meltdown-at-1-bernie-leadon-quits-joe-walsh-electrifies-the-band/

Joe Walsh joins the band and they release their masterpiece – here are the stories behind the making of “Hotel California”:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/15/welcome-to-the-eagles-hotel-california-joe-walsh-checks-in-brilliant-henleyfrey-music-steely-dan-shout-out/

The Eagles wouldn’t release new music for two decades, when they re-formed for a live album titled, with tongue firmly in cheek, “Hell Freezes Over.”

But the biggest news for fans was the ultimate release of a new double album called “Long Road Out Of Eden”. Here is a look at that great return to form:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/01/the-eagles-swan-song-long-road-out-of-eden-glenn-freys-farewell/

The band also released a 4+hour documentary about The Eagles, with candid interviews and tons of great footage from the 70’s…and a very candid look at the frictions within the band at the time of the release of “The Long Run”…

That led to their “History Of The Eagles” tour, which I saw in Chicago. Here is a look at that incredible concert:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/21/history-of-the-eagles-amazing-concert-old-friends-return/

It was a “Long Run” indeed….

Todd Rundgren’s “One Long Year” On The Web!

Todd fans know that this Musical Artist has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it makes sense that he would also have led the way in the 90’s on a new way to share his music – on what then was called the “worldwide web”!

“One Long Year” was Todd’s seventeenth album, released in 2000. Here is how this album came to be: the songs were initially released to subscribers of Rundgren’s web-based “Patronet” pay site.

I subscribed to this service, where Todd would share all sorts of music – and musical experiments – with his fans having access to it on the “worldwide web”.

Here is how wikipedia sums up this album:

“During the last quarter of the ’90s, Todd Rundgren spent much of his time on the Internet, distributing music and previews of his in-progress autobiography through his net service, Patronet. Hence, the appearance of One Long Year, a disc that collects highlights from the Patronet service, plus a couple odds and ends.”

The ten songs on “One Long Year” are a mix of straightforward Todd tunes, with some experimental bits and re-imagining of classic songs. Todd himself had a POV on the project at the time:

And with that, here is a look at Todd’s “One Long Year”, beginning with one of his catchiest rockers, written as a protest to the online media he was working in!

“I Hate My Frickin’ I.S.P.”

Remember all of those free CD-Roms that you got stuffed into every magazine in the late 90’s? All promising fast and easy internet service, with them as the “Internet Service Provider”?

Well, So Does Todd!

The first song takes aim that those frustrating services that promised easy access to the “worldwide web”, but delivered an experience must more frustrating:

“It rained CD-Roms that gave me twenty hours free
I let my service provider make a junky out of me
And then he cut me off from my online community
And I hate it, I hate, I hate it
And I hate my frickin’ ISP!”

To promote the release of “One Long Year”, Todd appeared on TV shows playing this song. Here is the terrific live performance from Craig Kilborn on May 2, 2000 – with Kasim Sultan on guitar!

After the song, there is a bit of the conversation between them as well:

“Buffalo Grass”

Next up is another strong Todd song. Todd played this on his latest tour, a great mid-tempo rocker that speaks of his flirtation with love…or is it religion? Both?

“Saw you once and you looked so sweet
Saw you twice and I felt complete
Three times thought I’d get some peace
Dozen times and there’s no release
And I was already gone

Like buffalo grass
You crawled across my heart
Oh like buffalo grass
Wrapped yourself around my heart”

Here is a great live performance, thanks to YouTuber “Seekmage”:

Todd performed this in Beverly Hills last year on his tour – here is a look at that concert with some clips from the show:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/07/todd-rundgren-rocks-beverly-hills-todds-2016-tour-reviewed/

“Jerk” is next, sounding very very much like an outtake from “STATE” or “GLOBAL” – Todd’s electronica phrase.

Next, Todd does a short spoken word segment about moving to Hawaii and how it led to this song:

“Bang on the Ukulele Daily” (live)

Todd’s goofy novelty hit is performed live with a unique instrument – he clearly is having fun with what must be his most unexpected hit song!

This version adds a Hawaiian lullaby as well – just a fun bit of playfulness from him in the studio.

Todd performs the song on tour still, and you can see his most recent set on the great new release “An Evening With Todd Rundgren Live At The Ridgefield” – here’s a look at this terrific DVD/CD combo:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/10/an-evening-with-todd-rundgren-live-at-the-ridgefield-dvd-cd-is-here/

Next up is one of Todd’s best “lost” songs:

“Where Does the Time Go?”

This feels like mid-80’s Todd, around the “Tortured Artist” period. It’s a terrific upbeat love song that should have been a bit hit – but he never released it.

Here is a terrific music video posted by a fan, using Todd’s audio and some incredible dance footage from a music video called “Crazy Cool Dance Moves” – and it works!

“Where Does The Time Go?” is one of Todd’s many hidden gems…here is a list of my favorites:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/12/16/todd-rundgrens-hidden-gems-espresso-umbrellas-todds-secret-songs/

“Love of the Common Man” is next, an old classic given his “with a twist” treatment…

Here is a live version of the song from Cleveland 1978 – and this is the version that shows up on the “Back To The Bars” double live album:

“Mary and the Holy Ghost” is up next, another “GLOBAL” track in style and production.

“Yer Fast (And I Like It)” comes next, and is Todd rocking out again.

Here’s a live version from 2000, a great power pop performance with a blistering guitar solo from Todd:

Thanks as always to the great “HarryRunt danu” who posted this on YouTube…there are lots more where that came from, so check it out!

“Hit Me Like a Train” is a funky tune, and then the album ends with another ode to the worldwide web.

“The Surf Talks” begins with the nostalgic sounds of a dial-up call on AOL that connected you to the internet…remember those days?

The song itself is an upbeat mid tempo pop song, with Todd’s wall of sound coming into play – a really catchy tune…

“The surf talks
And it knows what to say
The surf talks
I must learn to obey
The gun cocks, the clock stops, the earth rocks, the surf talks
The surf talks
Puts it’s tongue on my skin
The surf talks”

This era in Todd’s music career combined his love of technology and his early adapting to the possibilities of the internet….

It’s not surprising when you consider that Todd worked with Apple early on int he development of the iPad – check that story out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/10/todd-rundgrens-early-ipad-invention-todds-itablet-graphic-flowfazer/

Todd was also an early proponent of music videos:

You have the right to ask yourself: did Todd invent MTV? There is a lot of evidence to suggest he did, see my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/02/todd-rundgren-inventor-of-mtv-a-hollywood-square/

Let me know what you think of Todd’s “One Long Year!”

Breaking Beatles News!

Big news broke today about the rights to some of The Beatles greatest songs! Paul McCartney has gone to court to regain ownership of classic Beatles songs that he wrote, like “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be!”

For those who don’t know, the entire catalog of Beatles songs were sold in the early 80’s, and McCartney lost out in a bidding battle to a close friend.

Just announced however, is this legal salvo: Paul McCartney has filed a lawsuit to get his music, and the music of The Beatles, back!

The Beatles wrote and recorded the greatest music ever, but they didn’t own it afterwards!

Here is the story from The Hollywood Reporter:

“Paul McCartney has filed suit in New York against Sony/ATV and is looking to get a declaratory judgment that states he will soon regain his copyright ownership share to a treasured catalog of songs created as a member of The Beatles.

According to McCartney’s complaint, he transferred rights to songs co-authored by him and John Lennon between 1962 and 1971 to various music publishers.”

Yes, as they note, John and Paul “transferred rights” to various companies, and when they were bought by someone else, they lost the rights to the music they created!

The craziest part of the music business is how ownership of the music publishing is where all the money is…and this is where the story got weird in the 80’s between Paul McCartney and his friend, Michael Jackson..

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson teamed up on several songs, including the mega-hit “Say Say Say”.

Two of those songs were included on the album “Pipes Of Peace” – one of McCartney’s more polarizing efforts…see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/17/pipes-of-peace-paul-mccartneys-rap-ringos-drumming-misunderstood-classic-or-tug-leftovers/

McCartney and Michael Jackson were friends making music, but little did McCartney know that Jackson was negotiating to take ownership of The Beatles musical catalog!

Here is how The Hollywood Reporter explains it.

“It’s well known that in the 1980s, after getting advice from McCartney himself that the big money in music was tied to rights in song compositions, Michael Jackson bought songs including “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” Jackson then entered a joint venture with Sony/ATV, and last year, his estate sold the late pop singer’s remaining interest to Sony.

The lawsuit notes that McCartney has been serving and recording termination notices for nearly a decade.”

So Jackson bought the rights to The Beatles catalog of songs, and McCartney has been trying to get them back ever since..imagine writing all of the incredible songs that McCartney did over the years, and he doesn’t own them!

This legal battle is just unfolding, and you can find a ton of stories that get into the legal detail, but here is where I read the story originally:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/paul-mccartney-sues-regain-rights-beatles-songs-965684

If you find the legal battles of the Beatles interesting, here is an amazing story:

This fascinating book looks at the legal battle over the music of The Beatles…read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/19/beatle-eagle-big-battles-best-music-books-pt-1/

The music of The Beatles is, of course, priceless, and a recent documentary looked at their first trip to America:

Director Ron Howard uncovered amazing never-befpre-seen footage of the Fab Four in the first day of “Beatlemania” – see the trailer to this amazing documentary here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/06/the-beatles-first-us-tour-new-movie-the-fab-fours-segregation-battle-ron-howards-fascinating-new-beatles-documentary/

The music of The Beatles has stood the test of time, including this masterpiece now fifty years old:

It’s almost unbelievable to have an album that is virtually flawless – with iconic music that lives on fifty years later…see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/06/the-beatles-revolutionary-revolver-50-years-ago-maccas-greatest-writing-john-lennons-near-death-yellow-submarine/

Good luck to Paul McCarntey as he fights to regain the rights to his amazing music!