The Hold Steady have been compared to the E Street Band. I’m not sure I see it but Craig Finn does have a way with words. Favorite line of this song— “ She said the theme of this party is the Industrial Age, and you came in dressed like a train wreck.”
Starting to get ready to see him later this week. This could have easily made my recent post Songs about Rain. Listen for the cymbals – I think they add so much to song.
Something gentle from one of my favorite albums for your Sunday morning.
In your face noisy rock and roll from this Seattle all female band. I love how they turn male sexual bravado completely on its head and make it their own.
(Just a heads up – Probably NSFW)
I like to call these songs ramshackle folk. It has the feel of a song that seems like it’s on the verge of falling apart but somehow it doesn’t. You may have heard the first in a tv commercial. Longhorn Slim is another local artist!
My Joy is a Philadelphia area band – love the shimmering guitars on this one.
I really like artists who defy categorization. Just when you want to call her country or folk, Brandi Carlisle does this.
Earlier today we heard the sad news of the passing of Aretha Franklin the Queen of Soul. She of course joins another legend Elvis Presley who died on this day in 1977.
Many other tributes and remembrances have occurred today for Aretha. I have always loved the song Respect, the Otis Redding cover that she made her own and turned into a groundbreaking statement of female empowerment.
When Elvis died in 1977 he was only 42. But of course he was far removed from his artistic peak. His death had a profound effect on a number of artists, including Bruce Springsteen. I think I read somewhere that Bruce saw Elvis’s death as a cautionary tale of what can happen when one’s fame causes you to become isolated from what’s most important in your life – family friends and real connection to others. To honor Elvis on this day here’s Bruce singing Follow that Dream one of his favorites of the King of Rock and Roll
RIP Aretha
RIP Elvis
For my wife on our anniversary. This was our wedding song. Can’t wait to see him live next week.
One of my all time favorite songs featuring one of the finest guitarists to ever play.
Mike and Paul's Music Blog 