End Of The Line

Dr John's take on the Traveling Wilbury's hit from 1989.  The original was primarily composed by George Harrison though the other Wilbury's, Dylan, Petty, Orbison, and Lynne, also received writing credit.

Dr John's version was released in 2022 on his final album, Things Happen That Way, recorded just before his death in 2019.  Also featured on vocals for End Of The Line are the Dr's fellow contemporary New Orleans musician Aaron Neville and young Katie Pruitt, a Nashville singer-songwriter.  Willie Nelson appears on another album track.

New Orleans musician Mac Rebennack Jr, reinvented himself as Dr John The Night Tripper, in connection with the release of his first album, Gris-Gris, in 1968.  Gris-Gris included the songs Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya along with the hallucinatory and mesmerizing I Walk On Guilded Splinters.  This 17-year old had never heard anything like it. 

 

In the early 1970s, Dr John achieved mainstream popularity with singles like Iko Iko, Right Place Wrong Time, and Such A Night (this version from The Last Waltz with The Band).  Dr John released more than 30 studio albums and appeared as a guest artist on a slew of other records. 

 

Aaron Neville, now 85, broke out as an artist in 1966 with the gorgeous Tell It Like It Is, featuring his smooth, gentle tone with his trademark vibrato.  He's had a successful career as a solo artist, in multiple collaborations, most notably with Linda Ronstadt, and as along with brothers Art, Charles, and Cyril as part of the Neville Brothers.  Aaron has also twice performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl, the second time accompanied on keyboards by Dr John.

Well it’s all right, even if they say you’re wrong

It’s all right, sometimes you gotta be strong

It’s all right, as long as you got somewhere to lay 

Well it’s all right, every day is Judgment Day 

Maybe somewhere down the road aways (End of the line) 

You’ll think of me, wonder where I am these days (End of the line) 

Maybe somewhere down the road somebody plays (End of the line) 

Purple Haze 

Prodigal Son

Ry Cooder has been playing slide guitar since the mid-1960s with the Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, Taj Mahal, Randy Newman, Van Morrison, the Doobie Brothers and about a thousand others.  This is Ry in the late 60s on Randy Newman's first album with the spooky Let's Burn Down the Cornfield, and with Mick Jagger on Memo From Turner from the bizarre, hallucinatory film Performance.  Here he is 2017 sounding just as good as ever. 

Nobody To Blame

I know right where I went wrong
I know just what got her gone
Turned my life into this country song
And I got nobody to blame but me
I got nobody to blame but me

 

Ain't it the truth.  From Chris Stapleton.  Like to see him in concert.

 

 

Black River

A thousand years is but a day they say

And maybe in a thousand more I'll find my way

Sierra Hull on vocals and mandolin.

Heroes

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain's trademark is well done and humorous covers of pop and rock songs.  In this case, they do a serious, straight, and very well done cover of David Bowie's Heroes, that captures well the song's sentiment. Bowie wrote the song in the late 1970s while in West Berlin.  The last verse refers to a moment when he observed a couple kissing by the Wall.

I, I can remember (I remember)
Standing by the wall (By the wall)
And the guns shot above our heads (Over our heads)
And we kissed as though nothing could fall (Nothing could fall)

And the shame was on the other side
Oh, we can beat them forever and ever
Then we could be heroes just for one day

Turmoil And Tinfoil

Another one from Billy Strings from earlier in his career in 2017.  The lyrics reflect on his childhood filled with family drug problems; his father died of a heroin overdose, while his mother and stepfather became meth addicts (both now recovered).   This version is six minutes, but in concerts more recently he stretches Turmoil and Tinfoil into 15 to 20 minutes filled with improvisations and snippets of other tunes.

Through the turmoil and the tinfoil
I could wait my early life
I can see you in the darkness
And I'm running through the night

 

I recall a silver morning
When your face had turned to gray
You were standing right before me
But I missed you every day

 

Though you never said you're sorry
I forgave you even then
But I feel inconsequential
In the current state I'm in 

The Way You Look Tonight

 Thank you, Mr Bennett.  We saw him perform this live in 2009 at the taping of a TV show.  Bill Charlap also accompanied him and it's the same arrangement.

Seeing The Real You At Last

Another Dylan cover for you, this time from Bettye Lavette in 2018, with a song from Dylan's 1985 album Empire Burlesque.  Very different from the original and Lavette has tweaked the lyrics a bit.  Great style.

Well, I thought that the rain would cool things down
But it looks like it don't
I'd like to get you to change your mind
But it looks like you won't.

From now on I'll be busy
Ain't going nowhere fast
I'm just glad it's over
And I'm seeing the real you at last.

Standing In The Doorway

Been spending a little time listening to covers of Bob Dylan songs.  Some great stuff out there.  This is Jenny Lewis doing Standing in the Doorway from Dylan's 1997 album, Time Out of Mind.  It's a demo she did in 2019.

Groove

It happens when singer and band are just so tight and you've got a pulsating, rhythmic repeating figure that's so right you just want it to keep on going.  I can't think of any better examples than two performances featured before on THC, both of which are superior to the recorded versions.

Use Me by Bill Withers, from a TV show sometime in the mid-70s.  Slower than the hit record and so delicious.  Concentrate on the instrumentation when listening.  The guitarist is doing some amazing work and as for the drummer, when the first comment on the video is "that drummer is possibly the coolest guy to have ever lived", all I can add, in the words of Mona Lisa Vito, is "it's a fact!".

Next up is I Can't Go For That, a decade old live performance by Ceelo Green and Daryl Hall (with Daryl's crack band).  A remake of the Hall & Oates 80s hit, this version is so smooth and groovy.  Every instrument is precisely right - guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and Ceelo's seemingly effortless vocal.

I wouldn't mind if both of these were twice as long.

Ghosts Appear And Fade Away

After Men At Work, for a brief period in 1983 the biggest band in the world, broke up a couple of years later, Colin Hay, lead singer and composer or co-composer of their material, hit a pretty rough patch.  He relocated to Los Angeles, his solo records flopped, and he spent most of the 1990s playing to tiny audiences in whatever venue would have him.  In the early 2000s he began a career revival due to his steady commitment to playing on the road, being featured in the series Scrubs, and having one of his songs on the platinum soundtrack for the movie Garden State, written and directed by Zach Braff, who'd gotten to know Colin via Scrubs.

Where his Men At Work songs were often jokey and light, Hay's solo work is more personal.  He is also quite a storyteller in his solo shows.

Let's start with a couple of tunes Colin reworks from his Men At Work days; my favorite, Overkill, and, of course, Down Under.  On Overkill, stick around to watch the audience.

Overkill is about the thoughts that keep you awake in the middle of the night.  Happens to me.  Those thoughts have always been worse than the actual problems faced when awake, because then I can do something about the problem other than worry.  It's what Colin is referring to when he sings, "Ghosts appear and fade away".

Here are a couple of his solo tunes, Waiting For My Real Life To Begin and I Just Don't Think I'll Get Over You.  On the latter, you can listen to a few minutes of Hay's funny stories.

(M)usical (ATMOS)phere

Something clicked in my mind

Incredibly clear

With all the time to arrive

When we were already here

Matmos is a cut from Echo Street, the 2013 album by Amplifier, a band from Manchester UK.  I have no idea what Amplifier meant by the title but I have my own theory as expressed in the title to this post.  Listen to the song and see if you agree.

There is also an experimental electronic music duo called Matmos and according to their Wikipedia page, "the name Matmos refers to the seething lake of evil slime beneath the city Sogo in the 1968 film Barbarella".

I like my explanation better.

The Sharpest Thorn

And it's the same most every year
Ghosts of the dear departed are near
We raise our glasses and we cheer
Should old acquaintance disappear
Just as we wipe away a tear

From Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint.

Across The Great Divide

He's gone away in yesterday
Now I find myself on the mountainside
Where the rivers change direction
Across the Great Divide

Nanci Griffith is the singer.  Composed by Kate Wolf.

The Sound Of Silence

Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you

When the Sound of Silence was released in 1965, I was 14 and for a brief time thought it was pretty cool.  Quickly growing tired of it I have rarely listened to it over the decades.  Never a big fan of Simon & Garfunkel I found it, like many of their early songs, sophomoric as I grew older.

In 2015 the heavy metal band Disturbed released the album Immortalized, including a cover of Sound of Silence along with a music video.  Their version was interesting but I only listened to it once.  More recently, I came across a live version performed on Conan O'Brien's show.  It is a majestic and moving warning highlighted by David Draiman's stunning vocal. The S&G original sounds like they are distant observers while Disturbed sounds like they are in the midst of the action.

Like many of the best pop/rock songs the lyrics create evocative images and feelings but become slippery when trying to interpret, allowing the listener to apply their own meaning.

After hearing this I listened to other tunes by Disturbed but didn't like any of them.

Here's a vocal coach analyzing the singing technique.

I Can't Go For That

Posted this a few years ago, but since I listen to it every few weeks thought it was time to share it again.  From Daryl's House it's Ce Lo Green and Daryl Hall performing I Can't Go For That with a dynamite band.  Didn't care for this song when Hall & Oates released it in the early 80s and it became a hit single but this version is perfectomundo.  Ce Lo's vocal is so effortless, while Daryl Hall sounds as good as he did decades ago.  And spend a little time with the bassist and drummer who are so tight.  Hard to stop moving as you listen.

Rockin' The Rest

 From 1990 on, the last part of the My Concert series (I'll continue to update this):

 

November 14, 1997

U2

Smashmouth

Pro Player Stadium

Miami, FL

 

Took the THC daughter and two of her friends. Although we were quite a way from the stage our seats were directly in line with the speakers and it was incredibly loud (and I like loud music).  My ears were full of static for several days after.

 

August 20, 2001

Crosby, Stills and Nash

Oakdale Theater

Wallingford, CT

 

Talked into going to this by my sister.  Thought CSN would sound outdated and they had this reputation back in their heyday of not sounding good in concert.  I went and I was wrong. Very good show.  Their harmonies were tight and David Crosby's tenor was strong and beautiful.  Suite: Judy Blue Eyes was about 10 times better than the recorded version.

 

June 15, 2002

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Oakdale Theater

Wallingford, CT

 

When I Was Cruel tour.  The Imposters were The Attractions without bassist Bruce Thomas, who'd been fired by Elvis. Another terrific Costello concert with three encores, the final one ending with Lipstick Vogue followed by I Want You, which is a very, very creepy ballad and a very, very odd, but Elvis-like choice, to end a concert.

 

September 10, 2003

Steely Dan

Oakdale Theater

Wallingford, CT 

Good, solid but not great show by one of my favorite bands.

July 14, 2007

Los Lonely Boys

New Haven Green

New Haven, CT

An outdoor, free concert on the Green in downtown New Haven on a balmy summer evening, sitting on the grass and listening to Henry, JoJo and Ringo Garza, the brothers of Los Lonely Boys.  Guitar-driven improvising, climaxed with a 20+ minute version of Onda.  Felt like I was back in 1971.  Very underrated band that was not as popular as it should have been.

 

April 15, 2008

Elvis Costello

Tony Bennett

Saturday Night Live Studio

NBC 30 Rock

New York City 

In 2008-9, Elvis filmed 20 shows for Spectacle TV in which he interviewed other musicians and then they performed separately and together.  Filming was done in the Saturday Night Live Studio, which was cordoned off into a smaller area with seating for about 250-300 people.  At the time, I worked for GE which owned NBC and a couple of people at 30 Rock knew I was an Elvis fan and got me tickets so I took Mrs THC and two close friends.  Tony Bennett was immensely cool.  He sang The Way You Look Tonight.  His voice was no longer what it once was, but he sang that song so beautifully I teared up. Elvis is a fine interviewer and the conversation was lively.  Diana Krall, Elvis' wife was seated in front of us (we were three rows from the stage) and Tony impulsively went out into the audience and pulled her up to perform a song with him.  A memorable evening.

May 28, 2009

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown NY

Robert Randolph is a unique entertainer and along with The Family Band one of the best club and party acts you will ever see.  Everyone in the audience was standing for the entire show.  Randolph plays pedal steel like lead guitar.

 

June 10, 2009

Elvis Costello

Beacon Theater

New York City

The Sulphur to Sugarcane tour with Elvis supported by a country band with no drummer.  Excellent, as usual.  32 songs, including encores.  Highlight was The Delivery Man.

 

March 5, 2014

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Crescent Ballroom

Phoenix, AZ

Mrs THC and I raised the average age in the club by several years.  Awesome show by the awesome Robert Randolph.  Here's a clip from that show.

June 15, 2014

Kenny Wayne Shepherd featuring Robert Randolph

Ridgefield Playhouse

Ridgefield, CT

Ace guitarist Shepherd and ace pedal steel player Randolph, a dynamite combo.

August 14, 2014

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Simsbury Meadows

Simsbury CT

Susan Tedeschi's voice and Derek Truck, master of the slide guitar, are a perfect pair, as husband and wife and musicians.  Unexpectedly started off with a creative cover of Traffic's Who Knows What Tomorrow Will Bring.

 

April 8, 2016

Elvis Costello

Larkin Poe
Mesa Arts Center

Mesa, AZ

Mostly an Elvis solo show, with occasional backing by Larkin Poe and Nils Lofgren.  Heavy media with clips of Elvis' musician dad and Elvis in his early days.  Reimagined versions of songs from his huge catalogue.  This venue was designed for concerts and the sound quality was amazing.  We were in the last row of the 4th balcony and the sound was crystal clear.

 

September 2017

Los Lobos

Criterion Theatre

Bar Harbor, Maine

 

A fun time in a small venue (several hundred seats).  Thirty years after first seeing them the band still sounded fine and David Hidalgo's voice had held up well. 

November 2017

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Orpheum Theater

Phoenix, AZ

 

As good as the last time around. 

November 16, 2019

The Black Keys

Talking Stick Resort Arena

Phoenix AZ

This was one fine rock n roll show.  The sound quality was clear and crisp, particularly for large arena.

November 5, 2021

Tommy Emmanuel

Mesa Arts Center

Mesa AZ

Back to live music!  What a great guitarist and showman.

November 10, 2021

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Federal Theater

Phoenix AZ

 

Elvis once again.  No opening act.  Played for 2 1/2 hours.  New stuff, old stuff, in between stuff.  His voice is not what it once was, but still a fine show.  Played half the songs I heard at his first concert in 1977. 

May 17, 2023

Billy Strings

Financial Theater

Phoenix AZ

Had wanted to see Billy since discovering him in the fall of 2021.  Outstanding show.  Nearly three hours highlighted by a 30 minute combo of several songs including Hide and Seek.  Incredible guitarist and the players in his band (banjo, fiddle, upright bass, mandolin) are just as good.

 

April 15, 2024

Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

Casa de Christo Lutheran Church

Scottsdale AZ 

 

Been a fan for years. Good musicians with a great sense of musical humor.  Covered everything from ZZ Top to Robert Palmer, The Clash, Willie Nelson, a medley of Live on Mars/My Way/For Once in My Life/Substitute/Born Free, The Muppet Show Theme, the Bond movie theme, to Black Sabbath's Paranoid intertwined with Dance of the Sugar Plum Fair.  Also a straight and gorgeous version of Dreams by The Cranberries and closed with Kiss' God Gave Rock n Roll to You. 

 

May 28, 2024

Molly Tuttle

Musical Instruments Museum Theater

Phoenix AZ

 

Molly is part of the new bluegrass thing along with Billy Strings and Sierra Hull.  A terrific show with a mixture of originals, bluegrass (lovely version of Shady Grove), and rock covers featuring She's A Rainbow by the Stones and Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit.  None of the covers were straight; all introduced unique elements. 

 

March 5, 2025

Chicago

Celebrity Theater

Phoenix AZ

 

A last minute invite from a friend; had not known they were still touring. A fun show though the sound balance could have been better.  Played their hits (of which there were many) and most popular cuts off their albums.  Musically, they miss their phenomenal original guitarist (Terry Kath) and drummer (Danny Seraphine) but still enjoyable.  Only three of the original members are still with the band.  

 

March 16, 2025

Taj Mahal

Musical Instruments Museum Theater

Phoenix AZ 

 

I first heard Taj in the late 60s but had never seen him perform.  He's now almost 82 and moving a lot slower than he used to but his voice and playing was as strong as ever.  Played electric, acoustic, and steel guitar, ukelele, banjo, and keyboards.  An eclectic mix of country blues, roots music, reggae and even Hawaiian music.  A fun show.

 

December 10, 2025

Billy Strings

BOK Center

Tulsa OK

 

Fantastic long show by Billy and the boys.  Only knew about 1/3 of the songs but it did not make any difference.  Next morning visited the Bob Dylan Center. 

Phone In A Pool

Seems what's been good for the music

Hasn't always been so good for the life

Ben Folds accompanied by yMusic, a chamber ensemble based in New York which has also accompanied Paul Simon.

You Can't Make Old Friends

Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers.  Sappy and true.

Knopfler Binge

This started out as simply a post of a concert version of Mark Knopfler's Brothers In Arms from the final show of his 2019 tour.  One of his finest and I never fail to be moved by his guitar with those fat tones, grace, and restraint.  While recognized as a superb guitarist he remains underrated as a lyricist.  Well, you know how it is venturing into the swamp of YouTube and I spent an hour watching and listening to Knopfler (and Dire Straits) so I've added a few more links to What It Is, Romeo & Juliet, Once Upon A Time In The West, Going Home (the theme from Local Hero), and the stunning closing solo on Tunnel Of Love.