Albums: Amon Duul II, Damon & Naomi w/ Ghost, Drive-By Truckers, Oakley Hall, Essra Mohawk, Detroit

Talkin' bout Some Albums

Amon Duul II: Utopia (1973) duul moving away from free form freakout...and i still think it's great! 4 stars fer sure dude...not being a religious man i'm quite willing to listen to bands move on to different styles...selling out??? i hardly think so, and if they thought that, they were still on some mighty fine drugs!

Damon & Naomi: w/ Ghost (2000) i'm a ghost fan and am rather ignorant to the stylistic musings of damon & naomi...but based on this, they need to be explored. this is great this is beautiful this makes me feel good...

Drive-By Truckers: Brighter than Creation's Dark (2008) i was ready to be disappointed...jason isbell took off and blessing and a curse (2006) was disappointing after the great dirty south (2004)...on my first and so far, only listen, i must say i was not disappointed!! this is way too long as is a mistake made by many in the 80 minute cd age...but i never got bored of it, and it was interesting enough to keep my attention...hummmm...not going to write these guys off yet...

Oakley Hall: Second Guessing (2006) i went into this with an open mind and i let the music enter into my cranium and was wholly satisfied with this rocking with a country edge band that balances male female vocal dichotomy very well...good shit man...

Essra Mohawk: Primordial (1970) have i written about her yet??? but man i'm too lazy to check that out so i'll just say i loved this album and i checked her out and she's still around and still hot and still following her own muse...you can't beat that, so check her out brothers and sister!!!

Detroit: Detroit (1971) mitch ryder rocks out on the velvets rock'n'roll and the rest of the album rocks out and this is classic detroit early 70s rock and roll that shakes the booty and makes you believe in being young and sexual and gets you feeling energetic and wanting to sing out loud while walking the dog and not giving a shit if you're acting like an idiot...

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I've finally started using the wood stove, and have been successful until the last 2 days...I think I have smoke in my eyeballs right now!!! Actually, when the fire gets going it's awesome.

And my 3rd job started today...working as a Mental Health Clerk for Northern Health. The lady training me also has 3 jobs, and she calls this one her "cushy job". Gotta love it!

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Poetry: The Librarian

The Librarian

I saw 2 dogs in
medical training
enter the world of
the librarian

she was mad
she was disgusted
she was aghast
she wanted them OUT

...but...she was trapped
with legalities

& the girls...

well, they were
alternative
...maybe lesbians
tatoos on necks
and arms
and * shudder *
...all over!

Who invited these girls
into the world of
the librarian??

Her look of disgust
made me laugh
it all seemed too much
...so uptight...
relax librarian relax
...they'll be soon be gone.

by John Harvey - January 29, 2008 (based on a true incident)
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Edgar Broughton Band: Wasa Wasa (1969), then a rambling music lesson and Edgar on youtube!!!

Edgar Broughton Band: Wasa Wasa (1969) OK. Why was I not aware of this band when I was younger???? I mean this is right up my alley. Freaks playing heavy heavy HEAVY music with a sick psych bluesy twist and lyrics...well, certainly of the time. Edgar's Captain Beefheart growl is heavy enough, not to seem like a rip-off. There certainly is a heavy Beefheart vibe...A heavier Safe As Milk rather than the avant-garde Trout Mask.

The heaviness just doesn't let up on this. I originally had Out Demons Out (1986) a decent anthology, and liked it enough to go back to the original albums. This is their first! Wow wow double triple freaking wow!!!

I'm really wondering what my problem was during my 20s and 30s...I had tons of lps, cds even fucking 8 tracks!?! Got lots of "rock" mags, even read Christgau's Consumer Guide at the university library instead of doing REAL life stuff...like school. However, since the advent of the internet, and my friend Randy opening my eyes to krautrock, I didn't realize how ignorant my musical tastes really were. I mean, I was into all the correct bands...Velvets, Iggy, lots of punk (Dolls, Ramones)...the classics...Neil, Zappa, Van the Man...but now I realize how much amazing music was being made during the 60s and 70s, it's blowing my fucking mind into little bits of brain stew strewn across the basement floor!!!!!

[aside: the 14 minute "Dawn Crept Away" is cleaning out my eardrums right now. These guys are too much!!! I love them...in a platonic sort of psychedelic freak-out way. I wish I had some acid right now...or even ecstasy...goddammit!!! even some pot!!!!]

This makes me very curious about the music being made today. The stuff I see on Muchmusic, as far as I can tell...is bullshit. I know Justin Timberlake has a great rep amongst the crits, but...damn I just don't see it. Narcissistic dance floor jive that may sound alright dancing underneath the neon strobe lights strung out on the E and being...in your 20s! But why listen at home without all the extra periphery???? Fuck that dude!!

I'm keeping my ears open and there is a lot of great music being made today!!! You just have to seek it out, and with the internet, it's a hell of a lot easier than it used to be! Acid Mothers Temple, Boredoms, Ghost, Six Organs of Admittance, Julian Cope, Drive-By Truckers are good mainstream stuff, Iron & Wine, Oneida....that's just stuff off the top of my head. I haven't even touched on the really experimental stuff...the wild experimental music (Zorn, Diamanda Galas, Nurse with Wound, Sunn O))), Merzbow)...there's probably a lot of wild jazz I'm ignorant to, as well as a lot of classic songwriters still putting out great songs with great lyrics and melodies...that will never go out of style!

Hopefully, with the downfall of record companies, more musicians will be able to make a living doing what they do best...making fucking music!!! And not for some record company a & r asshole, but for themselves and their fans. Using the web and downloads (studio, live, live in the studio), with special collections (you know...nice covers, liner notes, booklets, bonuses) available for purchase on their own web site will hopefully be the wave of the future. Cut out the middlemen, which should reduce the cost for the consumer and allow the artist to pocket more of the money to keep their careers going forward.

Man...you see what listening to Edgar Broughton does to you!?!? Gets you all hyper and shit! Musicians - follow your muse, consumers - keep your ears open! Rock on babies!!!

Edgar's official web presence.
Internet Live Archive - a great site to explore tons of new artists putting their live stuff online for free download!!!
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Edgar and the boys doing "Love in the Rain" live during their prime. Incredible stuff...and you eventually can see the band about a minute in! thanks exdoomorbedommed!

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Tom Waits' "Orphans" & Discography..and I got my 3rd job!!

Tom Waits: Orphans (2006) I was listening to the 1st disc of this absolute classic, and it blew me away. Tom Waits is someone I appreciate the more I listen to him....and I've listened a LOT!!!

In my ignorant old days, I would tease Paul Ropel for being a fan of Tom, but that has blown up in my face...I'm a huge fan, and have all his cds. Live and learn, babies!! Of course, I'm still not that big of a Laurie Anderson fan, who Paul was also keen on.

Tom Waits can belch and it would still be rhythmical! The things he can do with that voice of his is amazing. This collection is great, and is worth going back to many times. I'm on my 3rd go-through. Do NOT underestimate it's value. Out of 56 songs, 30 are brand new. The others are obscurities. No basic collection of unused tracks for Mr. Waits! The man is certainly not lacing in integrity. If you're new to Tom, I would start with Rain Dogs (1985) or Swordfishtrombones (1983)....but don't stop there!

And he covers 2 Ramones songs!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom Waits Discography and short comments

Closing Time (1973) *** Tom's early stuff is much more folk / ballad based. So, I'm not as crazy about it. Still, some of the songwriting is pretty incredible. Tim Buckley did a nice cover of "Martha" from this album.
The Heart of Saturday Night (1974) *** Some more awesome songwriting from Tom's early period.
Nighthawks at the Diner (1975) *** Tom gets all jazzy here, and tells hilarious stories in between his songs. The first TW I got, and I loved it at the time, but he's done better.
Small Change (1976) ***1/2 His songwriting and stories are even better here.
Foreign Affairs (1977) **1/2 Not too crazy about this one. Only "Burma Shave" stands out for me.
Blue Valentine (1978) ***1/2 A leap up from Foreign Affairs. One of my fav of TW's "early" period.
Heartattack and Vine (1980) *** Inconsistent, but the good stuff, is really good. I love "Jersey Girl" for some reason...probably cause it's brilliant songwriting!
One From the Heart w/ Crystal Gayle (1982) n/a Only recently got this one. Love Crystal's hair though. hehehe
Swordfishtrombones (1983) ***** This must have blown his fans away when it came out. So many fantastic songs...just get it..."16 Shells" & "In the Neighborhood" are particular favs.
Rain Dogs (1985) ***** Another classic. Experimental, yet melodic, yet soft, yet hard...This may even better than "Swordfish"...whatever, they are both absolutely brilliant.
Frank's Wild Years (1987) ***** Fuck it...I was going with 4 1/2, then I took another look, and they're are too many brilliant songs, not to give TW a 3rd straight fiver. The Hated Uncles covered "Straight to the Top" from this one. Our only cover.
Big Time (1988) *** A great live album, but get the 3 previous albums instead. Then get the dvd of this. Tom live is quite the experience!
Bone Machine (1992) ***** This man is on such a roll. This is an album harder to digest, but worth tasting. A little more discordant, a little more...disturbing. I love it!!!
The Black Rider (1993) **1/2 Didn't get into this one really. And The Guru, kept saying that William Burroughs was a murderer while listening to this...so that threw off my judgement!
Mule Variations (1999) **** As an album, maybe a tad too long, but there is a lot of brilliance going on here.
Alice (2002) ****1/2 Beautiful...a sad album but not sad...let it wrap you in it's otherworldliness and caress the fragility of this world.
Blood Money (2002) **** Released at the same time as Alice, this is a little harder, and has it's usual fair share of brilliance.
Real Gone (2004) ***1/2 Of course this is great, but again it could be a tad too long...maybe not listened to it enough yet.
Orphans (2006) ***** see above...Genius

Note: The first time I ever saw Tom was on Fernwood Tonight. A hilarious show starring Martin Mull as a smarmy host and his dimwitted sidekick Fred Willard. Tom was fantastic. My Dad thought Tom was hilarious. He (Tom...not my Dad!) did a drunken version of "The Piano Has Been Drinking" and did a priceless interview with Mull and Willard. Check it out here!! thanx GuruX!!!

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Personal Shit

Living in Haida Gwaii is quite the experience. I'm fitting in more and more, especially since I just got my 3rd job. There aren't too many FT jobs here, so you gotta grab a whole bunch of PT/on-call jobs. Of course, The Bah and I went for a walk by the ocean today...so you know...I ain't complaining!!!

On another note, our cat of 17 1/2 years, Trouble, is still hanging in there. We're hoping he can make it through another summer, which is his fav time of year, being an outdoor cat.

go Trouble go go go!!!!!
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Great Albums by Great Artists - after their "prime": Clinton, Zappa, Gong, Allmans, Burdon

Great Albums by Great Artists (supposedly) past their peak

The Albums

George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars: Dope Dogs (1998) This is the album I was listening to when I thought of this blog topic. This album starts off with the monstrous "Dog Star (Fly On)" which is absolutely the best thing Mr. Clinton has done since the Funkadelic days. Darryl "Blackbyrd" McKnight just wails on the guitar. This is 8:11 of pure brilliance. And while the album can't maintain that level [aside: what the fuck can???? A. Nothing at all rabbit] it is still Clinton's best solo stuff. George sticks to the concept of dogs, drugs and dogs on drugs and it seems to keep the album more focused than most of George's solo stuff...which usually have a combination of brilliance, insanity, dreck and so-so stuff. This album is much more consistent. I love "Pepe (The Pill Popper)" and "U.S Custom Coast Guard Dope Dog" as well.

P.S. I saw George Clinton in concert in 2004 and he was incredible.

Frank Zappa: You Are What You Is (1981) Most people think that Frank's best days were with the Mothers, and after that was a bunch of mediocrity. It's too simplistic to say nothing matched The Mothers, but FZ did release a lot of blah stuff after The Mothers. [aside: Tinseltown Rebellion (1981) and Man From Utopia (1983) both blow some bad shit...and not in a good way] This album, though, is one of my all-time fav FZ releases. Every time I listen to it, I get wrapped up in it. It moves from song to song without any let up. There are concepts tying some of the songs together, and FZ lets his guitar do a lot of the talking, and the lyrics are pretty strong - definitely stronger than usual. I like the production as well. FZ was releasing 10 million albums a year at this time, but none matched the strength of this album...the closest being Joe's Garage Act 1 (1979). If you think FZ went downhill after The Mothers, check this one out.

Gong: Acid Motherhood (2004) Gong were relevant in the 70s, but after that...come on! Well, come on yourself, Daevid Allen started bouncing back with his band University of Errors, and this collaboration with Acid Mothers Temple is mind blowing. Absolutely takes you to the outer world, and let's hope that the Acid Mothers Gong experience will continue. And that cover!! I mean...that ain't selling out!

Allman Brothers Band: Hittin' The Note (2003) Yeh, the Allmans could still rock on stage (I saw them on one of those PBS concert shows, and they were great), but who expected a strong studio album from them? Well, this album rocked!! It starts off fast with the great "Firing Line" and "High Cost of Low Living" and just doesn't let up. Even The Stones cover of "Heart of Stone" is great. Gregg is in strong voice and the guitar playing from Warren Hayes and Derek Trucks is incredible!!! I mean...filling the shoes of the ghost of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts would be impossible...but these guys come close. Do not pass this album by if you're a fan.

Eric Burdon: Soul of a Man (2006) Whenever I've played this, The Guru always asks (jokingly) what Van Morrison album it is...and that's not inaccurate. The quality is very high, and Eric is in great voice on a bunch of rockin' blues songs. Who'd have thought that at 65, Eric would come out with something so strong???

What Others Say

Dope Dogs: Robert Fucking Christgau gave this one **** in Rolling Stone, and he ain't blowin' smoke up your ass. All-Music ***1/2 Rate Your Music 3.42....I'll go with Christgau on this one, just a tad higher, let's give it ****1/2...."Dog Star (Fly On)" would rate ***** on it's own.

You Are What You Is: All-Music **** Rate Your Music 3.79 prog archives 3.88 pretty consistent ratings. I'd give it maybe a ****1/2

Acid Motherhood: All-Music ****1/2 Rate Your Music 3.18 prog archives 4.00 I don't understand the low rating in RYM...puzzling. I'm with all-music on this one. I may even go all the way and give it *****....what the fuck???

Hittin' the Note: All-Music ****1/2 Rate Your Music 3.79 deservedly high ratings. I'd go with ****

Soul of a Man: All-Music ***1/2 Rate Your Music 3.89 close enough...I'd give it ****

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OK...what the fuck is wrong with AllMusic???? I mean, the site is great, but it's slow as molasses lately, and ends up tying up my whole computer. I know they had malware issues, but how long will this go on???

Ranting finished.

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YouTube: Missing Link vs. Bullwhip Johnson - in a cage!

I have to put up this vid. It's The Missing Link vs. Bullwhip Johnson in a cage. It took place in Ajax, Ontario...I guess around 1996-1997.
The Link helped train me a wrestler (as described in previous posts), and Bullwhip initiated me into the "biz" by letting me know that when you hit...you hit...but properly. They were both great people, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to be in the ring with both of them.
RIP Link and Bullwhip. thanks STRANGLEHOLD667

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The Political Dog: The Primaries, the media and a touch of Britney

The United States are masturbating towards a new leader.

waving flags and spouting rhetoric at every opportunity.

Americans are the best..yeh!!! yeh!!!!

U S A...U S A!!!!

chant like robots

that will make it alright

why are we hated around the world?????

let's not discuss that...

you don't understand

the bastards want to kill us!!!

why do they want to kill you?

let's not discuss that...

humanity will kill us

it's in the constitution

the constitution and the bible

that's what we're about

so let's thank God

for our greatness

for our democratic superiority

...and to think...

The Americans are less harsh than most countries in the mid-east and africa...

what a scary fucking world we live in!!!!

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If I had a vote, I'd support Hillary or Barack. Lesser of 2 evils. I do hope the democrats get in, and do demonstrate more humanity, which, in turn, should reduce some of the hatred directed towards the USA.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

I'm not hearing much discussion about the environment during this "race towards the white house".

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Why is the media so full of hatred towards Britney Spears.

Yeh, she's fucked up.

Yeh, she's not happy.

But why does the media seem to enjoy kicking her when she's obviously at a very low point in her life????

Is she being used as a diversion from the REAL news????

Surely not...hahahahahaha

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The US media frightens me very much. How much do the American people trust the media? Seriously, I don't know; but, I hope not too much.

@@@@@@@@@@@

Hey - I want to like the good ol USA. I lived In Boston 2-3 years when I was young. My bro was born in Boston, and lives in Seattle now. I've been to New York, Nashville 5 times (when my bro lived there), Seattle, and there's a lot of great qualities about the country.

BUT

there's an arrogance in US politics (that filters into everyday life and the media) that is very unappealing and rather disconcerting. A LOT of this has to do with the fact that George Bush is an asshole and the worst president since Reagan. [aside: I'm puzzled by this recent deification of Reagan - why do people forget??]

HOPE

that a new humanity appears...there are tons of asshole leaders out there crucifying there own people and others, that the US doesn't need to be one of them and if they elect someone like Romney...well, it'll be same old same old...an arrogance that the rest of the world really doesn't like and gives these other world leader assholes too much support.

WE GOT GOT TO GOT TO

get it together and do something about the environment that we're allowing to be destroyed.

Praise Mother Nature and the land we live on...NOT

some imaginary "God" that supposedly gives a shit about who wins the super bowl or thinks that you're better than anyone else. "One nation under God" indeed....

Amen.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recent Playlist: Ackles, Chapman, Cherry, Dictators, Bonnie Prince Billy, Shawn Phillips and an amazing Sun Ra

Harvey Dog's Recent Playlist

David Ackles: American Gothic (1972) Well...this was interesting. He's a storyteller and very Brechtian to me. I've read comparisons to Scott Walker, and that sounds about right. I like it, but won't be running back to it too often...maybe I'll change my mind when I give up on arcane rock'n'roll!

Roger Chapman: A Turn Unstoned (1998) I've always been a big Family fan (as well as Streetwalkers fan), and have thoroughly enjoyed Roger's solo albums. His last one: One More Time for Peace (2007) sounded very strong on preliminary listen, and this one from 1998 is excellent. He's so good, I even enjoyed his cover of The Cars' "Drive"!!! Click for Roger's official web.

Don Cherry: Complete Communion (1966) I haven't delved into Don Cherry's discography, but after listening to this ---- I better get off my ass and get into it!!! This was fantastic!!!

Dictators: Bloodbrothers (1978) W O W!!! Now here's some amazing arcane rock'n'roll like they don't make anymore. I've always had a soft spot for "Go Girl Crazy", but this even rocks that albums socks off. Every song rawks baby, and is catchy as all shit. My advice: get it motherfucker.

Will Oldham (as Bonnie Prince Billy): I See A Darkness (1999)
who is this will oldham?
bonnie prince billy? palace? palace music?
man of a thousand names????
who is this will oldham that even Johnny Cash covers the title track?
who is this writer of millions of songs???
A. Who gives a fuck! This is awesome and thanks to Randy I now have the opportunity to explore this mysterious musician.
Will Oldham's Royal Stable - informative web site.

Shawn Phillips: Do You Wonder (1975) This man is as close to new age as I dare tippy-toe. I am enamoured of his voice...I love it when he rocks out...I love it when he's sensitive...I love the musicianship. This album does not disappoint, and even Shawn's last album from 2002 "No Category" is great. Explore this man's discography. It's worth it. [aside: and he looks like Ted Neeley playing Jesus Christ!!] Shawn's official web.

Sun Ra: Sleeping Beauty (1979) One of the best Ra I have ever heard. Oh, fuck that! One of the best albums I have ever heard. Incredibly beautiful and atmospheric. This one is a real gem.
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Here's Donovan, Shawn Phillips, Rev. Gary Davis on "Rainbow Quest". A PBS show hosted by Pete Seeger show. Must be around 1966. Shawn explains the sitar to the Rev, and then Donovan & Shawn do a great version of "Guinivere".

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2008????? Time flies like the eagles by the ocean...and Kevin Coyne and The Cramps

Here we are. Another January 1st marking time passing.

A time of reflection.
It's like a marker saying: "Hey!!! You!!! Stop for a second and reflect."

OK.

I'm always asked about resolutions, and every year I say the same thing. "My resolution is to try and be a better person/partner/humanitarian."

Then I get the look of "yeh. right."

But...I'm serious. I've quit cigs and booze, and ain't about to quit the weed [aside: not that it's easy to come by here anyway]. I guess my resolution could be to help out at the Teen Centre in Queen Charlotte whether I get paid or not. Also, make sure I recycle properly and thoroughly.

Well, I guess I do have resolutions! What are yours?
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time for reflection???
asked the man with the
dirty fingernails
reflection????
do the birds in the sky reflect?
does the worm in the ground reflect?
does the cigarette
between my fingers reflect?
reflection????
tell it to someone
who has time.
Me?
I reflect on surviving.
Just surviving, man.
***************

Here's Kevin Coyne giving us something to reflect upon. Our fucking sanity. thanks RadioMad.

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More insanity from The Cramps. Live at the Napa State Mental Hospital 1978. Awesome!!!!!!!! thanks MaxBones.

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