25 years ago today, over 40 artists decended on SARM Studios in London to record a monumental single in order toraise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The rest is history.
Whatever holiday you celebrate, may it be happy and full of good tidings!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Hank's gospel side
Last week, we showcased a brief review of Time Life's new, 3 CD, Hank Williams collection, "Revealed". Hank authority and biographer, Brian Turpen, has graciously written his personal review of the set which he have allowed us to post as an entry on "The Rewind".
Here's another look at the back story behind the collection.
Disc 2 of the new Hank Williams, "Revealed" 3 CD set is titled, "Southern Harmony", which showcases Hank's gospel side. The majority of country music fans usually just recall Hank’s many popular tunes, yet many may not know or realize the actual importance that gospel music played in both Hank’s life and career. In fact, most scholars would agree that it was gospel music that first sparked Hank’s interest in music.
In the Deep South during Hank’s youth, most were deeply tied to religious lifestyles. That is exactly where Hank’s first taste of music came from. His first and fondest memories were that of a young boy enthusiastically singing gospel hymns while his mother Lillie played organ at the Mount Olive West Baptist Church. Years later in an interview, Hank stated, “My earliest memory is sittin’ on that organ stool by her and hollerin’. I must gave been five, six years old and louder’n anybody else.”
Hank’s mother encouraged his interest, so much so that in the midst of the depression, as a single parent, she scraped together a few dollars and sent him to a gospel shape-note singing school at the Oak Grove Methodist Church for two years. Hank is also said to have once commented while listening to a neighboring black church’s singing, “One day, I’m gonna write songs like that.”
The old hymns Hank learned influenced and shaped his approach to music as nothing else ever would. The melodies should be simple and the words plain spoken. Hank also learned how to express sincere feelings and to sing them as if salvation rested upon it. Gospel music remained with Hank throughout his life. Even when asked what his favorite song was, he named a gospel song, "Death Is Only A Dream".
During Hank’s early performing days in Montgomery, he produced at least four lyric songbooks, all which had several gospel tunes in each. On his very first recording session, three of the four songs he recorded were gospel songs. Even though he would only record five more gospel tunes in subsequent recording sessions, he continued writing spiritual tunes. In all, Hank wrote over 30 gospel songs, and they are evident that he had a great talent to reach out in prayer by lyric and melody.
Even after Hank’s huge commercial success with his secular music, he never abandoned his gospel beginnings. In fact, he used his success to propel his sacred side. Many might be amazed at the number of gospel songs Hank played on his various radio shows, and often, he also played at least one sacred song on his personal appearances as well. It is said that Hank was never more impassioned than he was in singing a gospel hymn and took the stance of reverence every time he sang one. It is no doubt that Hank was a believer, although later in life he was not a churchgoer. However it seems he found rare peace in the hymns of his childhood, remembering every line of every verse.
There are several recorded examples of Hank’s sacred side. There are demo recordings as well as some examples of Hank singing gospel songs on live performances, such as the two Kate Smith television shows, and a few Grand Ole Opry programs. However, the largest collection of Hank’s gospel side is the surviving transcriptions of the Mother’s Best Flour shows as he ended every show with a gospel song.
In an effort not to repeat gospel tunes on the shows, Hank performed many hymns that he didn’t sing elsehwere. They were a collection of: songs he wrote, current hymns, older hymns drawn from African-American gospel, camp meeting songs, and Southern gospel tunes. Another great surprise on these recordings are the three-part harmony provided on many of the selections by the Drifting Cowboys, which rarely sang on his records. In the studio besides of the Drifting Cowboys, (Don Helms, Jerry Rivers, and Cedric Rainwater {aka Howard Watts} and Sammy Pruett) was announcer “Cousin” Louie Buck. Disc 2, "Southern Harmony" highlights 11 of the gospel selections from Hank’s 1951 Mother’s Best Flour shows.
Here's another look at the back story behind the collection.
Disc 2 of the new Hank Williams, "Revealed" 3 CD set is titled, "Southern Harmony", which showcases Hank's gospel side. The majority of country music fans usually just recall Hank’s many popular tunes, yet many may not know or realize the actual importance that gospel music played in both Hank’s life and career. In fact, most scholars would agree that it was gospel music that first sparked Hank’s interest in music.
In the Deep South during Hank’s youth, most were deeply tied to religious lifestyles. That is exactly where Hank’s first taste of music came from. His first and fondest memories were that of a young boy enthusiastically singing gospel hymns while his mother Lillie played organ at the Mount Olive West Baptist Church. Years later in an interview, Hank stated, “My earliest memory is sittin’ on that organ stool by her and hollerin’. I must gave been five, six years old and louder’n anybody else.”
Hank’s mother encouraged his interest, so much so that in the midst of the depression, as a single parent, she scraped together a few dollars and sent him to a gospel shape-note singing school at the Oak Grove Methodist Church for two years. Hank is also said to have once commented while listening to a neighboring black church’s singing, “One day, I’m gonna write songs like that.”
The old hymns Hank learned influenced and shaped his approach to music as nothing else ever would. The melodies should be simple and the words plain spoken. Hank also learned how to express sincere feelings and to sing them as if salvation rested upon it. Gospel music remained with Hank throughout his life. Even when asked what his favorite song was, he named a gospel song, "Death Is Only A Dream".
During Hank’s early performing days in Montgomery, he produced at least four lyric songbooks, all which had several gospel tunes in each. On his very first recording session, three of the four songs he recorded were gospel songs. Even though he would only record five more gospel tunes in subsequent recording sessions, he continued writing spiritual tunes. In all, Hank wrote over 30 gospel songs, and they are evident that he had a great talent to reach out in prayer by lyric and melody.
Even after Hank’s huge commercial success with his secular music, he never abandoned his gospel beginnings. In fact, he used his success to propel his sacred side. Many might be amazed at the number of gospel songs Hank played on his various radio shows, and often, he also played at least one sacred song on his personal appearances as well. It is said that Hank was never more impassioned than he was in singing a gospel hymn and took the stance of reverence every time he sang one. It is no doubt that Hank was a believer, although later in life he was not a churchgoer. However it seems he found rare peace in the hymns of his childhood, remembering every line of every verse.
There are several recorded examples of Hank’s sacred side. There are demo recordings as well as some examples of Hank singing gospel songs on live performances, such as the two Kate Smith television shows, and a few Grand Ole Opry programs. However, the largest collection of Hank’s gospel side is the surviving transcriptions of the Mother’s Best Flour shows as he ended every show with a gospel song.
In an effort not to repeat gospel tunes on the shows, Hank performed many hymns that he didn’t sing elsehwere. They were a collection of: songs he wrote, current hymns, older hymns drawn from African-American gospel, camp meeting songs, and Southern gospel tunes. Another great surprise on these recordings are the three-part harmony provided on many of the selections by the Drifting Cowboys, which rarely sang on his records. In the studio besides of the Drifting Cowboys, (Don Helms, Jerry Rivers, and Cedric Rainwater {aka Howard Watts} and Sammy Pruett) was announcer “Cousin” Louie Buck. Disc 2, "Southern Harmony" highlights 11 of the gospel selections from Hank’s 1951 Mother’s Best Flour shows.
Monday, November 23, 2009
tension released
"Fragile Tension", the other track featured on Depeche Mode's forthcoming, double a-side single has finally spawned a video. It's much better than the horrendous clip they shot for "Hole To Feed", one of DM's rare, visual missteps.
"Sounds Of The Universe" is definitely a less pop focused album. It has a gritty uncertainty to it. You can hear the band stretching and trying to break out of their box a little. It will be interesting to follow them on their journey as they move toward the next album.
"Sounds Of The Universe" is definitely a less pop focused album. It has a gritty uncertainty to it. You can hear the band stretching and trying to break out of their box a little. It will be interesting to follow them on their journey as they move toward the next album.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
ABBA in the box
It was 35 years ago this week that ABBA, still reeling from their win at the Eurovision Song Contest, launched their first live dates outside their homeland of Sweden.
Being a huge fan, imagine my delight when I came across a clip of the foursome performing "Waterloo" in German. Hard to believe it was only three, short years before they reached #1 with "Dancing Queen".
And really, not enough pop stars wear capes these days. Oh, those heavenly 70s.
Being a huge fan, imagine my delight when I came across a clip of the foursome performing "Waterloo" in German. Hard to believe it was only three, short years before they reached #1 with "Dancing Queen".
And really, not enough pop stars wear capes these days. Oh, those heavenly 70s.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hank Williams revealed
Time Life have just issued the second box set of previously unreleased recordings from Hank Williams. "Revealed - The Unreleased Recordings" follows last year's similarly titled "The Unreleased Recordings".
Here's a brief history of the project which is lovingly detailed by his daughter, Jet.
It's remarkable that these recordings even survived. I'm not an expert on Hank Williams, but Brian Turpen, author of the book, "Ramblin’ Man – Short Stories From The Life Of Hank Williams". So, over the next couple of weeks, we're going to take a step back and hand a few blog entries over to Mr. Turpen in order for him to give you an overview on this landmark project.
Take it away, Brian...
The much awaited release of the second set of recordings from Hank Williams’ Mother’s Best Flour Shows are here, and it has proven to be well worth the wait. For those not familiar with these recordings, in 1951 Hank had a 15-minute radio show that was broadcast over WSM in Nashville at 7:15 AM each weekday. The show was sponsored by Mother’s Best Flour. However, due to his hectic touring schedule, it was impossible for Hank and his band to be at WSM’s studio each morning for the show. To remedy the situation, several shows were transcribed on 16” acetate discs, and then were played on the days when Hank was out of town. To the best of everyone’s knowledge, the shows were played over WSM one time, and then filed away.
Fast forwarding several years later, WSM was cleaning out their files for a move and as a result were discarding a lot of music history. Luckily, WSM and Grand Ole Opry photographer Les Leverett noticed several transcriptions disc in a trash bin outside of WSM. After gaining permission, Leverett gathered up the discs and a total of 72 Mother’s Best Shows were saved.
After several years of legal proceedings and wrangling, the recordings were awarded to the Estate of Hank Williams. That paved the way for songs from the shows to begin to be released to the public. Time-Life released the first 3 CD set in the series last year, which was titled, The Unreleased Recordings.
The second 3 CD set has just been released (November 2, 2009), and is titled, Revealed, the Unreleased Recordings. When listening to the new set, one will quickly discover that it is even better than last year’s release (which says much as the first set was a true treasure itself).
Each of the 3 CDs in the Revealed set is grouped by a common theme. CD number 1 is titled, "The Hits … Like Never Before". It contains 12 songs that where chart making MGM releases for Hank. Hank is listed as the author or co-author on all of the songs save one.
One will hear a very relaxed Hank during his peak and like you have never heard him before. The listener will hear not only the fantastic versions of the songs, but also the interesting and candid banter that is worth the price of the set in itself. Some have even referred to the shows/songs as “Unplugged from the past”. In the studio for the shows were Hank, The Drifting Cowboys (which included Don Helms on steel guitar; Jerry River of fiddle, Sammy Pruett on lead guitar; and Cedric Rainwater (Howard Watts) on bass), and the show’s announcer “Cousin” Louie Buck.
Here's a brief history of the project which is lovingly detailed by his daughter, Jet.
It's remarkable that these recordings even survived. I'm not an expert on Hank Williams, but Brian Turpen, author of the book, "Ramblin’ Man – Short Stories From The Life Of Hank Williams". So, over the next couple of weeks, we're going to take a step back and hand a few blog entries over to Mr. Turpen in order for him to give you an overview on this landmark project.
Take it away, Brian...
The much awaited release of the second set of recordings from Hank Williams’ Mother’s Best Flour Shows are here, and it has proven to be well worth the wait. For those not familiar with these recordings, in 1951 Hank had a 15-minute radio show that was broadcast over WSM in Nashville at 7:15 AM each weekday. The show was sponsored by Mother’s Best Flour. However, due to his hectic touring schedule, it was impossible for Hank and his band to be at WSM’s studio each morning for the show. To remedy the situation, several shows were transcribed on 16” acetate discs, and then were played on the days when Hank was out of town. To the best of everyone’s knowledge, the shows were played over WSM one time, and then filed away.
Fast forwarding several years later, WSM was cleaning out their files for a move and as a result were discarding a lot of music history. Luckily, WSM and Grand Ole Opry photographer Les Leverett noticed several transcriptions disc in a trash bin outside of WSM. After gaining permission, Leverett gathered up the discs and a total of 72 Mother’s Best Shows were saved.
After several years of legal proceedings and wrangling, the recordings were awarded to the Estate of Hank Williams. That paved the way for songs from the shows to begin to be released to the public. Time-Life released the first 3 CD set in the series last year, which was titled, The Unreleased Recordings.
The second 3 CD set has just been released (November 2, 2009), and is titled, Revealed, the Unreleased Recordings. When listening to the new set, one will quickly discover that it is even better than last year’s release (which says much as the first set was a true treasure itself).
Each of the 3 CDs in the Revealed set is grouped by a common theme. CD number 1 is titled, "The Hits … Like Never Before". It contains 12 songs that where chart making MGM releases for Hank. Hank is listed as the author or co-author on all of the songs save one.
One will hear a very relaxed Hank during his peak and like you have never heard him before. The listener will hear not only the fantastic versions of the songs, but also the interesting and candid banter that is worth the price of the set in itself. Some have even referred to the shows/songs as “Unplugged from the past”. In the studio for the shows were Hank, The Drifting Cowboys (which included Don Helms on steel guitar; Jerry River of fiddle, Sammy Pruett on lead guitar; and Cedric Rainwater (Howard Watts) on bass), and the show’s announcer “Cousin” Louie Buck.
Monday, November 16, 2009
far from ordinary
Howard Jones is back. Remember classic 80s hits like "What Is Love?", "Things Can Only Get Better" and "No One Is To Blame"?
Such an optimistic, insightful songwriter. Many of his songs have endured the 25 years since his debut, "Human's Lib".
Such an optimistic, insightful songwriter. Many of his songs have endured the 25 years since his debut, "Human's Lib".
His latest album "Ordinary Heroes", is a more acoustic affair compared to the electronic soundscapes featured on his previous albums. But HoJo is planning to return to his synthy roots very shortly.
The limited edition of "Ordinary Heroes" is lavishly packaged. It would make any Pet Shop Boys fan drool. Each of the album's ten tracks are represented by a different, brightly colored 5" X 5" square card with the title embossed on one side and the lyrics on the other. There are a total of 14 cards with the four, additional squares comprising the cover, credits, names of all the fans who purchased the limited edition set, and the one that holds the CD. All of it is held together by a thick, red rubberband. It's a stunner!
Here's the video for "Soon You'll Go", the tender, emotive, first single from the album. It's sure to give you goosebumps and put a little lump in your throat. Better get a box of Kleenex.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Whitney's war tribute
On this Veteran's Day, I heard Whitney Houston's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" in the lobby of a hotel this morning. Her voice and her headband are the things I remember most about that performance at Super Bowl XXV.
Her version really showcases how amazing her vocal instrument was at the height of her success.
It also gives us pause on this day to reflect upon our nation's war veterans.
Spine tingling!
Her version really showcases how amazing her vocal instrument was at the height of her success.
It also gives us pause on this day to reflect upon our nation's war veterans.
Spine tingling!
Monday, November 9, 2009
popped in, souled out
This week, Rod Stewart debuts on the Top 200 Albums chart at #4 with his latest album, "Soulbook".
The 13 songs on "Soulbook" are Rod's interpretation of classic soul hits of the 60s and 70s. That's something the folks at Time Life now quite a lot about!
It's nearly 40 years to the day the Rod The Mod charted with his debut album, "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down".
It was creatively retitled in the US as "The Rod Stewart Album".
And Rod has been well represented over the years. One of his many signature songs, "Maggie May", is a cornerstone recording for Time Life. It's on no less than collections. Check out "Ultimate Love Songs", "Billboard #1 Hits Of The 70s", "Singers And Songwriters", "Ultimate Rock Ballads" and "Classic Soft Rock".
Now THAT'S staying power!
The 13 songs on "Soulbook" are Rod's interpretation of classic soul hits of the 60s and 70s. That's something the folks at Time Life now quite a lot about!
It's nearly 40 years to the day the Rod The Mod charted with his debut album, "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down".
It was creatively retitled in the US as "The Rod Stewart Album".
And Rod has been well represented over the years. One of his many signature songs, "Maggie May", is a cornerstone recording for Time Life. It's on no less than collections. Check out "Ultimate Love Songs", "Billboard #1 Hits Of The 70s", "Singers And Songwriters", "Ultimate Rock Ballads" and "Classic Soft Rock".
Now THAT'S staying power!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
deep, dark aqua
A few months back, we played a fun, new song from 90s, Danish, pop outfit, Aqua. It was called "Back To The 80s".
A song about the 80s by a group from the 90s with a song in the 00s!
Now, the second single from their recently released, greatest hits album has just been release. "My Mamma Said" is the complete opposite of their previous single. This one is dark and eerie!
Aqua go goth!
A song about the 80s by a group from the 90s with a song in the 00s!
Now, the second single from their recently released, greatest hits album has just been release. "My Mamma Said" is the complete opposite of their previous single. This one is dark and eerie!
Aqua go goth!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
all you need is love
Mariah Carey has released "I Want To Know What Love Is" as the second single from her current album, "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel".
It's a cover of Foreigner's, classic power ballad which scaled the heights of the US and UK singles charts in 1984.
In 2003, Wynonna released it as the fourth and final single from her album, "What The World Needs Now Is Love".
But there's nothing more inspiring than the Foreigner original.
If you have a hankering for the masterful original, you can find it here and here.
It's a cover of Foreigner's, classic power ballad which scaled the heights of the US and UK singles charts in 1984.
In 2003, Wynonna released it as the fourth and final single from her album, "What The World Needs Now Is Love".
But there's nothing more inspiring than the Foreigner original.
If you have a hankering for the masterful original, you can find it here and here.
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