Over 10,000 Visits!!

This is what you get when you Google-image search...sorry, no money here!

I've been posting to this blog for over three years now, August 11, 2006 to be exact and it gives me great pleasure to announce I have reached a (minor) milestone for this blog. Teenage Dogs In Trouble has been viewed over 10,000 times since it's inception, which means in reality there could be only a dozen or so people that have clicked on this site multiple times or it's getting more popular? If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you will see a ClustrMap with the heading, "visitor locations". If you click on the map, you can see the locations where the viewers are from (the red dots), the larger the dots, the more people from that location that have viewed. It keeps statistics of how many people in the last 24 hours have been to the site and it keeps a running tally from August and an overall number since 2006. Pretty neat, eh?

The Future?
My hope is that the blog has grown and spread it's voice beyond just Winnipeg and Canada throughout the years and that it will continue to snag new readers and get some repeat visitors. I know 10,000 hits really isn't a big deal in the blog universe, because there are thousands, maybe millions of blogs that have that many viewers in a day, but for a small little blog and a local music fan like myself that has a limited amount of "real world" friend's, I'm pretty satisfied. I figure the next 10,000 should come faster if I can post something new every few days or so, as my pet peeve is when website's don't update, I'll try my best to keep this blog fresh and interesting. I know, I go days, even weeks without a posting and I apologize (in advance as well...!), sometimes I get slack and don't feel like writing, so I understand when no one looks at the site at all. If anyone has any suggestions or requests, please let me know. I'm trying to stay away from official major label releases since most of my hassles have been from the copyright police, so out-of-print, hard-to-find rarities are preferred or if I have a particular obsession that week, things will get quite random.

What's that? Not enough action you say? Listen!
To celebrate 10,000, I'm posting 4 versions of this blog's title-track/theme song. The name Teenage Dogs In Trouble, is actually the name of a song by my favourite all-time band, the Young Fresh Fellows, from their first album. What's your favourite version? Enjoy!

YOUNG FRESH FELLOWS
Teenage Dogs In Trouble- (1984) From the album, "The Fabulous Sounds Of The Pacific Northwest"
Teenage Dogs In Trouble- (1984) From fan-club cassette, "Merry Croutons Mr. Gulp Gulp"- part electric/part acoustic
Teenage Dogs In Trouble- (1993) From the CD, "Live In Spain"- live!
Teenage Dogs In Trouble- (2004) From tribute CD, "This One's For The Fellows"- Mono Men w/Scott McCaughey

Slips, Tangles And Little Pictures

When John K. Samson was still a member of Propagandhi (and years away from when he formed the Weakerthans), he released a 15 track solo cassette entitled, Slips and Tangles. Basically it's just John and his acoustic guitar, but it's interesting to see the beginnings of his song writing style. It was a prelude of things to come, considering his then present band was mainly hardcore. This rare hard-to-find demo tape was released in 1993 and the title track was later re-recorded by the Weakerthans on their Left and Leaving CD in 2000.

Six of the tracks were also re-recorded and released in 1995 as Little Pictures, a split album with Painted Thin's, Small Acts Of Love and Rebellion. Following the success of Samson's Weakerthan's, in 2006, both recordings were re-released separately by G7 in mp3 format.

JOHN K. SAMSON
Slips and Tangles (1993)

1. Slips and Tangles
2. Greenest Eyes
3. Airport Lounge
4. Unearthly Refrain
5. Happy Song
6. Sunday Afternoon
7. Summer Rain
8. Farewell Faded Memory
9. Velveteen
10. Maryland Bridge
11. Sympathetic Smile
12. Saint Cecilia
13. Little Pictures
14. A Story You Have Heard Before
15. Agonistes

Download: John K. Samson- Slips And Tangles. rar


Little Pictures (1995)

1. Maryland Bridge
   
2. Sunday Afternoon
   
3. Sympathetic Smile
   
4. Farewell Faded Memory
   
5. Saint Cecilia
   
6. Little Pictures

Download: John K. Samson- Little Pictures. rar

"Live" At A Beach Boys' Party!

As a followup to yesterday's entry, I present, The Beach Boys' Party!, the album format that inspired Sloan to release Live At A Sloan Party, the bonus disc to the American release of One Chord To Another. Though I'm not normally much of a Beach Boys fan, this LP is unique for it's approach and selection of material. Marketed for the Christmas season, Beach Boys' Party was recorded by the band and friends and was meant as a fun loose album instead of a Christmas album, per say, but captured the spirit and spontaneity of a live recording. Although it was presented as a live recording, the songs were carefully recorded in a studio and laughter and chatter was mixed in post-production. The album featured covers by the Beatles, Everly Brothers and Bob Dylan as well as a medley of their own hits, I Get Around/Little Deuce Coupe along with it's surprise hit single from the record, Barbara Ann.

A fun short set of music that is surprisingly entertaining and not to be taken too seriously.
Enjoy!

THE BEACH BOYS
(Recorded "Live" At A) Beach Boys' Party!

1. "Hully Gully" (Fred Smith/Cliff Goldsmith) – 2:22
   • Lead Vocal - Mike Love
2. "I Should Have Known Better" (John Lennon/Paul McCartney) – 1:40
   • Lead Vocal - Carl Wilson and Al Jardine
3. "Tell Me Why" (John Lennon/Paul McCartney) – 1:46
   • Lead Vocal - Carl Wilson and Al Jardine
4. "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" (Carl White/Al Frazier/Sonny Harris/Turner Wilson Jr.) – 2:18
   • Lead Vocal - Brian Wilson, with Mike Love (bass)
5. "Mountain of Love" (Harold Dorman) – 2:51
   • Lead Vocal - Mike Love
6. "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" (John Lennon/Paul McCartney) – 2:56
   • Lead Vocal - Dennis Wilson

7. "Devoted To You" (Boudleaux Bryant) – 2:13
   • Lead Vocal - Mike Love and Brian Wilson
8. "Alley Oop" (Dallas Frazier) – 2:56
   • Lead Vocal - Mike Love
9. "There's No Other (Like My Baby)" (Phil Spector/Leroy Bates) – 3:05
   • Lead Vocal - Brian Wilson
10. "Medley: I Get Around/Little Deuce Coupe" (Brian Wilson/Mike Love/Roger Christian) – 3:12
    • Lead vocals by Dennis, Mike, Brian, Al, Carl
11. "The Times They Are a-Changin'" (Bob Dylan) – 2:23
    • Lead Vocal - Al Jardine
12. "Barbara Ann" (Fred Fassert) – 3:23
    • Lead Vocal Brian Wilson and Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean

Download: Beach Boys- Beach Boys' Party! . rar

Sloan- Live At A Sloan Party!

One rarity I've been trying to track down for a while is the U.S. version of Sloan's, One Chord To Another, that included in it's early pressings a bonus disc entitled, Live At A Sloan Party! The band dishes up some alternative versions of their own songs, as well as a selection of covers by such bands as, The Modern Lovers, Roxy Music, The Hollies and April Wine. The background noises and conversations between songs suggest this is a live recording at a party, but in reality (and admitted to by the band), the songs were recorded in the studio and the "ambiance" was dubbed over the music. The background noise was in fact recorded at a party with Sloan members present and the result is loose set of music unlike anything Sloan has recorded since. It's truly a treat to hear the band so inspired and they do a very commendable job with the covers. This is Sloan's homage to the Beach Boys' Party from 1965, which also mixes covers and acoustic versions of originals constructed in the studio with party sounds added later.

On a recent trip to Vancouver I saw two copies of the double-disc version of One Chord at Zulu Records (one of my favourite out-of-town record store haunts), but for some insane reason I didn't buy it, maybe at that moment I thought $15 was too much for a used CD, but as soon as I left the store I felt instant regret. This inspired a search on the internet to find more information about the disc and thanks to Soulseek I found the songs from the party disc. A very enjoyable listen and I highly recommend this hard to find gem!

SLOAN
Live At A Sloan Party (1997)

01. Let's Get the Party Started
02. I Can Feel It
03. Dignified and Old (Modern Lovers)
04. Glitter and Gold (Everly Brothers)
05. Over You (Roxy Music)
06. I Am the Cancer
07. I Can't Get Go (The Hollies)
08. Stood Up
09. On the Road Again/Transona Five (Canned Heat/Stereolab)
10. I Wouldn't Want to Lose Your Love (April Wine)

Download: Sloan- Live At A Sloan Party. rar

John K. Samson- City Route 85

Weakerthan's fans might be interested that frontman, John K. Samson has just released (November 3rd) a 3-song seven-inch/digital download of solo material called, City Route 85 on Epitaph and ANTI-. This is the first in a planned series of 3 or 4 seven-inches about Manitoba roads and highways which he plans to release over the course of 18 months. This is Samson's first solo project away from the Weakerthans since 1995's Little Pictures. I posted one song from that EP in a post three years ago, but I will post the complete EP soon.

JOHN K. SAMSON- City Route 85 (2009)

1. "Heart of the Continent"
2. "Grace General"
3. "Cruise Night"

JOHN K. SAMSON- City Route 85. rar

Just Buy It!

Lately, I've been thinking about the cassettes I own and the space they occupy on shelves on my wall. I know a lot of people are uploading their CD's onto their computers and carry around their collection on their iPods in an attempt to free up some space and have all their favourite music easily accessable. I accumulated pre-recorded tapes and tapes that Irecorded from friend's vinyl mainly during the 80's and early 90's, a time when vinyl was becoming more scarce and CD's were in their infancy stage. They were the audio version of VHS tapes that had the ability to record from various sources such as radio, live concerts and just plain dubbing from vinyl and other cassettes. I was one of those holdouts that didn't believe the compact disc format would replace good ol' vinyl and cassette tapes, so I snubbed CD's and almost exclusively bought pre-recorded cassettes of my favourite music. It wasn't until certain bands released exclusively only CD's when I converted completely to CD's.

The problem with cassette tapes is that don't stand the test of time very well. Vinyl records have their issues as well, but as long as you protect the discs from scratching and keep them upright (so they don't warp), vinyl can last decades and still remain collectible and playable. Pre-recorded cassettes are usually poor quality tapes and they begin to sound warbled and flat after multiple plays (...and rewinds and fast forwarding) as the tape becomes pulled and stretched. I have hundreds of live concert tapes I received in trades or I recorded and my goal in the near future is to digitize the recordings onto CD's or digital files on the computer. As I gradually convert my shows, I'll post some rare shows I think might be of interest and hopefully I can update my concert tape/CD list I've woefully neglected for many years so I can take requests.

One tape that I've worn out over the years is a recording by Ottawa indie band, Furnaceface. Furnaceface's second release, Just Buy It was originally released in 1992 and was only available on cassette (CD in 1993), which I had a dubbed copy from my brother who was blown away by their amazing stage show when they toured in support of Just Buy It. When the band was signed to Cargo Records, the tape was re-sequenced and re-mixed (adding weird little segue before each song) and re-released on CD. Furnaceface's music might not be for everyone's taste as their music includes everything from heavy riffs to classic pop, as well as ska, punk, dance and 60's garage. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes political, but always entertaining. A true Canadian indie classic!

Download: FURNACEFACE- Just Buy It .rar

Amy Millan And Her Secret Weapon- Live At The WECC.

Photo credit to Kendall.Burke (Thanks! Taken at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. Forgot my camera and no one from Winnipeg posted on Flickr)

It's been over a week since Amy Millan was in Winnipeg to perform along with her "solo" band, Secret Weapon. Amy's music with her solo project contrasts greatly from her main band, Stars, as it is strongly influenced by country and folk. Electric guitars, keyboards and synths are replaced by banjo, mandolin, steel pedal, trombone and acoustic guitars. The easy-going vibe of the West End Cultural Centre, a venue favoured by many touring folk fest-type musicians is a nice change from the theatre setting of the Burton Cummings and Pantages Theatre, a full blown rock concert complete with light show and dry ice smoke. Amy seems comfortable in either setting, the rock goddess or the folk/country western performer.

This was the first "real" concert for my daughter, whose only other concert experience was seeing Moxy Fruvous (also at the WECC) back in 1999, but she claims she fell asleep for most of the show. I was happy to see it was a seated concert with chairs in rows instead of tables or just floor to stand on. The show was enjoyable, a more quiet, intimate show that lets you really appreciate the musicianship and skills of the artists without the flash and pomp. She only played songs from her solo albums, Honey From The Tombs and Masters Of The Burial (seems be a death theme here), so for those expecting Stars songs, you were out of luck, but seeing Amy Millan perform solo or with Stars is always entertaining.

Here's my recording of the concert, share, but DO NOT sell! If you have any problems downloading from Dime (you need to be a member) or the mp3 rar file, let me know.
Enjoy!

AMY MILLAN and Her Secret Weapon
West End Cultural Centre
Winnipeg, MB.
October 18, 2009

01. Intro/ ? (gospel song?)
02. Old Perfume
03. Losing You
04. I Will Follow You Into The Dark
05. Ruby II
06. Come Home Loaded Roadie
07. Lost Compass
08. Run For Me
09. Skinny Boy
10. Bury This
11. Finish Line
12. Baby I
13. Towers
14. Bruised Ghosts

Encore
15. Madere Waltz (Dan Whiteley- mandolin solo)
16. Day To Day
17. Low Sail

2nd encore
18. Pour Me Another

Download: Amy Millan 2009-10-18 .rar (mp3)
Download: www.dimeadozen.org (FLAC)

B.T.W.F.- The Bangs (Bangles)

When I think of guilty pleasure bands I often indulge in some good ol' all-girl rock, not only the "good" stuff like, Sleater-Kinney or the Donnas, but also usually embarrassing stuff like the Go-Go's and the Bangles. Both bands were actually quite good, playing the dingy local clubs and weren't the overnight sensations MTV has led you to believe. For this edition of "Before They Was Famous", I bring you some pre-Bangles, The Bangs. The Bangles formed in 1980 and went through a number of name changes, The Colours, The Supersonic Bangs, before morphing into The Bangs. In 1981, the original line-up of Susanna Hoffs and Vicky and Debbi Peterson recorded a single (Getting Out Of Hand b/w Call On Me) as The Bangs and in 1982 recorded an EP. A legal issue forced the band to change it's name to the Bangles (dropped the "The" and added "les") before the release of the self-titled EP. Their following albums (All Over the Place, Different Light, Everything) increasingly became more commercial and radio-ready for the MTV generation. I can't say I was much of a fan after their initial releases as they moved a little bit away from their power-pop roots and their 60's jangly sound (I love the Rickenbacker guitars sound!) to a slicker generic sound. If you're wondering what the members of the Bangles are up to, supposeably the reformed band is entering the studio to record something new and have a listen to Susanna Hoffs collaboration with Matthew Sweet, Under The Covers Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.  

THE BANGS- 7" (1981) 

A: Getting Out Of Hand mp3 

B: Call On Me  mp3 

Bonus: No Mag Commercial  mp3  

 

BANGLES- Self-Titled EP (1982) download: Bangles-EP .rar

 

Tweedy On Q

Guesting on CBC's mid-morning program Q this Wednesday October 21st was Wilco's, Jeff Tweedy. Tweedy and Jian discussed Wilco's recent album, Wilco The Album and music in general. The range and quality of guests that Q attracts is promising and actually has me interested. Being at work during the hours of the problem is a little tricky to follow every word that is spoken, but i do have the option of listening later at night (12 hours later) or (in this case) listen to the podcast of the Q website. A very interesting interview with a very interesting guy, Jeff Tweedy and if you're a regular reader to this blog, you know he's one of my favourites. Buy the album too!!

Podcast: Q-Jeff Tweedy interview Oct. 21, 2009 mp3
The full uncut interview (scroll to Oct 21, 2009)

Something New Mondays- Juliana Hatfield

Something New Mondays returns with a new song from Juliana Hatfield! Juliana hasn't really released anything since last year's, How to Walk Away, but a new album titled, Peace And Love is in the works and scheduled for release in January 2010. The new song, We're Not In Charleston Anymore is from the compilation, Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs Of Mark Mulcahy which is a tribute to Miracle Legion frontman Mark Mulcahy. Mulcahy's wife Melissa died suddenly in September 2008 and proceeds will go to Mulcahy to continue his music career and raise their 3 year old twin daughters. The album features 21 exclusive covers of Mulcahy songs by Juliana Hatfield, Dinosaur Jr, Michael Stipe, Frank Black, Ben Kweller, Thom Yorke, The National, and others. JULIANA HATFIELD- We're Not In Charleston Anymore mp3

Jonathan Richman- The "Lost" Album

Here's a series of unreleased studio recordings Jonathan Richman recorded likely in 1981, when he was transitioning from his band, the Modern Lovers to a solo career. Some of these songs turned up on later releases while others never officially saw the light of day. The instrumentation and production is sparse which indicates these were demos or rehearsals and the songs that appeared on later albums were re-recorded. The album would have filled the gap between 1979's, Back In Your Life and 1983's, Jonathan Sings!, so it was a good productive time for Jonathan and the beginning of a fertile period (80's) when he pretty much released an album every year.

JONATHAN RICHMAN
The Lost Album (1981)

1. I'm A Little Airplane
2. The Morning Of Our Lives
3. In The Checkout Line
4. Try This Brand New Dance
5. Theme From Moulin Rouge (instrumental)
6. And That's Rock 'n' Roll
7. Ancient And Long Ago
8. The Fenway
9. Not Yet Three
10. Stop This Car
11. Shirin And Fahrad
12. Walter Johnson
13. Five Year Old Feeling

Tracks 1 & 2- live version on 1977's Modern Lovers Live
Tracks 9 & 10- different version on 1983's Jonathan Sings
Tracks 8 & 12- different version on 1985's Rockin' And Romance
Tracks 7 & 11- different version on 1986's It's Time For...

Download: Jonathan Richman- The Lost Album .rar

Van Morrison Speaks to Q!

I admit, Ive never really been a big Van Morrison fan, I'm familar with songs like, Brown Eyed Girl and Moondance, and I really dug his work with his pre-solo band, Them. Everyone knows songs like, Here Comes The Night and the garage-band classic, Gloria, but I've never really had the urge to seek out any of his classic albums from the 70' s, 80's or even the 90's.

Last Thursday, CBC's radio program Q pulled a coo by getting an exclusive interview with Van Morrison in his Toronto hotel, in town for a couple of shows at Massey Hall. I've heard that Van Morrison rarely give interviews, so we should feel somewhat honoured that he would selectively talk to a Canadian interviewer such as Jian Ghomeshi. Out of curiosity and by coincidence I turned the radio on just as the interview had started and I'm sure glad I did. Van was very candid as he revealed that his participation in The Last Waltz concert film (The Band) was a mistake and a rip-off. He also blasted the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame and how the whole system was a rip-off (He refused to accept the induction). It was a very interesting interview and I couldn't believe how honest and bitter he is to the music business. I wholeheartedly agree with most of his points and I have a new respect for Van Morrison and the last couple of days I have been seeking some of his classic recordings. I've started with Astral Weeks and Moondance (the album) and I'll go on from there, so far it's been enjoyable, but seriously, have a listen to the interview, especially the uncut longer version, it's pretty hilarious!

Q Podcast from Thursday October 1, 2009 mp3 (includes the edited Van Morrison interview)

Uncut interview with Van Morrison (link, scroll down to Oct. 1)

The Hold Steady- Live At The West End

All photos by Jesse Miki

2009 has been great year so far for witnessing some wickedly good concerts. Thursday night at the newly renovated West End Cultural Centre saw the appearance of the Brooklyn-based (and Minneapolis) band, The Hold Steady. Their reputation of being "the best bar band in America" was definitely confirmed as they treated their diehard fans to a amazing display of club-sized rock that saw the band grind out a 25 song set, 105 minute show. They played a good range of songs from all four of their full-length releases, as well as a bunch of new songs.

Since the West End didn't have seating (except for the upper level), I positioned myself smack dab dead centre, about 8 or 9 people deep from the stage. This sweaty-beer soaked (yes, there were many spelt beers on the floor and on people) scrum hung on to singer Craig Finn's every word, screaming out the lyrics, fist pumping and frantically jumping around. Finn's stage presence has always amazed me, with his geeky looks (balding guy with glasses) and odd voice that reminds me more of Randy Newman than Bruce Springsteen, to his wild gestering with arms flailing. He yells into the mic then steps back and screams off-mic frantically baiting the audience to respond and react, creating a connection that keeps the crowd focused on the show. The rest of the band is more low-key as the focus is clearly on the singer, but keyboardist Franz Nicolay, dressed in a suit and fedora complete with a villain-like moustache, posed and put on his own silent show, a perfect contrast to Finn's nervous energy.

My only issue with the show (as a fan and a taper) would be I wasn't especially impressed with the mix of the West End's sound. I've been to many great shows there over the years and I have lots of documented proof (recordings), but it seems the quieter folky/jazz/pop shows sound much better than the noisier loud rock concerts. The mix was heavy on the bass and the overall sound was a little muddy sounding. It noticably improved as the show went on, but to be honest I was less crowded in and jostled with most of the talkers heading to the front of the stage, mid-set. My recording came out okay (but not great), and the results on disc actually sounded better than I remember standing in the crowd. I ranted to friends after the show about concert etiquette, or lack there of, but I'll save that for a future posting. Overall, the Hold Steady put on a very satisfying show, I definitely got my money's worth and I'm thankful I was lucky enough to score tickets since the show sold out the first day they went on sale. Similarily to the Baseball Project/Minus 5 show, it was awesome to see a great live band in such a small venue. Up close to the stage is the only way to really see a band, your body physically feels the music because it's loud and pulsating and the performers appear as real people you can relate to and react to, instead of specks on a stage aided by video screens, seated inside a arena better suited for hockey.

Here's a review of the show from the Winnipeg Sun's Darryl Sterdan.

THE HOLD STEADY
West End Cultural Centre
Winnipeg, MB Canada
September 24, 2009

01. Positive Jam
02. Stuck Between Stations
03. Navy Sheets
04. Banging Camp
05. Chips Ahoy!
06. Cattle and the Creeping Things
07. Goin' on a Hike
08. Sequestered in Memphis
09. You Gotta Dance (With Who You Came With)
10. Heaven is Whenever
11. Slight Discomfort
12. Multitude of Casualties
13. Most People are DJs
14. Our Whole Lives
15. Massive Nights
16. Party Pit
17. Cheyenne Sunrise
18. Separate Vacations
19. Stevie Nix
20. (cuts in) Magazines
21. How a Resurrection Really Feels
22. -Encore Call-
23. Constructive Summer
24. Your Little Hoodrat Friend
25. Stay Positive
26. Slapped Actress

Download: Dimeadozen.org

If you don't have a Dime membership, you have the option of downloading the show at The Hold Steady Taped Show Archive. (An excellent source for H.S. concert recordings in FLAC and mp3 format)
FLAC 1
FLAC 2
FLAC 3

mp3's

Finally, The Complete Elvis Show!

I've had a couple of requests to post a rar file for the Elvis Costello Winnipeg Folk Festival show back in early July. If you don't have access or membership to the live music site, Dimeadozen.org, I've uploaded the mp3 versions to share. I always prefer to share the uncompressed versions (or the FLAC format), but I realize not everyone wants to download over 600 mb's of music. The encore was amazing, but the rest of the set is well worth the listen as well. I've also linked the setlist from a great Elvis Costello concert fan site with info about almost every known Costello gig, this site is well worth the read!
The recording is a little rough in spots, especially during tracks 5-7 when a child seated nearby has a temper tantram, not much I can do about it, but you might want to skip ahead if it gets too annoying. Otherwise, it's a very enjoyable listen and it's been downloaded over 220 times on Dime, so it's one of my most popular postings.

Download:
Elvis Costello and the Imposters-2009-07-o8. rar
setlist

Minus 5/Baseball Project/Steve Wynn IV Live At The Turf Club

Photo of Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey taken by Tay-lo

It's been over a week since I returned from a short and sweet trip to Minneapolis, but the memory of the Minus 5/Baseball Project/Steve Wynn IV show (On Thursday September 10th) is still fresh in my mind. In the past decade I have made the 7 hour trip from Winnipeg many times, sometimes specifically to see a particular concert, other times I went there for something else and it was just good timing. This trip revolved around the Minus 5 show, as I bought tickets well over a month ago and planned to be in Minneapolis no matter what, to see this show! In Minneapolis, I've seen many shows at the famed First Avenue club as well as the 400 Bar, Fitzpatrick Theatre (St. Paul), the Guthrie Theatre (The original location in the Walker Art Gallery), but this was my first time at the Turf Club. What a great venue to see a band! Nice sightlines, good sound and generally a nice vibe.

The show was amazing, the band played two sets that mixed up the catalog of both Scott McCaughey and Steve Wynn which meant lots of Baseball Project, Minus 5 and Dream Syndicate. To finally hear the Dream Syndicate's best songs live was a big thrill and to see Scott perform in any of his bands (Minus 5, Young Fresh Fellows, REM etc.) is always a treat. The encore (set 3) went on for almost 40 minutes with random covers and a looseness that can only be described as inspired. They opening their encore with a tribute to the Beatles, Ballad Of John And Yoko followed by Good Guys Don't Wear White (not sure who did that originally). The band huddled up to discuss what to play next and they decided on two more Baseball songs, Fernando and I Dream Of Willie Mays, followed by an impromptu version of the Replacement's, If Only You Were Lonely. Next was Jackie's Lament, then Steve started Born On A Bayou which frantically segued into Neil Young's, Time Fades Away. The final song was the Sonic's (according to Scott, the greatest band ever!), Strychnine alway a great closer for both the Minus 5 and the Fellows. A truly magical evening, one of the best shows I've been to in a long while, maybe ever! Something about being so close to the stage, in a small club and being able to talk to the band afterwards, is something special. All four members of the band made themselves available after the show for autographs, posing for pictures and chatting with fans just like regular people. It makes such a difference to see a band that connects with their fans, not only during the show, but after as well. I got the whole band to sign the tour poster pictured at the top and the back cover of the Baseball Project CD. Scott, Steve and Peter are all genuinely sincere nice guys, real music fans with no hint of arrogance or pomp. I really liked talking to Linda, (she is such a cool chick!) she was amazed we drove down just for the show and said they were talking about Winnipeg as they drove from Seattle and were entering into Minnesota. As a tribute they played a double CD of Guess Who Greatest Hits in their van and Steve said to me he would try to play Winnipeg soon...

I recorded the show and uploaded it to Dimeadozen last week. If you are a member you can try to download it here: Baseball Project/Minus 5/Steve Wynn 2009-09-10.
For those without memberships, here are the mp3 .rar file links:
set 1
set 2
set 3 (encore)
setlist
(please DO NOT sell these recordings)

Other shows from the tour on Dime:
2009-08-28 Lake Arrowhead Village Center Stage, Lake Arrowhead, CA (set 1)
2009-08-28 Lake Arrowhead Village Center Stage, Lake Arrowhead, CA (set 2)
2009-08-29 The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
2009-09-11, Marytr's, Chicago, IL

Some of the above shows are on Internet: Live Music Archive, which require no membership and you have the option of streaming, FLAC or MP3.

If you want visuals, someone posted a couple of videos on Youtube from the Turf Club show in St. Paul:
Days Of Wine and Roses
Teenage Head

The Baseball Project On Letterman

Speaking of past-time's, here's the Baseball Project's first television appearance on Letterman last year, with the lead off track on the their first album, Past Time. Before the present tour, the Baseball Project had only performed live together on the Letterman show and Wynn and Pitmon's wedding, oh yeah, and they played some shows in Spain in August.

Baseball Project In The Twin Cities

Roadtrip! I'm off to Minneapolis/St. Paul to watch America's past-time, the game of baseball with a Friday night game with the Twins against the A's. A day earlier (Thursday September 10th), I'll be taking in a performance by the Minus 5/Baseball Project/Steve Wynn IV at the Turf Club in St. Paul. This may seem like a 3 band bill, but in actuality it is one band, Scott McCaughey (Minus 5/Young Fresh Fellows/REM), Steve Wynn (Miracle 3/Dream Syndicate), Peter Buck (Minus 5/REM) and Linda Pitmon (Miracle 3/Zuzu's Petals) performing material from the M5/BP/Steve Wynn catalog. In previous shows, this unit has played 2 sets, mixing up the material, with excellent results.

This concert is one of those dream shows you never thought would happen and I just happen to love all these bands I've mentioned. I have seen all 4 members at different time throughout the years. I've seen Scott as a member of the Young Fresh Fellows, who I've seen twice, once in Winnipeg in 1990 or so and in 1993 in Vancouver, opening for They Might Be Giants. Also I saw Scott with REM along with Peter Buck when they played the Concert Hall here in the Peg. A couple of years ago during Laurie Lindeen's (lead singer of Minneapolis band Zuzu's Petals) book launch/concert in Minneapolis, Linda Pitmon reunited with the other members of Zuzu's Petals for a one-off and at the same show, Steve Wynn performed with Pitmon on the drums.

This is the first tour when all four of the Baseball Project members has toured together to promote their all-baseball album, Volume One: Frozen Ropes And Dying Quails and I hear they did some more recording for Volume 2 when they stopped off in Portland last week.

As I said, this is a highly anticipated show for myself and I hope to come away from the evening with a good recording of the show and some fond memories. This is a small venue which means it will be up close and personal and I would love to have time to chat with the band...we'll see! It'll be well worth the drive!

Uncle Tupelo Demos Part 3- Not Forever, Just For Now

For the final installment of the Uncle Tupelo demos, I bring you the demo tape that supposeably got them signed to Rockville, Not Forever, Just For Now (the title which is taken from the song, Whiskey Bottle). There are early versions of songs that would surface on the first album, No Depression, a little rougher and a little rawer, but in some ways their less polished sound really showcases how great these songs are. Jay Farrar is clearly the front-man on the early albums, which probably led to problems later, and his driving guitar and distinctive voice characterized the sound of Uncle Tupelo throughout their short, but illustrious career.

Uncle Tupelo was one of those bands that never enjoyed the commmercial success they deserved. Their sound was widely influencial and even the title of their first album (No Depression) spawned a movement and genre (...and a magazine). The resulting split of Uncle Tupelo in 1994, gave the world Wilco and Son Volt, and to this day both bands are very active and continue to be influencial and innovative. Both Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar (their bands and solo) are finally getting some of the recognition and success that eluded them in Tupelo, but a possible reunion seems very unlikely, not forever, just for now.

UNCLE TUPELO
Not Forever, Just For Now (1989)
Outdone
That Year
Whiskey Bottle
Flatness
I Got Drunk
Before I Break
Life Worth Livin'
Train
Graveyard Shift
Screen Door

Download: Uncle Tupelo- Not Forever, Just For Now. rar

Uncle Tupelo Demos Part 2- Live & Otherwise

The second Uncle Tupelo demo is entitled, Live & Otherwise, appropriate because half the tape is a portion of a live recording and half is recorded in the studio. The live songs were recorded at the Blue Note in Columbia, MO on August 22, 1988. This recording features more songs that eventually were re-recorded for the debut album, as well as some impressive covers from CCR and Black Flag. I can't imagine how great it must have been to see these guys in and around the Belleville area in the late 80's, must have been incredible!
Enjoy!

UNCLE TUPELO
Live & Otherwise (1988)
Before I Break (live)
Life Worth Living (live)
Fortunate Son (live)
Cocaine Blues (live)
Gimme Gimme Gimme (live)
Good Times (live)
That Year
I Got Drunk
There Was a Time
Otherside
No Depression
Screen Door

Download: Uncle Tupelo-Live & Otherwise. rar

Uncle Tupelo Demos Part 1- Colorblind And Rhymeless

For the next installment of my on-going series, "Before They Was Famous", I give you part one of a three part series, the Uncle Tupelo demos. All three of these self released demo cassettes were recorded before the first Uncle Tupelo album, No Depression (1990) was released. These rough and ready versions of many of the songs that make up the first album provide a good indication of things to come as their sound combines a fine blend of alternative rock and country, played with a punk attitude. They were considered the first alternative country band whose energy and authentic ability to teeter both genres have been a influence of the many "alt-country" bands that have followed. If you're a fan of bands like the Jayhawks, Bottle Rockets, Drive By Truckers or Tweedy and Farrar's bands, Wilco and Son Volt, these tapes (and all their official releases) will open your eyes to one of the greatest influential bands of the nineties. I've been wanting to share these demos for a while, so please have a listen and leave a comment. Enjoy! UNCLE TUPELO Colorblind And Rhymeless (1987) Before I Break I Got Drunk Screen Door Blues Die Hard Pickle River Download: Uncle Tupelo-Colorblind and Rhymeness .rar

The Vees- The Vees

If you are or were a fan of Jale, you may already own this, but if you don't, trust me, this is worth the download. After the demise of Jale and the departure of Eve Hartling, the three remaining members of Jale reformed as the Vees. They toured Canada a couple of times and they're only recorded output was this self-titled 5-song EP released in 1996 on Murder Records. This EP received little or no attention, even now there's no information on the internet and this EP would be classified as hard-to-find. The songs sound very similar to Jale and the music is pretty good, especially the first two songs. Drummer Mike Belitsky (of the band the Sadies) even takes a turn at the mike with lead vocal credits on Denied, overall a nice teaser for a short-lived band.

The Vees are:
Mike Belinsky (drums, vocals)
Jennifer Pierce (guitar, vocals)
Laura Stein (bass, vocals)

1. Chicago Lights
2. A
3. Denied
4. Seven Thirty
5. Circumstance

download: The Vees-The Vees.rar

Jale- Closed EP

This is my very first blog entry written on my brand-new laptop I purchased yesterday. Having the portability and availability (instaed of having to share the desktop with my wife and daughter), I now have the freedom to post new entrys from anywhere and hopefully more often.

Two of my co-workers are presently on the East Coast on vacation (with a third following next week) and it got me thinking of the great Canadian bands that have come from out East, specifically Halifax. Sloan, Superfriendz, Thrush Hermit, Plumtree and Jale, but to name a few.

The late great Jale formed in 1993 and released two fine full-length CD's, a handful of 7"ers and an EP. Their EP, Closed was released between their first album, Dreamcake and their last, So Wound. It still featured their original lineup of Jennifer Pierce, Alyson MacLeod, Laura Stein and Eve Hartling, if you take the first letter of their first name, you have JALE. I never had the chance to see Jale live, but I almost did during their last tour when they were scheduled to play our town, but the tour was abruptly cancelled when guitarist Eve Hartling announced she was pregnant and unable to complete the tour, the band soon after disbanded in 1996. The other three members of the band reformed as the Vees, but more on them later.
Enjoy!

JALE
Closed (1995)
1. Nine Years Now
2. Wash My Hands
3. Jesus Loves Me
4. Long Way Home
5. Double Edge

Download: Jale-Closed EP. rar

Be Back Soon!

Oops, I goofed! I'm away on my holidays right now (I have been for the last week) and I intended to continue posting some music and photos. I uploaded a couple of interesting albums with the theory of posting them while I'm away. Where I am internet is only available at the public library, so I uploaded to my online storage, but I have vacation-brain freeze and can't remember my password. So, I apologize and I promise to be up and running again next week when I return to my own computer.

Discount- Love, Billy (1998)

With all the hype that surrounds "super" group Dead Weather, that features Raconteur's/White Stripe's Jack White on drums, Jack Lawrence from the Raconteurs, Queen's of the Stone Age's Dean Fertita on guitar and the Kills/Discount's Alison Mosshart on vocals and guitar, one can appreciate the attention given to a once overlooked singer. I'm vaguely familar with the music of the Kills (not to be confused with the Killers), who have achieved a modest amount of commercial success, but I'm a huge fan of Alison's earlier band, Discount.

Discount was a high energy pop-punk band that hailed from Florida, whose sound reminds me of J-Church, but with a girl singer and they released three full-length albums and many singles and ep's. One of those ep's they recorded featured 5 Billy Bragg cover songs, not sure why they would cover Billy, but obviously they we're big fans and this is their tribute to him. They do a fine job rockin' up Bragg's songs!

DISCOUNT
Love, Billy (1998)
1. Accident Waiting To Happen
2. Waiting For The Great Leap forward
3. Pict Song
4. Help Save The Youth Of America
5. North Sea Bubble

Discount-Love, Billy.rar

Before We Was Famous- The Clash!

Lately for some reason, I've been rediscovering and listening to a lot of British bands from the late 70's. Bands such as the Buzzcocks, Jam, Rich Kids, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Joe Jackson, Graham Parker, Nick Lowe and Rockpile...so it's only appropriate I post some early Clash demos from their first album. The first three Clash albums are essential for any fan of English punk, though they abandoned their punk roots for their later albums for experimentation in reggae, dub and funk, the Clash will always be known for their rebellious attitude and politicalized lyrics. These early recordings proved they had the talent and the depth to easily rival and surpass the Sex Pistols (at least musically)...and more! Enjoy! THE CLASH Polydor Demos 01 - Career Opportunities 02 - White Riot 03 - Janie Jones 04 - London's Burning 05 - 1977 Polydor Demos (1976).rar Mickey Foote Demos 01 - Preamble 02 - I'm So Bored With The U.S.A. 03 - London's Burning 04 - White Riot [Take 1] 05 - White Riot [Take 2] 06 - Career Opportunities 07- 1977 08 - Janie Jones [Instrumental] Mickey Foote Demos (1977).rar

Way Before He Was Famous- Lou Reed

During an episode of Elvis Costello's TV show, Spectacle, guest musician Lou Reed made reference to some early recordings he made well before the Velvet Underground formed. He mentioned these rare recordings are out there and probably found on bootlegs. In 1963, Lou worked as an in-house staff song writer for Pickwick Records, but even before that (when he was in high school), Lou recorded some songs with a group called, The Jades. These songs were released by Norton Records in 2000 on an 7" EP called, All Tomorrow's Dance Parties, curiously a song found on the first VU album is titled, All Tomorrow's Parties. This captures Lou's earliest known recordings. The Jades songs, So Blue and Leave Her For Me, were recorded in 1958, while the first ever Lewis (Lou) Reed solo recordings, Your Love/Merry Go Round were from 1962. If you didn't know this was Lou Reed, you would never guess. Very different from anything he ever released with the Velvets or beyond. An interesting listen and an important document at least for historical purposes. Here's the YouTube link to Lou Reed and Elvis Costello performing Perfect Day on Spectacle. I must admit Reed sounded really rough and he struggled to sing (...talk?) the song. Elvis on the other hand, sounded inspired and spirited on this Lou Reed classic, which I always considered his most "perfect", beautiful song! All Tomorrow's Dance Parties (Norton Records) LEWIS (Lou) REED (1962) Your Love Merry Go Round THE JADES (1958) So Blue Leave Her For Me

Elvis Costello Returns...31 Years Later!

It's been a long time coming, but it was worth it! November 11, 1978 was the last time Elvis Costello paid Winnipeg a visit (The Playhouse Theatre!) and though he technically didn't play Winnipeg on Wednesday night (actually Bird's Hill), Elvis promised, "we know the way now".

The set by Elvis Costello and the Imposters on the opening night of the 2009 Winnipeg Folk Festival was no doubt one of the best shows I've ever seen at the festival. The energy of the band, the amazing setlist and the fact I've seen one of my musical heroes all contributed to this memorable evening. The whole evening was perfect, I attended with my wife, sister and friends of ours and I ran into and talked to many good friends. The weather was great, no rain, clear sky, little wind and the mosquitos were minimal. Good times!

Highlights:

• What can you say about the setlist! The first four songs were from the early days (first 3 albums + Chelsea, a classic early single) and the last 6 songs of the encore were all classic Elvis, worth the price of admission alone! Radio Sweetheart, Femme Fatale etc...wow!
• Winnipeg was lucky because Elvis played with the Imposters line-up instead of the Sugarcanes band who played on his most recent album, Secret, Profane and Sugarcane. The Imposters feature two original members of the Attractions, Steve Nieve (on keys and piano) and Pete Thomas (drums). The Sugarcanes were touring with Elvis in June and for the rest of the Summer and they perform primarily newer material with some early stuff sprinkled in. The songs performed with the Lovell Sisters featured many songs from the new album.
• There was a time in the early 90's when I thought EC was getting tired and I was losing interest in his music and his performances. I saw him on the Larry Sanders show and he looked bloated and old. I think around this time I professed I didn't think I would see him live if he came to town. Something's happened in the last few years where he sounds more inspired and he seems more energized. His voice is prime and his showmanship is first-rate. Perhaps his marriage to Diana Krall or his TV show, Spectacle has given him a new inspiration. Whatever it is, it works!

Setlist:
01. Accidents Will Happen
02. Mystery Dance
03. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
04. You Belong To Me
05. I Hope You're Happy Now
06. Man Out Of Time
07. Motel Matches
08. Suit Of Lights
09. Complicated Shadows
10. Condemned Man
11. Blame It On Cain
12. Sleep Of The Just
13. Brilliant Mistake
14. Radio Sweetheart / Jackie Wilson Said
15. Femme Fatale - with The Lovell Sisters
16. American Without Tears - with The Lovell Sisters
17. The Crooked Line - with The Lovell Sisters
18. Sulphur To Sugarcane - with The Lovell Sisters
19. Mystery Train - with The Lovell Sisters
Encore:
20. The Scarlet Tide - with The Lovell Sisters
21. Watching The Detectives
22. Alison - including Tracks Of My Tears and Tears Of A Clown
23. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
24. Radio, Radio
25. Pump It Up
26. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding

I'm posting the last 6 amazing back to back songs that ended the show. I recorded the show from the tarp about halfway back, the sound was loud and clear and the recording is surprisingly good considering outdoor shows aren't the idea recording venue.

The complete concert is available now on dimeadozen.org, but if you aren't a member, leave a request in the comments section as I might post a rar. file download if there's enough interest.

Back To Blogging!

Sorry for not posting the last few days, but supposedly this blog was locked while it was under review. Apparently my blog has the characteristics of a spam blog, not sure why, (maybe it's my lack of consistent posting?) but obviously it's not... so I'm back to posting. Have lots to say before I'm on vacation at the end of July.

Bum- Shake Town!

Happy Canada Day!!
I thought as a tribute to this great day (and mid-week day off from work), I should post a truly great piece of Canadiana, but since I don't have any Gordon Lightfoot, Guess Who or Nickelback (thank goodness!) available, instead I will post something from one of my favourite Canadian bands, Bum. Their best known album, Wanna Smash Sensation was and still is a underappreciated gem, if you're into indie-powerpop from the early 90's, this Victoria, BC band blasted it's way into my record collection with several 7"ers, LP's and CD's, many of which were released in Spain. Instead of posting WSS (you can download it by clicking the link), I'm posting their hard to find live CD, Shake Town!, which I think I bought through mail-order from Midnight Records back in the day.

For some reason many bands have had a big (if not bigger!) following in Spain more than in their home countries. Bands that come to mind are the Jayhawks (who reunited their mid-90's lineup there) and Jonathan Richman, while several bands have recorded their live albums (and toured extensively) in Spain, such as Young Fresh Fellows, Model Rockets, Smugglers and Bum. Bum's live album called Shake Town was recorded at the Revolver Club in Madrid, Spain on May 27, 1994, more than 15 years ago. This recording is a fine example of their energetic live show and showcases what a fun and powerful band Bum was live. I had the pleasure of seeing them in a small club twice and though both shows were poorly attended the band still put on a killer set. After both shows I had a chance to talk to the band and get some 7"ers signed...nice guys and a great band!
(For Bum's 7"ers, the blog, Wilfully Obscure has posted a collection on his site...very recommended!!)

BUM
Shake Town!
1. Debbie Speak
2. I Wanna Be
3. When She Walked
4. Instant Kool Ayd
5. Lift Up Your Hood
6. Wedding Day
7. 1983
8. Why Go Out Your Way
9. Eternal Ideal
10. A Promise Is A Promise
11. Hi-C Half
12. Your Name Was Next To Mine
13. I Hardly Breathe
14. Mrs. Rock-n-Roll
15. Sea And Sand
16. Depression

download: BUM-Shake Town! .rar