Happy Birthday Van

Happy Birthday today to the Irish Elvis.
I remember seeing Van the Man at Irving Plaza in 2004. Had to wait outside for over an hour but once inside I watched the 5-foot legend belt out hit after hit from 20 feet away. A truly original voice, incredible writer and classic artist that my generation hi-jacked from our parents and whose timeless music will continue to enrich those who find it.

The New Bruce Single

"I was spinnin' 'round a dead dial
Just another lost number in a file
Dancin' down a dark hole
Just searchin' for a world with some soul"

The new Springsteen single was released today, not only to radio but as a free download.

wow does this track KICK ASS.

Tunes of the Week

some live cuts spinning this week:

"Save Me" - Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds get it

"Change The Locks" - Lucinda Williams get it

"Wondering" - Neil Young & Crazy Horse get it

Bruce and Neil - 2 New Albums in October

Been a pretty unexciting year in terms of musical output but looks like that's changing come October:




Bruce Springsteen's "MAGIC" set for October 2 release

Neil Young polishes "Chrome Dreams" for October

Dylanesque

Have you heard about this project of Bob Dylan covers by BryanFerry, the former ROXY MUSIC frontman?
Strong purchase recommendation here. You'll find beautifully rendered versions of Dylan classics that explore different directions. The list of people who've tried to take a pass at Dylan's legacy is a long one, but in covers I've heard few have ever added something new as Ferry's done here. Also important to keep in mind, this is a guy who once stole Mick Jagger's girlfriend so you know he plays to win.

Among the best: Knockin On Heaven's Door and Positively 4th Street. Pick this up and enjoy, and once you're hooked check out FRANTIC, another album of covers he did back in 2002. It's terrific.

Tunes of the Week

"Indifference" Pearl Jam get it

"Soul Singing" The Black Crowes get it

"Tiger Lily" Luna get it

Crossroads Festival

You need to check these clips out. Looks like they had a big ol' jam fest out in Chicago a few weeks ago, and the big guns came and delivered.
Highlights you shouldn't miss are:

* Jeff Beck "Angel" - some say he's the greatest ever, hard to argue but more importantly WHO is this teenage girl playing bass with him?
* Steve Winwood "Cant Find My Way Home" - I think I've streamed this over 20x. Can't say enough about Winwood so I won't try, but watching him masters both the keys and the guitar leaves you in awe. Having EC backing you up is not a bad thing either, and Clapton shows he still rules.
* Eric Clapton "Got to Get Better.." and "Cocaine" - this is great live music. Throwing Derek Trucks into the mix put these performances over the top, making you wish you were there to see it in person.

Tunes of the Week

Here's what's been coming out of the speakers this week:

"Atlantic City"-The Band get it

"My Moon Man"-Feist get it

"We Can Be Strong"-Willy Mason get it

"Waste"-Phish get it

"He's Gone"-Grateful Dead get it

Happy Birthday Jerry

The Captain would have been 65 today.
What a force, so much music in him that still endures today. First started taking his music seriously in 1992, was able to see a bunch of shows in the tail-end period, and can truly say those live musical experiences will never be repeated.

One of the true, iconic greats. I'm sure he's still playing somewhere.