Cold Tunes

Rock 'n Roll Doctor

2008-12-29T23:22:00.000-08:00

Music hath charms to soothe the most savage grief. Of course it helps to have a qualified practitioner.

Here's the master of musical therapy, the late Lowell George of Little Feat:

There was a woman in Georgia didn't feel just right
She had fever all day and chills at night
Now things got worse, yes a serious bind
At times like this it takes a man with some style
at gettin' out of a bind
A doctor of heart and a doctor of mind

If you like country with a boogie beat,
he's the man to meet
If you like the sound of shufflin' feet,
he can't be beat
If you wanna feel real nice,
just ask the Rock and Roll doctor's advice

It's just a country town but patients come
From Mobile to Moline from miles around
Nagodoches to New Orleans
In beat-up old cars or in limousines
To meet the doctor of soul
he's got his very own theme

Two degrees in bebop,
a PhD. in swing,
He's the master of rhythm,
he's a rock and roll king

If you like country with a boogie beat,
he's the man to meet
(he's the man to meet)
If you like the sound of shufflin' feet,
he can't be beat
(I say he can't be beat)
If you...
If you wanna,
If you wanna feel real nice,
just ask the Rock and Roll doctor's advice

One night during a set, a voice from the crowd yelled out "Rock 'n Roll Doctor!"

It was clearly intended as a song request, but Lowell yelled back: "Rock 'n Roll Doctor? You're lookin' at him, sucker!"

There's never been another writer like him, and the man sure could sing -- not to mention play!

What a tune! There's another great live version here.

And the official live version (from the album "Waiting For Columbus") is here:

And now ... just one more special bonus ...

Fat Man In The Bathtub:

[RIP Lowell]

Red Guitar

2008-07-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

Loudon Wainwright III, from "A Live One":

I used to have a red guitar
till I smashed it one drunk night.
I smashed it in the classic form
as Peter Townshend might.
I threw it in the fireplace.
I left it there a while.
Kate she started crying
when she saw my sorry smile.

The red guitar was made of wood.
It could not take the heat.
The red guitar it caught on fire.
The damage was complete.
It burned until all that was left
was six pegs and six strings.
Kate she said, "You are a fool.
You've done a foolish thing."

I put the remains in the case
and I put the case away.
Went down to New York City
and bought a new guitar the very next day.
I bought myself a blonde guitar.
I had it for three days.
Some junkie stole my blonde guitar.
God works in wondrous ways.

Sweet Burgundy

2008-07-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

The late [and supremely gifted] Tommy Bolin:

"Sweet Burgundy" starts at 4:20 in this two-song video.

Wintertime comes just a little too fast,
Summer just flies by on impatient wings.
I'm just a fool for yesterdays,
I've seen too many things in so many ways.

At night I just sit in my room by the fire,
Lookin' out my misty window at the streets below.
Too many people lookin' lost and forlorn,
Vagabonds without homes and nowhere else to roam.

Pour me another glass of that sweet burgundy.
Maybe it will help to ease my pain
Burgundy, I guess you're my only friend.
Sweet Burgundy.

Outside my window I see the deaf and the blind
Who are pondered for a moment and then left behind.
Times that I think I was all alone,
I just sit back and think I haven't sold my soul.

RIP Tommy

Will You Be Free

2008-07-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Words and music by Chris Floyd:

When the guns no longer sound
When the dead are in the ground
When the foe hangs from the tree
Will you be free
Will you be free

When blood and iron rule the day
And ash and bone mix with the clay
To choke the fruits of victory
Will you be free
Will you be free

When the children of the slain
Cry for revenge to ease their pain
Lost in shadows you'll never see
Will you be free
Will you be free

When the fear comes round again
And they call for troops to send
To some new war across the sea
Will you be free
Will you be free

Talk To The Lawyer

2008-07-03T01:19:00.001-07:00

David Lindley with El Rayo-X:

And so they sent you to Afghanistan
to have you working for their master plan
I think it may be for the CIA
and when you're through they're gonna put you away
they're gonna put you in an institution
and put a wire up into your brain
because you know about the revolution
that kind of thing will drive a boy insane
better talk to the lawyer
professional liar
talk to the lawyer
professional liar

They do manoeuvers at the border-line
someone gets eaten up from time to time
and when you want to know the reason why
I'm sorry, sir, there's no reply
you're on a mission from the president
you got to bury all the evidence
you say you like it but you really don't
they say they'll cover but you know they won't
better talk to the lawyer
professional liar
talk to the lawyer
professional liar

Somebody called me just the other day
I said "who is it?" but he wouldn't say
I think he's working for the Secret Service
or maybe working for the FBI
I don't like it when they do me like that
I don't like it when they treat me that way
better talk to the lawyer
professional liar
talk to the lawyer
professional liar

With A Little Help From My Fred

2008-07-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

Joe Cocker live at Woodstock, improvising some poetry:

What would you do if I sang out of tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
I will try not to sing on a Kia
Oh baby, hoggify
All I need is my butt and I
Oooh, hey hen, let's say I want a tidal wave
Do I go naked before my friends?

(Do you need anybody?)
I did some Wonder loaf
(Could it be anybody?)
What about in this turbine
Whoa I left the river out and I know why
Anybody left?
Any la la?
Oh, liver!

(I get by with a little help from my friends)
Don't you know I got a leg?
I gotta gotta La-Z-Boy I'm afraid
Probiotics changed the way I feel now
Oh, I'll take this almond love

(Do you need anybody?)
Ow.
Lord, I know you're a guy.
(Could it be anybody?)
Put on this turban.
Oh if you rip 'er out I'll know.
Heard about a sled in New Orleans?
Whoa, I'm lovin' it.

(I get by with a little help from my friends)
Somebody's dad
Somebody's dad is wavin' right there
I gotta get my Fred
I gotta get my Fred and Wilma
Don't you know I stand there for your ride?
I'm tellin' Ellen, kiss Anne no more

(I get by with a little help from my friends)
Go and get a loaf of my bread
I got somebody's Savior on the way
Everybody got to love LA now
Oh hey little hen, I'm gonna pat all eggs
Got a letter from my Fred
Got a leather for my Fred

Honest Man

2008-07-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

A wonderful tune of love and respect, by Lowell George and Fred Tackett:

somebody?
can you tell me
about the difference
of one man to another?
how come some people
are always runnin' down
everybody around them?
his excuses
thinks we're fools
we are useless

he don't know
how to live and let live
how to give when he takes
all he makes, a lot of heartbreak
is that the way of an honest man?
is he doin' the best he can?
is that the way of an honest man
doin' the best he can?

I got some good friends
you know they're satisfied
most the time with a little
with a little peace, peace of mind
they don't need no alibis
no excuses, no tellin' lies

you know they know
how to live and let live
how to give when they take
they never make a lot of heartbreak
honest man
doin' the best he can
that's the way of an honest man
doin' the best he can

honest man
doin' the best he can

it don't take a vision or a religion
just understanding
it's not that demanding
you don't need no alibis
no excuses, no tellin' lies

when you know
how to live and let live
how to give when you take
never make a lot of heartbreak
and that's the way of an honest man
doin' the best he can
that's the way of an honest man
doin' the best he can

RIP Lowell.

Genius we won't see again in our lifetimes.

These Days

2008-07-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

by Jackson Browne:

Well I've been out walking
I don't do that much talking these days
These days

These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do for you
And all the times I had the chance to

And I had a lover
It's so hard to risk another these days
These days

Now if I seem to be afraid
To live the life I have made in song
Well it's just that I've been losing
for so long

I'll keep on moving
Things are bound to be improving these days
One of these days

These days I sit on corner stones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
Don't confront me with my failures
I had not forgotten them

first recorded by Nico:

also covered by Gregg Allman:

here's Gregg with Warren Haynes:

and Gregg with Graham Nash:

Don't Ask Me Questions

2008-07-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

Graham Parker and the Rumour

Crimson autograph is what we leave behind
Everywhere man sets foot.
War mongers laughing loud behind a painted face
Throwing tidbits to the crowd then blowing up the place.

Hey lord don't ask me questions, hey lord don't ask me questions
Hey lord don't ask me questions please!
Hey lord don't ask me questions, hey lord don't ask me questions
Hey lord ain't no answer in me.

Well I stand up for liberty but can't liberate
Pent up agony, I see you take first place.
Well who does this treachery I shout with bleeding hand?
Is it you or is it me? Well I never will understand.

Hey lord don't ask me questions, hey lord don't ask me questions
Hey lord don't ask me questions please!
Hey lord don't ask me questions, hey lord don't ask me questions
Hey lord ain't no answer in me.

Well I see the thousands screaming rushing for the cliffs
Just like lemmings into the sea, well well well
Who waves his mighty hand and breaks the precious rules?
Well the same one must understand who wasted all these fools.

Hey lord don't ask me questions, hey lord don't ask me questions
Hey lord don't ask me questions please!
Hey lord don't ask me questions, hey lord don't ask me questions
Hey lord ain't no answer in me.

Ain't no answer in me no, ain't no answer in me
uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh uh.

Isn't She Lovely

2008-06-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

The sheer genius of Stevie Wonder:

Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderfull
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely made from love

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angels' best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love

Isn't she lovely
Life and love are the same
Life is aisha
The meaning of her name
Londie, it could have not been done
Without you who conceived the one
That's so very lovely made from love

Piano players like this groove:

And who can blame them? It's a gorgeous tune from a very gifted composer ... not to mention one of the finest singers of our generation.

I Grieve

2008-06-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

Peter Gabriel

It was only one hour ago
It was all so different then
There's nothing yet has really sunk in
Looks like it always did
This flesh and bone
It's just the way that you would tied in
Now there's no-one home

I grieve for you
You leave me
so hard to move on
Still loving what's gone
They say life carries on
Carries on and on and on and on

The news that truly shocks is the empty empty page
While the final rattle rocks its empty empty cage
And I can't handle this

I grieve for you
You leave me
Let it out and move on
Missing what's gone
They say life carries on
They say life carries on and on and on

Life carries on
In the people I meet
In everyone that's out on the street
In all the dogs and cats
In the flies and rats
In the rot and the rust
In the ashes and the dust
Life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

It's just the car that we ride in
A home we reside in
The face that we hide in
The way we are tied in
And life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

Did I dream this belief?
Or did I believe this dream?
Now I can find relief
I grieve

Anyday

2008-06-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful brokenhearted love songs ever written. Here's the original by Derek And The Dominos from the album "Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs"

An here's an amazing cover by the Derek Trucks Band with guest vocalist Susan Tedeschi:

You were talking and I thought I heard you say
"Please leave me alone.
Nothing in this world can make me stay.
I’d rather go back, I’d rather go back home."

But if you believed in me like I believe in you,
We could have a love so true, we would go on endlessly.
And I know anyday, anyday, I will see you smile.
Any way, any way, only for a little while.

Well someday baby, I know you’re gonna need me
When this old world has got you down.
I’ll be right here, so woman call me
And I’ll never ever let you down.

And I know anyday, anyday, I will see you smile.
Any way, any way, only for a little while.

To break the glass and twist the knife into yourself;
You’ve got to be a fool to understand.
To bring your woman back home after she’s left you for another,
You’ve got to be a, you’ve got to be a man.

And I know, anyday, anyday, I will see you, I will see you smile.
Any way, any way, only for a little while.
Anyday, anyday, I will see you smile.
Any way, any way, just for a little, just for a little while.

Dixie Chicken

2008-06-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

Here's Little Feat playing the extraordinary "Dixie Chicken" from the live album, "Waiting For Columbus":

Here's an abbreviated version of Dixie Chicken with Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris and Jesse Winchester on Midnight Special in 1977

Here's a more normal-sized version from the Rainbow Theatre in London, also in 1977

Quite often they would play Dixie Chicken in medley with Tripe Face Boogie (this is from German TV, also 1977):

Little Feat - Dixie Chicken
Uploaded by manfredz

Here's an acoustic duet: Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett, from 2003

I've seen the bright lights of Memphis
And the Commodore Hotel
And underneath a street lamp
I met a Southern belle
Well, she took me to the river
Where she cast a spell
And in that Southern moonlight
She sang this song so well
If you'll be my Dixie chicken
I'll be your Tennessee lamb
And we can walk together
Down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland, whoa whoa whaoo

Yeah well, we made all the hot spots
My money flowed like wine
And then that low-down Southern whiskey
Began to fog my mind
And I don't remember church bells
Or the money I put down
On the white picket-fence and boardwalk
Of the house at the edge of town
Oh, but boy do I remember
The strain of her refrain
And the nights we spent together
And the way she called my name
If you'll be my Dixie chicken
I'll be your Tennessee lamb
And we can walk together
Down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland, whoa whoa whaoo

Yeah, well it's been a year since she ran away
Guess that guitar player sure could play
She always liked to sing along
She's always handy with a song
Then one night in the lobby
Of the Commodore Hotel
I chanced to meet a bartender
Who said he knew her well
And as he handed me a drink
He began to hum a song
And all the boys there at the bar
Began to sing along
If you'll be my Dixie chicken
I'll be your Tennessee lamb
And we can walk together
Down in Dixieland
Down in Dixieland, whoa whoa whaoo

Blue Sky

2008-06-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

A few looks at "Blue Sky" by Dicky Betts of the Allman Brothers Band.

Here's the album version:

Walk along the river,
Sweet lullaby,
It just keeps on flowing,
It don't worry bout where its going, no, no.

Don't fly, mister bluebird,
I'm just walking down the road,
Early morning sunshine
tell me all I need to know

You're my blue sky,
you're my sunny day.
Lord, you know it makes me high
when you turn your love my way,
Turn your love my way, yeah.

Good old sunday morning,
bells are ringing everywhere.
Goin' to Carolina,
it won't be long and I'll be there

You're my blue sky,
you're my sunny day.
Lord, you know it makes me high
when you turn your love my way,
Turn your love my way, yeah.

Here's a live version from 1971:

The Allman Brothers live in 1999: Betts with Derek Trucks.

The Allman Brothers live in Germany, 1992, Betts and Haynes this time.

Here's another live version.

Psycho Killer

2008-06-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Talking Heads made a big splash with this one: here's the 1982 live version:

Here's the album recording with a bad video overlaid

A different twist on it: David Byrne and a tape player:

And here's one more, live in Italy with Adrian Belew.

I can’t seem to face up to the facts
I’m tense and nervous and I can’t relax
I can’t sleep because my bed’s on fire
Don’t touch me I’m a real live wire.

Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away
OH OH OH
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa better
Run run run run run run run away
Oh OH oh
AY AY AY AY AY Um
You start a conversation you can't even finish it.
You're talkin' a lot, but you're not sayin' anything.
When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed.
Say something once, why say it again?

Psycho Killer,
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away
OH OH OH
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away
OH OH OH
AY AY AYA AY UM

Ce que j'ai fait, ce soir-là
Ce qu'elle a dit, ce soir-là
Réalisant mon espoir
Je me lance vers la gloire ... OK
We are vain and we are blind
I hate people when they're not polite

Psycho Killer,
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away
OH OH OH
Psycho Killer,
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away
OH OH OH
AY AYA AY AY um
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh....

You Really Got Me

2008-06-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

It's a pretty simple song, as demonstrated by The Kinks live on TV (and there's a special bonus here -- a jazz band and dancing girls!)

Van Halen's cover ruins it for everybody else ...

... unless they're willing to do something drastic with it!

Girl, you really got me goin'
You got me so I don't know what Im doin'
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night

Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don't know what I'm doin, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night

You really got me
You really got me
You really got me

See, don't ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night

Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don't know what I'm doin, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night

You really got me
You really got me
You really got me
Oh no...

~~~

See, don't ever set me free
I always wanna be by your side
Girl, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night

Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don't know what I'm doin, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night

You really got me
You really got me
You really got me

Excitable Boy

2008-06-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

Warren Zevon, boy genius:

Here's a live version:

Well, he went down to dinner in his Sunday best
Excitable boy, they all said
And he rubbed the pot roast all over his chest
Excitable boy, they all said
Well, he's just an excitable boy

He took in the four a.m. show at the Clark
Excitable boy, they all said
And he bit the usherette's leg in the dark
Excitable boy, they all said
Well, he's just an excitable boy

(Ooh, wa-ooh, oo-ooh, excitable boy)
(Ooh, wa-ooh, oo-ooh, excitable boy)

He took little Susie to the Junior Prom
(Ooh, wa-ooh)
Excitable boy, they all said
(Oo-ooh, excitable boy)
And he raped her and killed her, then he took her home
(Ooh, wa-ooh)
Excitable boy, they all said
(Oo-ooh, excitable boy)
Well, he's just an excitable boy

After ten long years they let him out of the home
Excitable boy, they all said
(Oo-ooh, excitable boy)
And he dug up her grave and built a cage with her bones
Excitable boy, they all said
(Oo-ooh, excitable boy)
Well, he's just an excitable boy

(Ooh, wa-ooh, oo-ooh, excitable boy)
(Ooh, wa-ooh, oo-ooh, excitable boy)

RIP Warren

Hold Back The Night

2008-06-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Trammps did the original in 1975

and they did a newer version in 1992

Here's a snazzy vocal group covering it; a live performance from 2005. They do some nice steps and actions but they don't exactly know the words.

I'm partial to the edgier arrangement Graham Parker recorded with The Rumour.

Here's something like it, from 1977:

Parker and The Rumour again, with another rendition, this time with a much different mix:

Here's Parker with a live solo version from 2006:

As you'll notice, Geep doesn't know the words, either.

[chorus]
Hold back the night, turn on the lights
Don't wanna dream about you, baby
(dream about you, baby)
Hold back the night, turn on the lights
Don't wanna dream about you baby

[verse 1]
When you left you took the sun right out of the sky
(yes you did)
Wonder why you went away and never told me why
When the sun goes down and the moon is clear
I'm scared to death 'cause your face appears

Hold back the night, turn on the lights
Don't wanna dream about you baby
(dream about you baby)
Hold back the night, turn on the lights
Don't wanna dream about you baby

[verse 2]
Loneliness is haunting me when I go to bed
(oh yes it is)
Like a character in a book in a book that I have read
When the sun goes down, the moon is clear
I'm scared to death 'cause your face appears

Hold it, hold it, hold it, hold it
[solos]

Hold back the night, turn on the lights
Don't want to dream about you baby
Hold back the night, turn on the lights
Don't want to dream about you baby
Hold back the night, turn on the lights
Don't want to dream about you baby

Behind That Locked Door

2008-06-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

George Harrison sings "Behind That Locked Door", from "All Things Must Pass":

Why are you still crying?
Your pain is now through
Please forget those teardrops
Let me take them from you

The love you are blessed with
This world's waiting for
So let out your heart, please, please
From behind that locked door

It's time we start smiling
What else should we do?
With only this short time
I'm gonna be here with you

And the tales you have told (taught?) me
From the things that you saw
Makes me want out your heart, please, please
From behind that locked door

[solo]

And if ever my love goes
If I'm rich or I'm poor
Please let out my heart, please, please
From behind that locked door
From behind that locked door

See No Evil

2008-06-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

Television's "See No Evil", original version, original art:

What I want
I want now
and it's a whole lot more
than 'anyhow'
I want to fly
fly a fountain
I want to jumpjumpjump
jump a mountain

lunderstandall... iseeno...
destructiveurges... iseeno...
itseemssoperfect... iseenoo...
i see... i see no... i see no evil

I get ideas
I get a notion
I want a nice little boat
made out of ocean.
I get your point.
You're so sharp.
Getting good reactions
with your ''BeBo'' talk.

Don't say unconscious
No don't say doom.
If you got to say it
let me leave this room
Cuz what I want
I want now
and it's a whole lot more
than 'anyhow.'

I'm runnin wild with the one i love
I see no evil
I'm runnin wild with the one-eyed ones
I see no evil
Pull down the future with the one you love
Pull down the future

and there's a live version, from Dublin, somewhere ... but can I find it?? HERE!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcf1dlLPp_I&feature=related

Put A Little Love In Your Heart

2008-06-29T22:18:00.001-07:00

Words and Music by Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, and Randy Myers

The original:

Dolly Parton's version:

A duet between Annie Lennox and Al Green:

Here's the lyric:

Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see it's getting late
Oh, please don't hesitate
Put a little love in your heart

And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see

Another day goes by
Still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won't let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart

And the world (and the world) will be a better place
All the world (all the world) will be a better place
For you (for you)
And me (and me)
You just wait (just wait)
And see, wait and see

Take a good look around
And if you're looking down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide
Kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart

And the world (and the world) will be a better place
And the world (and the world) will be a better place
For you (for you)
And me (and me)
You just wait (just wait)
And see

People, now put a little love in your heart
Each and every day
Put a little love in your heart
There's no other way
Put a little love in your heart
It's up to you
Put a little love in your heart
C'mon and
Put a little love in your heart

Here's another take on it, from the Laura Love Band.

For Absent Friends

2008-06-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

A Genesis classic, "For Absent Friends" from Nursery Crime.

Here centralscrutinizer9 plays and sings it all by himself. It's a tough solo: Hackett and Collins simultaneously.

"troubleclef" combines the parts somewhat differently. Watch this amazing solo guitar version of "For Absent Friends". It's astonishingly good. And it's just one of many.

Sunday at six when they close both the gates
a widowed pair,
still sitting there,
Wonder if they're late for church
and it's cold, so they fasten their coats
and cross the grass, they're always last.

Passing by the padlocked swings,
the roundabout still turning,
ahead they see a small girl
on her way home with a pram.

Inside the archway,
the priest greets them with a courteous nod.
He's close to God.
Looking back at days of four instead of two.
Years seem so few (four instead of two).
Heads bent in prayer
for friends not there.

Leaving twopence on the plate,
they hurry down the path and through the gate
and wait to board the bus
that ambles down the street.

Tears In Heaven

2008-06-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here's Eric Clapton singing "Tears In Heaven", a beautiful ballad by Eric and Will Jennings:

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.

Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?

I'll find my way
Through night and day,
'Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven.

Time can bring you down,
Time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart,
Have you begging please, begging please.

Beyond the door,
There's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more
Tears in heaven.

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.

Turning Point

2008-06-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here's David Lindley and El Rayo-X with "Turning Point", from "Win This Record":

I've reached the turning point -- oh Lord
in my life -- oh yeah
I've reached the turning turning point in my life -- oh yeah
Ain't no use in worrying
It's only gonna be for a little while
The world it keeps on turning turning
All I can do is smile
No more running around for me
Oooh, I'm gonna settle settle down
No more running around for me
Oooh, I'm gonna set myself free
I've reached the turning point -- oh Lord
in my life -- oh yeah
I've reached the turning turning point in my life -- oh yeah
[check it out]

Ain't no way she's comin' back
No matter how hard I try
I'll just keep on searchin' searchin'
Until the day I die

No more running around for me
Oooh, I'm gonna settle settle down
I've reached the turning point -- oh Lord
in my life -- oh yeah
I've reached the turning turning point in my life -- oh yeah

~~~

The world keeps turnin' turnin'
City keep burnin' burnin'
No more running around for me
Oooh, I'm gonna settle settle down
No more running around for me
Oooh, I'm gonna set myself free
I've reached the turning point -- oh Lord
in my life -- oh yeah
I've reached the turning turning point in my life -- oh yeah

Presence Of The Lord

2008-06-29T21:10:00.002-07:00

Here's a modern version of Presence Of The Lord, with Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood both singing (different parts simultaneously) ... and Derek Trucks on guitar!

The lyric is by Clapton.

I have finally found a way to live
just like I never could before.
I know that I don't have much to give,
but I can open any door.
Everybody knows the secret,
everybody knows the score.
I have finally found a way to live
in the color of the lord.

I have finally found a place to live
just like I never could before.
And I know I don't have much to give,
but soon I'll open any door.
Everybody knows the secret,
everybody knows the score.
I have finally found a place to live
in the presence of the lord.
In the presence of the lord.

I have finally found a way to live
just like I never could before.
And I know I don't have much to give,
but I can open any door.
Everybody knows the secret,
I said everybody knows the score.
I have finally found a way to live
in the color of the lord.
In the color of the lord.

Jessica

2008-06-29T21:10:00.001-07:00

Allman Brothers magic: Here's a short live version from David Letterman's Late Show:

Here's a medium live outdoor version:

and here's a (very) long live indoor version:

Venus

2008-06-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the best rock songs ever! "Venus", by Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd and their astonishingly raw band, Television.

First, the album version, and the album art:

and here's the lyric, I think:

It was a tight toy night, the streets were so bright
The world looked so thin and between my bones and skin
There stood another person who was a little surprised
To be face to face with a world so alive
And I fell. Did you feel low?
No. Huh?
I fell right into the Arms of Venus de Milo

You know it's all like some new kind of drug
My senses are sharp and my hands are like gloves
Broadway looked so medieval
It seemed to flap, like little pages
I fell sideways laughing with a friend from many stages
How l felt Did you feel low?
Not at all! Huh?
I fell right into the Arms of Venus de Milo.

[instrumental bridge]

Suddenly my eyes went so soft and shaky
I knew there was pain but pain is not aching
Then Richie, Richie said:
"Hey man let's dress up like cops; think of what we could do!"
But something, something said "You'd better not."
And I fell Did you feel low?
Not at all! Huh?
I stood up, walked out of the Arms of Venus de Milo

You want raw? How about this live version, from Dublin [!], 2002

and, of course ...

I Fought The Law

2008-06-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

An old old classic from The Bobby Fuller Four (found here):

updated quite a while ago by The Clash:

Breakin' rocks in the hot sun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I needed money cause I had none
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won

I killed my baby and it felt so bad
Guess my race is run
Sweetest little woman that I ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

Robbin' people with a six-gun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I lost my girl and I lost my fun
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won

I killed my baby and it feels so bad
I guess my race is run
Sweetest little woman that I ever had
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won

I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the law won
I fought the law and the

All Things Must Pass

2008-06-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

It's the title track from George Harrison's first (and best) solo album:

Here's George's demo for The Beatles (which they didn't like very much):

Sorry, Fabs: I think it's gorgeous.

Sunrise doesn't last all morning
A cloudburst doesn't last all day
Seems my love is up and has left you with no warning
It's not always gonna be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away

Sunset doesn't last all evening
A mind can blow those clouds away
After all this, my love is up and must be leaving
It's not always going to be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away
All things must pass
None of life's strings can last
So I must be on my way
And face another day

Now the darkness only stays the night-time
In the morning it will fade away
Daylight is good at arriving at the right time
It's not always gonna be this grey

All things must pass
All things must pass away
All things must pass
All things must pass away

Pourin' It All Out

2008-06-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I don't mind tellin' you what I'm goin' through
I don't mind tellin' you, 'cause every word is true
and sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out...

... with Graham Parker and The Rumour, live

Yeah it was cold and hot and the rain came tumbling down
like a wild December night
No love left lyin' on your front doorstep
all gone and out of sight

I don't mind telling you what I'm going through
I don't mind telling you baby cause every word is true

Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Tonight all night all right

Then I found myself in a new year celebration
crying alone in a crowd
Yeah that really was some new year celebration
all bravado strong and loud

I don't mind telling you what I'm going through
I don't mind telling you baby cause every word is true

Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Tonight all night all right

~~~

I don't mind telling you what I'm going through
I don't mind telling you baby cause every word is true

Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Sometimes I feel like pourin' it all out
Tonight all night all right
I said tonight all night all right

Sweet Jane

2008-06-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here's an early version of a classic by Lou Reed with the Velvet Underground:

Many other versions have been performed and/or recorded; after a long bout of research I settled on this version of the lyric [and I've been singing it like this for more than 20 years, if you don't mind abusing the word "singing"]:

Standin' on a corner,
suitcase in my hand
Jack's in a corset, Jane she's in a vest,
and me, I'm in a rock 'n roll band
Ridin' in a Stutz-Bearcat,
those were different times
when poets studied rules of verse
and ladies rolled their eyes

Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane

Now Jack, he's a banker
and Jane she is a clerk
and both of 'em save their money
when they come home from work
sittin' by the fire
[it's an electric fire; you plug it in]
the radio does play
[ a little classical music there, kids]
The March of the Wooden Soldiers
and you can hear Jack say

Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane

Some people like to go out dancin'
other folks like us we gotta work
and there's always some evil mother
tryin' to tell you that
life is just made out of dirt
and women never really faint
and villains always roll their eyes
and children are the only ones who blush
and life is just to die
but anyone who ever had a heart
well he wouldn't turn around and break it
and anyone who ever played a part
he wouldn't turn around and hate it [no no no]

Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane
Sweet Jane

Werewolves of London

2008-06-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

By Warren Zevon [RIP Warren].

I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
Walkin' through the streets of Soho in the rain
He was lookin' for the place called Lee Ho Fook's
Gonna get a big dish of beef chow mein
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London
A-ooooooh!
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London
A-ooooooh!

If you hear him howling around your kitchen door
You'd better not let him in
A little old lady got mutilated late last night
Werewolves of London again
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London
A-oooooooh!
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London
A-oooooooh!

[instrumental]

He's the hairy-handed gent who ran amuck in Kent
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair
You'd better stay away from him
He'll rip your lungs out, Jim
Huh! I'd like to meet his tailor
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London
A-oooooooh!
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London
A-oooooooh!

Well, I saw Lon Chaney walking with the Queen
Doing the Werewolves of London
I saw Lon Chaney, Jr. walking with the Queen
Doing the Werewolves of London
I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's
And his hair was perfect
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London
Draw blood
A-ooooh: Werewolves of London

David Lindley's cover version is spectacular...

...ly odd!

Mother Of Violence

2008-06-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Peter Gabriel:

more recently, with Peter's daughter Melanie singing lead:

but we don't get the whole thing.

Here's another old clip of "Mother of Violence" and "Humdrum".

Too much ; not enough ; what can a poor boy do?

Walking the street with her naked feet
So full of rhythm but I can't find the beat
Snapping her heels clicking her toes
Everybody knows just where she goes

Fear, fear -- she's the mother of violence
making me tense to watch the way she breed
Fear, she's the mother of violence
you know self-defense is all you need
it's getting hard to breathe
It's getting so hard to believe
to believe in anything at all

Mouth all dry eyes blood shot
data stored in microdot
Kicking the cloud with my moccasin shoes
T.V. dinner, T.V. news

Fear, fear -- she's the mother of violence
don't make any sense to watch the way she breed
Fear, she's the mother of violence
making me tense to watch the way she feed
The only way you know she's there
Is the subtle flavour in the air
Getting hard to breathe
hard to believe in anything at all
but fear

If Not For You

2008-06-29T19:57:00.001-07:00

A love song by Bob Dylan:

As sung by Dylan and George Harrison in rehearsal for the Concert for Bangladesh, 1971:

As sung by George at 1992's tribute to Dylan:

And who could forget Olivia Newton-John?

If you've watched the videos, you'll notice a few different arrangements. Here are two sets of lyrics:

Dylan's version:

If not for you, babe, I couldn't find the door
Couldn't even see the floor
I'd be sad and blue if not for you.

If not for you, baby, I'd lay awake all night
Wait for the morning light
To shine in through
But it will not be new if not for you.

If not for you, my sky would fall, rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost if not for you
And you know it's true.

If not for you, my sky would fall, rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
Oh what would I do if not for you ?

If not for you, winter would have no spring
I couldn't hear the robins sing
I just wouldn't have a clue
Anyway it wouldn't ring true if not for you
If not for you, if not for you.

And Harrison's version (from "All Things Must Pass") (also sung by Olivia Newton-John):

If not for you
Babe, I couldn't even find the door
I couldn't even see the floor
I'd be sad and blue, if not for you

If not for you
Babe, the night would see me wide awake
The day would surely have to break
It would not be new, if not for you

If not for you, my sky would fall
Rain would gather, too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost, if not for you

If not for you
The winter would hold no spring
Couldn't hear a robin sing
I just wouldn't have a clue, if not for you

If not for you, my sky would fall
Rain would gather, too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost, if not for you

If not for you
The winter would hold no spring
Couldn't hear a robin sing
I just wouldn't have a clue, if not for you

If not for you

Come Alive

2008-05-23T00:09:00.001-07:00

Pepsi-Cola's marketing slogan, "Come Alive: You're in the Pepsi generation," translated badly into certain Asian languages, where ancestors are the objects of devout worship.

To some Asian readers, the ads appeared to be saying:

"Pepsi Cola brings your ancestors back from the grave."

Oops.

But it wasn't a total loss. Howard Devoto, of the band "Magazine", was inspired:

Bits of spirits
were set on a carpet of carbon.

Pieces of apes
were placed in a time of ice and iron.

Keep fit; survive.
Keep fit; survive.

Primitive Jeeps
crushed fossils and ancient bone.

Chandelier-sized flowers
aromatized pollen and chromosome.

Puzzles grew
on trees where mutilated fruit hung
like the hats
of inscrutable guests
who'd sipped their soft drinks and sung:

Keep fit; survive.
Keep fit; survive.
You won't recognise yourself until you come alive.

Pepsi-Cola, Pepsi-Cola
brings your ancestors
back from the grave
back from the grave

Pepsi-Cola, Pepsi-Cola
brings your ancestors
back from the grave
back from the grave

At Leonardo da Vinci's Intercontinental Airport,
a Swiss pathologist missed his connecting flight.

An asteroid
kicked up the dust
the dinosaurs stubbornly bit.

Man's brain was taken;
the cortex stuck
at an awkward angle on it.
His first words were:

What have I done to deserve the sun?
What have I done to deserve the rain?

Pepsi-Cola, Pepsi-Cola
brings your ancestors
back from the grave
back from the grave

Pepsi-Cola, Pepsi-Cola
brings your ancestors
back from the grave
back from the grave

[solos]

Pepsi-Cola, Pepsi-Cola
brings your ancestors
back from the grave
back from the grave

Pepsi-Cola, Pepsi-Cola
brings your ancestors
back from the grave
back from the grave

[more solos]

Beware of Darkness

2008-05-22T23:43:00.001-07:00

by George Harrison, from "All Things Must Pass"

Here's the studio version:

George sings it at the Concert for Bangladesh (and Leon Russell sings a verse, too):

Eric Clapton sings it at the Concert For George

Watch out now, take care
Beware of falling swingers
Dropping all around you
The pain that often mingles
In your fingertips
Beware of darkness

Watch out now, take care
Beware of the thoughts that linger
Winding up inside your head
The hopelessness around you
In the dead of night

Beware of sadness
It can hit you
It can hurt you
Make you sore and what is more
That is not what you are here for

Watch out now, take care
Beware of soft shoe shufflers
Dancing down the sidewalks
As each unconscious sufferer
Wanders aimlessly
Beware of Maya

Watch out now, take care
Beware of greedy leaders
They take you where you should not go
While Weeping Atlas Cedars
They just want to grow, grow and grow
Beware of darkness (beware of darkness)

Learn the chords here

Can't Get Used To Losing You

2008-05-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

"Can't Get Used To Losing You", written by Jerome "Doc" Pomus and Mort Shuman, was something of a hit in 1963 for Andy Williams. Here's his version:

It popped up again in an unlikely form; here's The Beat (aka and formerly The English Beat) playing it in the studio:

The Beat again (live this time)

The Beat live again, but a lot slower

Here's the lyric, more or less as sung by The Beat:

Guess there's no use in hangin' 'round
Guess I'll get dressed and do the town
I'll find a crowded avenue
Though it will be empty without you

I can't get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you

Called up a girl I used to know
After I heard her say "Hello"
Couldn't think of anything to say
Since you're gone it happens every day

I can't get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you

(Solo)

Can't get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you

I'll find another, wait and see
Who am I kidding, only me
'Cause no one else could take your place
Guess that I am just a hopeless case

Can't get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you

Can't get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you

Nice, yes? Here's a chart for the original.

A World Without Love

2008-05-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

Peter and Gordon:

Please lock me away
And don't allow the day
Here inside, where I hide with my loneliness
I don't care what they say, I won't stay
In a world without love

Birds sing out of tune
And rain clouds hide the moon
I'm OK, here I'll stay with my loneliness
I don't care what they say, I won't stay
In a world without love

So I wait, and in a while
I will see my true love smile
She may come, I know not when
When she does, I'll know
So baby until then
Lock me away
And don't allow the day
Here inside, where I hide with my loneliness
I don't care what they say, I won't stay
In a world without love

So I wait, and in a while
I will see my true love smile
She may come, I know not when
When she does, I'll know
So baby until then
Lock me away
And don't allow the day
Here inside, where I hide with my loneliness
I don't care what they say, I won't stay
In a world without love

I don't care what they say, I won't stay
In a world without love

Here's a tab