Gary Moore: "Still Got the Blues for You" (1990)

 
"Still Got the Blues (For You)" is a song by Northern Irish guitarist Gary Moore which was originally released on the 1990 album "Still Got the Blues". The song was released as a single and reached #97 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is the only single of Moore's to chart in the Billboard Hot 100. Later in 1990 Gary Moore and Ian Taylor filmed a basic music video for the song. Gary Moore played his Les Paul Standard Guitar throughout the song.


Robert William Gary Moore (4 April 1952 – 6 February 2011), was a Northern Irish musician, most widely recognised as a singer and brilliant guitarist.

In a career dating back to the 1960s, Moore played with musicians including Phil Lynott and Brian Downey during his teens, leading him to memberships with the Irish bands Skid Row and Thin Lizzy

Biographer Greg Prato states: One of rock's most underrated guitarists (both from a technical and compositional point of view), Gary Moore remains relatively unknown in the U.S., while his solo work has brought him substantial acclaim and commercial success in most other parts of the world -- especially in Europe.

The song is a moody and sad anthem of lost love with soaring guitar riffs and is completed by Moore's vocals that match the song in every way.

Used to be so easy to give my heart away
But I found out the hard way
There's a price you have to pay
I found out that love, was no friend of mine
I should have known time after time

So long, it was so long ago
But I've still got the blues for you

Used to be so easy to fall in love again
But I found out the hard way
It's a road that leads to pain
I found that love, was more than just a game
You're playin' to win, but you lose just the same

Gary Moore died of a heart attack in his sleep at the age of 58 during the early hours of February 6, 2011. Tests later pointed that the heart attack's cause was a massive ingestion of alcohol according to the Daily Mail.

The song was covered by Eric Clapton on his 2013 album "Old Sock", as a tribute to the late guitarist. We have included it below...

Lou Reed Has Left the Building...

Few people impacted the New York music scene than Lou Reed did. His formation of the Velvet Underground with John Cale led to "Sweet Jane"and his many hit songs as a solo artist will be remembered a long time "A Walk on the Wild Side". He married performer Laurie Anderson in 2008. There will no doubt be talk about the recent liver transplant he received. Lou Reed passes on at the age of 71. Read the USA Today version here.

Staff would like to offer you his iconic live version of "Sweet Jane" from his album Rock and Roll Animal...

"Some people, they like to go out dancing
And other peoples, they have to work, Just watch me now!
And there's even some evil mothers
Well they're gonna tell you that everything is just dirt
Y'know that, women, never really faint
And that villains always blink their eyes, woo!
And that, y'know, children are the only ones who blush!
And that, life is just to die!
And, everyone who ever had a heart
They wouldn't turn around and break it
And anyone who ever played a part
Oh wouldn't turn around and hate it!"

Lennon and Maisy Stella:"Telescope" (2012)

Introducing Maisy and Lennon Stella, from the television show Nashville, in a country/folk pared down version of the song Telescope.  The same song was also performed on the show by Hayden Panitierre, the song itself about staying one step ahead of your man's wandering eyes. Both versions are quite good, but we are featuring this version with these two young sisters singing it.  They are amazing, and have already performed at the Grand Old Opry, at 9 and 13 years-of-age!  The earlier songs on You Tube by these sisters begin when the younger of the two (Maisy) was 7.  And yes, the elder sister really is playing that guitar.

You may have first seen the sisters on the talent how scene on the first Season of Nashville. Reportedly Maisy sang for the audition to be part of the cast and they loved her. She told the creators she had and older sister whom she sang with and that was that, both sisters were placed in the roles of sisters. 

Monahan's Song staffer Susan Spinella nailed this one early. The two sisters went viral on YouTube with a vocal only cover of "Call Your Girlfriend" by Robyn. They use a plastic bowl to tap out a beat. Between that video and Telescope, they have become a video sensation and the number of views are pushing 10 million.

Most recently, they did a cover of "Ring of Fire" to commemorate what would have been Johnny Cash's 81st birthday. It was recorded in the Ryman Auditorium.

We think the future is bright for the Stella Sisters. Here we are including "Telescope", but also "Call Your Girlfriend". There is a Nashville soundtrack if you want to own some of these tunes...


 

Ed Sheeran: "The A Team" (2011)

UPDATE: Since this post was published, Ed Sheeran's "The A Team" went as far as #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Well done. A great song with a meaningful story. Nice to see it have legs in the U.S.!!


(Originally posted July 2012)




"The A Team" is a song by English singer-song writer Ed Sheeran .The song was sung by Sheeran, following a last minute performance at an event for the homeless. "The A Team" became a top 10 hit in Australia, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The U.S.? Nobody noticed...
You may have seen him perform at the closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics singing Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here".

Favorite Holiday Song Winner! The Waitresses:Christmas Wrapping" (1981)

Congratulations Moira Littlethorn for coming up with our Favorite Holiday Song selection. We had some great entries (thanks Lou and Barbara etc.)

According to Hardcafe.co.uk, The Waitresses started life in Akron, Ohio possibly as a joke by Chris Butler who had previously (or possibly concurrently) been in the band Tin Huey. When most of the band moved to New York, they were joined by ex Television drummer Billy Ficca and signed to New York label ZE (probably most famous for it's nurturing of Kid Creole and the Coconuts) in 1981. Probably the most unusual aspect of the songs on the first LP, "Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful?" was that despite being written by Butler, were all seen from the womans perspective. The band was fronted by Patty Donohue, who also called herself Patty Darling. Several sources state that the songs were about Patty Darling as a fictional character, but there were many similarities to Donohue as well.

The Waitresses first album got a little traction on the New Wave scene in the U.S. especially in the NYC area, where they got a lot of airplay. The biggest song was "I Know What Boys Like" which was recorded by Butler where he played all of the instruments and invited friend Patty Donohue to do the vocals. A band was hastily put together after a label showed interest. It charted in Australia and got airplay in England as well. The song would be covered in 1987 by The Bouncing Souls from New Brunswick, New Jersey with a male lead to poke fun at homophobia. It would be covered in a Glee CD as well.

"Christmas Wrapping" was not on any of their releases, but came out on a Ze compilation record called "A Christmas Record." The song would become a fcult favorite and is in a lot of X-mas top ten lists on the net. Many people have told me that this is one of their all-time favorites.

According to Jeff Blocker at Cult of Jef: "In August of 1981, the band was tour­ing bars, col­leges, and clubs, try­ing to make a dent in the charts with “I Know What Boys Like,” when  ZE Records, asked them to record a Christ­mas song for a com­pi­la­tion enti­tled "A Christ­mas Record".  Band founder Chris But­ler hated Christ­mas at the time, but man­aged to weave together dif­fer­ent pieces of songs he had pre­vi­ously com­posed, and fin­ished the lyrics on the taxi ride to the stu­dio.  The band recorded the “Christ­mas Wrap­ping” in two days and went back on the road.

But­ler had for­got­ten about the song until his girl­friend called him and said the Wait­resses’ song was finally receiv­ing air­play.  How­ever, it wasn’t “I Know What Boys Like,” it was “Christ­mas Wrap­ping.”  The band ended up play­ing the song through June to pro­mote their album.

The song describes a young woman who meets a young man in a ski shop.  They exchange tele­phone num­bers and attempt to get together through­out the year, but some­thing always seems to hap­pen.  Patty Don­ahue sing-speaks the song with impec­ca­ble  tim­ing, which leads to a fun, happy end­ing."

"Bah, humbug!" No, that's too strong 
'Cause it is my favorite holiday 
But all this year's been a busy blur 
Don't think I have the energy

To add to my already mad rush 
Just 'cause it's 'tis the season. 
The perfect gift for me would be 
Completions and connections left from

Last year, ski shop, 
Encounter, most interesting. 
Had his number but never the time 
Most of '81 passed along those lines.

The Donnas would cover the song as would many others. 

 

As for The Waitresses, the band would bust up during the recording of their second albul "bruiseology". Chris Butler would go on to produce records and bass player Tracy Wormworth would play with the B52's, Sting and Rosie O'Donnell's house band.

 

Patty Donohue became a talent rep. A heavy smoker, she sadly died of lung cancer at age fourty.

 

Interestingly, none of there albums were ever released in CD format.

 

 

For the Children and Those Who Loved Them- Eric Clapton "Tears in Heaven" (1992)

Not a great time to post a Monahan's Song of the Week with so much sadness from the Sandy Hook Elementary School. We considered running a song as a distraction, but it doesn't feel right. Thank you Nancy Pashinsky Menzies, a dear friend of ours, for reminding us that Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" is appropriate.
Bad things have to happen before there is change. That is a sadness as well...
For the 26...

fde

Willie Mabon and His Combo: "I'm Mad" (1953)

Willie Mabon (b.1925) was a talking kind of singer with a tongue-in-cheek urban feel. He played piano and harmonica (sometimes at the same time) and at the age of 17, had moved from his native Memphis, Tennessee to Chicago. He recorded firstly as a member of the Blues Rockers. I read somewhere that his style influenced Mose Allison. I believe such a comparison makes a lot of sense.

The blog Be Bop Wino put his music this way: "Willie’s sound was different from the electric blues which was becoming the house sound of Chess at that time. His records were in a roughhouse jump blues style with riffing horns backing up hoarse vocals and pianistic pounding." All this and with with a finger missing from one of his hands.

He became popular in the Chicago area and became a popular R & B singer. He was signed to Chess Records and set his sound apart from Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf by featuring piano and sax instead of guitar and harp.

He had a hit in 1952 with a cover of "I Don't Know," a bluesy novelty song that would later be performed by the Blues Brothers on their debut first album.

"I'm Mad" was released in 1953 and made it to number one on the R & B charts that year. It is so matter of fact in it's depiction of a regretful relationship, that I have never played it for someone who has never heard it and didn't burst out laughing.

In 1980. Canadian production house International Rocketship Limited released it's first animated short called "Sing Beast, Sing." The film is an animated story corresponding to "I'm Mad" and is quite amusing. I'm including that short in this post as well.

green, round, wonderful, beautiful world
with the beautiful waters
around the curves
and everything that's, in the world
I hops up and marries me a glamor girl
I'm mad...

Mabon never regained his momentum after leaving Chess. He stopped at Federal in 1957, Mad in 1960, Formal in 1962 (where he stirred up some local sales with his leering "Got to Have Some"), and USA in 1963-64. Mabon sat out much of the late '60s but came back strong after moving to Paris in 1972, recording and touring Europe prolifically until his death.
 

Brett Dennen: "Ain't No Reason" (2006)

This guy slipped by me, and I have been listening to a lot of folk rock in the last few years. Brett Dennen is from Northern California and learned to play guitar while entertaining kids as a camp counselor. He is very active in supporting nonprofit initiatives and supports the camp to this day.

This is from his from his Facebook page: “In many ways this is my first album,” Brett Dennen says of his fourth record, Loverboy. “On my previous albums I said what I needed to say. I evoked every different mood and sentiment and emotion. Now I don’t really have anything to prove. I’ve been the new kid on the block and now that phase is over. I get to start all over again, relax, and refocus.” He pauses and flashes 

a laidback grin. “And what I’m focused on is having fun.”

I think "Ain't No Reason" is a song about the insanity of the persuit of material things, and that it is not likely to change anytime soon.
 

People walk around pushing back their debts
Wearing pay checks like necklaces and bracelets
Talking 'bout nothing, not thinking 'bout death
Every little heartbeat, every little breath

Dennen’s rise has been impressive. In 2004 Dennen released his self-titled debut, followed quickly by his sophomore LP So Much More (2006,) which spent months on the Billboard Heatseeker chart. The release drew the attention of John Mayer, for whom Dennen opened in 2006 and 2007. In 2008 the artist released his follow-up, Hope for the Hopeless, which debuted at #41 on the Billboard Top 200 and firmly established Dennen as a definitive new voice in modern songwriting. He’s worked with Femi Kuti, Natalie Merchant, and JasonMraz; he’s toured with Dave Matthews, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and The John ButlerTrio; and he’s played Bonarroo, Austin City Limits, Coachella, and Newport Folk Festival. He’s also become the go-to guy for some of the best and most artfully soundtracked contemporary tv shows. His songs have appeared on Scrubs, Grey's anatomy,Parenthood,Brothers and Sisters, and House among others.

 

  

Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater: "Cool Blues Walk" (1998)

Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater (Edward Harrington) is one of the last original purveyors of the classic West Side blues style. A contemporary of Magic Sam, Buddy Guy and Luther Allison, Eddy has developed a unique musical approach that comes from a wide variety of influences.  He learned guitar at an early age and that turned out to be left-handed and upside down! His band mates gave him a name to match Muddy Waters, thus Clear Water sounded like an Indian name. It stuck, and the nickname "The Chief" became part of his moniker as well.

This engaging title track  was recorded with the Duke Robillard Band (and produced with Duke).

‘Cool Blues Walk,’ is great because of the opening blues walk that you can't get out of your head, plus the smooth back and forth guitar duties between Clearwater and Robilliard, as well as Eddy's vocals. Both felt they had chemistry on the spot and Eddy, according to Duke, "... burns up the tracks with inspired blues guitar playing. This album should not only establish once and for all the Eddy Clearwater is one of the most powerful practitioners of the blues, but also one of the most creative and talented composers in all of roots music." -- Duke Robillard

The song (and album) features support from Robillard's band: Robillard, guitar; Doug James, (my favorite baritone sax player, who cut an album called "Blow Mr. Low"); Dennis Taylor, tenor sax; John Pack, bass, and Marty Richards, drums.

Carey Bell, the well known harp player, is Clearwater's cousin.

Mink Deville: "Spanish Stroll": (1977)

Willy "Mink" Deville (William Paul Borsey Jr.) was born in Connecticut in 1950. He had a wonderful way of matching American and Spanish rhythms to rock and roll. "Spanish Stroll" was the lead single from the band's first album "Cabretta" (known simply as "Mink Deville in the U.S.). The song features back up singers (The Immortals) that he discovered at a reggae concert at Max's Kansas City. Listen and you can hear why his songs are referred to as being "Spanish-Americana". No argument here. His time as a house band at CBGB's comes through as well. If you have never heard of Mink Deville you should check into some of his other work. His cover of "You Better Move On" (1961) by Arthur Alexander may be the best version ever. Mink had a 35 year career that ended with his death at the age of 58.

Funny that, in my research, I suspected that some people might have Mink Deville confused with Lou Reed. I found a lyric site crediting him for writing this song!

Hey Mr. Jim, I can see the shape you're in
Got your finger on your eyebrow
And left hand on your hip
Thinking that you're such a lady killer
Think you're so slick!
Alright, slick

Louis Jordan "Saturday Night Fish Fry" (1949)

Louis Jordan was born in Arkansas and was playing the sax by the age of seven. He would form a band called The Elks Rendezvous Band, which, over time, became known as the Tympany Five.

He may well be the most famous artist that has been featured in this blog to date. He was inducted into the Rock and roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 1942 he went on an eight year tear where 57 of his songs made the R & B charts, 18 of them hitting number one. He would have hits that would crossover into the pop charts which was unusual in a segregated age.Jordan was always proud of the fact that the Tympany Five's music was just as popular with whites as it was with black people. But like so many songs that are memorable, you have to work hard to hear this one. 

"Saturday Night Fish Fry" was just such a crossover hit. Written by Louis Jordan, it features a rollicking blues boogie tempo that is infectious. The song tells the story of some musicians who attend a spectacular party only to find themselves waking up in jail the next morning. The piano licks are worth mentioning as well as the nonstop lyrics.

This song was longer in duration (five minutes plus) than a 78 rpm record could handle so it was split in half. I remember "American Pie" (1972) by Don Mclean being split on a 45, as well as "MacAuthur Park" (1968) by Richard Harris. Know of any others?

Some (like Chuck Berry) believe that this is the first rock and roll song. That topic continues to be debated, although I favor Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston (It was really Ike Turner). That song is worth it's own entry on this blog.

Now my buddy and me was on the main stem
Foolin' around just me and him
We decided we could use a little something to eat
So we went to a house on rampart street
We knocked on the door and it opened up with ease
And a lush little miss said, "come in, please"
And before we could even bat an eye
We were right in the middle of a big fish fry

Eddie Harris and Les McCann:"Compared to What?" (1969)

The President, he's got his war
Folks don't know just what it's for
Nobody gives us a rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
With chicken feathers all with out one nut

"Compared to What" was written by Eugene McDaniels who also wrote "A Hundred Pounds of Clay". The song was clearly intended to serve as an anti-war song during the Vietnam era. The song is performed by pianist Les McCann , who frequently collaborated with sax player Eddie Harris. They performed "Compared to What" at the Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1969. Later, Atlantic Records would release their live set from the festival on an album called "Swiss Movement". It became quite popular, mostly due to this song. McCann discovered Roberta Flack who would cover the song as well. You name the war, and the lyrics still apply...

This live track was recorded particularly well. McCann's gravelly voice adds a lot to the song and the opening riff pulls you in right away. 

This is almost nine minutes long. Enjoy the ride!
Check out Eugene McDaniel's interview about the song and listen to Roberta Flacks version as well!

The Nails: "Things You Left Behind" (1986)

There were a number of bands called The Nails. This one hailed from Colorado and formed in the mid 1970's. They played a lot in New York City and had a following. "Things You Left Behind" was always a tough track to find as the band is cited more often for 1985's "88 Lines about 44 Women". I think that "Things You Left Behind" has great lyrics and a unique ending.Don't know much more about the band other that what I have linked above. "Things You Left Behind" was from their album "Dangerous Dreams".

Ron Sexsmith: "Get In Line" (2011)

Ron Sexsmith was quoted as saying that it is time more people wrote songs that "actually have a melody." Growing up in Canada, he worked playing covers in bars and found less recptivity to his original work. He has gone on to record 12 albums of material and is acclaimed by Elton John,Dylan, Elvis Costello and many more rock legends. His latest album, "Long Player,Late Bloomer" contains "Get In Line", a tune any of us can identify with. It is indeed melodious and got a lot of play on sattelite radio. He is still touring based on the success of this release.

Heavy clouds all hanging around
And the sun refuses to shine
If you're bent on bringing me back down
Better get in line

Squeeze: "Up the Junction" (1979)

"Up the Junction" was the third single released from Squeeze's second album "Cool for Cats". The tells the story of two people in a working class section of England. The way the lyrics are laid out is unique and uses simple language to convey the narrative of the man who's life slowly becomes a shambles. It was a big hit in the U.K. and many bands have covered the tune since its release. The bands latest album was realeased in 2010 and they are currently touring Europe. I'm a big fan of Glen Tilbrook, who sings lead on this song.

Kenny White "She's Coming on Saturday" (2010)

Kenny White is a New York based song writer and producer. He has worked with a wide array of famous musicians including Marc Cohn, Peter Wolf and Shawn Colvin. In 2010 he released his sixth album called "Comfort In the Static". The fifth cut is "She's Coming on Saturday" a gem of a song that captures the feel of a dysfunctional relationship brilliantly. 

I found this great video of Kenny White performing on the back deck of someone's house!

"Shes coming on Saturday...she's not coming on Saturday
she's coming tomorrow...she's not coming tomorrow
she might come on Friday...she'll see how she feels
she's coming on Saturday"

Greg Brown: "Dream Cafe" (1992)

Greg Brown is a folkie who hails from Iowa. He is a highly regarded acoustic guitar player who has had a number of stints on "A Prairie Home Companion" and has had several Grammy nominations. In 1992 he put out his ninth album with the title track "Dream Cafe". This is another song about relationships that drift away.
I was surprised to find out that he is married to song writer and performer Iris Dement, who's biggest hit was Our Town (1992). Then again, she's been on A Prairie Home Companion a lot as well...

Bad Manners: "My Girl Lollipop" (1982)

This song has a history. It was written in the mid- 1950's and had some controversy in who got credit as author. It was written as "My Girl Lollypop" but but changed to a female perspective when Barbie Gaye recorded it in late 1956. It was a regional hit in NYC and was played in a style that would be known as ska. This song became a prototype of the genre. I don't remember ever hearing this version.
In 1964, Millie Small recorded the song in the same style and it became a big hit in the U.S., England and Ireland. The beat was infectious and her voice was full of enthusiasm.

Bad Manners, an English ska band in the 1980's grabbed the song and reverted back to the originally written male perspective.  Douglas Trendle, who uses the name Buster Bloodvessel sings from a perspective of unrequited love in the video. Looking at the band would instantly remind you of Madness or The Specials. This is a fun sendup of the song and continues the big party ska classic.

The band continues to tour, albeit with personnel changes.

The Explorers Club: Do You Love Me?" (2008)

The Explorers Club is a band that is very immersed in (and influenced by) the music of the '60's and 70's. Hailing from South Carolina, the band formed in 2005 and appears to be very passionate about the Beach Boys in particular. Listening to their first album "Freedom Wind", We were amazed at how much it sounded like a sequel to "Pet Sounds". 

We also like that the band doesn't take themselves too seriously. Any snippets of film we've seen about them show them fooling around and mugging for the camera. Their video for "Do You Love Me?" is no different. All of the members have great voices, but the crew here believe it is Jason Brewer that really holds up the high end. Close your eyes and you will be transported to the surf.