NRBQ: "Ridin' in My Car" (1977)

All Hopped Up was NRBQ's fourth album (and first with drummer Tom Ardolino, solidifying a lineup that would last for close to 20 years. It would be one of 32 album releases over their long career. Not only is the title track "Ridin in My Car" an underrated song, the entire band may be the most underrated in history.

Founded in 1967, NRBQ (New Rhythm and Blues Quartet) sought to fuse everything, from rockabilly to jazz as well as rock and country. They also had a huge sense of humor that is evident in such songs as "Howard Johnson has his Ho-Jo Workin" and "Housekeeping", a song so funny that it may well be featured on this blog in the future.

Known as one of the best live bands ever, it was impossible not to be impressed with their no set approach to shows with Pianist Terry Adams beating his piano to death and always in danger of knocking his microphone over. Al Anderson's hands flew up and down the neck of his guitar and he moved very little compared to Adams. He wrote and sang the song although when we saw them, the vocals were sung by Tom Ardolino.

To our knowledge, the song was never released as a single. The song would be named to the Rolling Stone 50 Best Summer Songs of All Time.

While NRBQ had a rabid cult following, they would record and be dropped again and again by record companies due to poor overall sales.

While "Ridin In My Car" was a simple tale of Summer love lost, most of their material required a sense of humor or a sophisticated ear due to their willingness to experiment and not have a particular theme throughout the albums.

Well, I went to the place
where ev'rybody hangs out
To see what ev'rybody
was talkin' about
and over in the corner
all alone with you
was a boy from last summer
singin' songs to you

but he can't sing like I can sing
Oh, It's so hard
and I still think about you
every time I'm Ridin' in my car

Rock critic Mark Deming:
"Can anyone explain why Al Anderson's wonderful and engagingly heart-tugging "Riding in My Car" wasn't a hit single? All Hopped Up also features a handful of stellar covers, including a jumped-up take on "I Got a Rocket in My Pocket" (Adams' barrelhouse piano truly shines), a swinging version of "Cecilia," and a rollicking ride through Big Joe Turner's "Honey Hush," and the band's loosely tight communication is a fine thing to hear on all cuts. And even the album's token weird one from Adams, "Call Him Off, Rogers" could pass for a serious pop tune if you didn't pay too much attention to the lyrics (about a dog with designs on Adams' arm). Just in case you thought NRBQ had gotten all normal on us, though, the album closes with the most extraordinary version of the theme from "Bonanza" you will ever hear. It's hard to say why anyone would want an entirely serious album from NRBQ, but All Hopped Up is closer than most, and proves their charm and their talent is what makes them great, not their idiosyncratic sense of humor."

Lots of people have covered this song, most notably She and Him in March of 2010, which we are including here. You will want both for your Summer car excursions this year...

Nat King Cole Trio: "I've Got a Way With Women" (1947)

We may never have heard of this song if it were not for Ray Gelato. His cover of this brilliantly lyricized song led us to look back and find that the song was originally recorded as the final track on 1947's Nat King Cole Trio Volume 3. The album was released as a package of three 10' records made out of shellac. There is very little else in way of history on this song other than it was written by Abner Silver, Fred Wise and Roy Alfred. Silver was a productive vaudeville songwriter. Fred Wise wrote Perry Como's "A-You're Adorable". He also wrote many of the songs Elvis sang in his movies.

As for Nat King Cole, he was a legend. Nathaniel Adams Coles was born in Montgomery Alabama. The family would move to Chicago where he would  learn organ from his mother who played in the same church where Nat's father was minister. He would move to California and was provided a recording contract. 

From the late 40's right trough the first few years of the 1960's, Cole had a string of hits and made a large body of recordings. He had his own television show and appeared in over thirty movies including his first appearance as a piano player in the film classic "Citizen Kane".

He had two failed marriages, the second producing the famous artist Natalie Cole. He would spend time living with Gunilla Hutton who played Billie Jo Bradley in television's Petticoat Junction.  

A major smoker, he believed cigarettes gave him his rich voice and even after being diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, refused to stop. He would die of cancer in 1965.

Cole fought discrimination all his life and helped plan the famous march on Washington as well as being active in the Kennedy campaign.

Back to the song. I've Got a Way With Women" is about a self proclaimed casanova who can't miss with women. The lyrics are genius in their play on words:

Some men wanna be brilliant
Some want a lot of cash
Some have a whim for the social swim
Just so they can make a splash

I have none of these talents
Still I'm doin' ok
Please don't think I'm conceited
When I say...

I've got a way with women
They like my dreamy eyes
I've got a way with women
A casanova in disguise
I've got a way of talkin'
and moonlight walkin'
Girls just can't resist
And when i started flirtin'
I'm always certain
They just can't wait to be kissed

I've got a way with women
But one girl made me fall
And out of all the women
I really loved her best of all
See I was doin' swell
Until she fell for somebodyelse's line
I've got a way with women
But someone got a way with mine

So here it is as performed by Nat King Cole as posted by our staff on YouTube and following that the brilliant cover done in 1998 by Ray Gelato's Giants, off of The Men From UNCLE. An album very worth owning.

Bill Withers: "Use Me" (1972)

Born in the town of Slab Fork, West Virginia (a chamber of commerce name if we ever heard one), Bill Withers grew up in Beckley and was the youngest of six. He joined the navy and afterward moved to L.A. to try his luck (1965).

He worked in a factory while putting out demo tapes around town. He was picked up by Sussex Records and put out his first album called "Just as I Am" in 1971 which featured Booker T.(Booker T. and the MG's) as producer and Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass as well as Stephen Stills on guitar. The song yielded the hit "Ain't No Sunshine," which went to number three on the U.S charts. This is the song that Bill sings the words "I know" 26 times. This would win him a Grammy Award.

In 1972, he would record the album "Still Bill." The single "Lean on Me" was released in July of 1972 and shot to number one. In August, "Use Me" was released and made it to number two on the charts.

"Use Me" has such a great opening hook as provided by Bassist Melvin Dunlap and keyboards by Ray Jackson. It takes you in right away. More than any song Withers did, this one seems like a narrated story, but with lots of emotion:

My friends feel it's their appointed duty
They keep trying to tell me all you want to do is use me
But my answer yeah to all that use me stuff
Is I want to spread the news that if it feels this good getting used
Oh you just keep on using me until you use me upUntil you use me up
Everyone he knows wants him out of this relationship but himself. This might remind you of our post about Kristy McColl's "They Don't Know", which has the same message.

Withers would have other hits including "Just the Two of Us" (with Grover Washington Jr.) in 1982.

How cool is "Use Me"? No fewer than thirty-one covers of the song have been released to date, including versions by Mick Jagger, Liza (I'll cover anything) Minnelli and Rockapella. We are of course including his recording along with a cover by Hootie and the Blowfish and Liza with a "Z" for comparison.

The Debate Continues: Top Ten Kinks Songs Ever?

Yup, we are back after a crazy few weeks where our attention was diverted elsewhere.  We had a few requests in the meantime and here is one of them fulfilled...What are the ten best Kinks songs ever?

The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential British groups of all time, with millions of record sales and countless awards and accolades to their name. From their explosive beginnings as part of the British Beat movement to forays into concept albums, stadium rock and acoustic balladeering, The Kinks have left an unimpeachable legacy of classic songs, many of which form the building blocks of popular music as we know it today.
Read more at http://www.thekinks.info/about-the-kinks/the-band/#yD3GqcDwfKIMphCS.99

The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential British groups of all time, with millions of record sales and countless awards and accolades to their name. From their explosive beginnings as part of the British Beat movement to forays into concept albums, stadium rock and acoustic balladeering, The Kinks have left an unimpeachable legacy of classic songs, many of which form the building blocks of popular music as we know it today.
Read more at http://www.thekinks.info/about-the-kinks/the-band/#yD3GqcDwfKIMphCS.99

If you are unfamiliar with Ray and Dave Davies and the rest of the boys, please read up on them here.

In their 32 year run, the Kinks had five Top 10 singles on the US Billboard chart. Nine of their albums charted in the Top 40. The RIAA has certified four of The Kinks' albums as gold records. In 1990 the original four members of The Kinks were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They have released 24 studio albums and seemingly multiple compilations and other live albums as well.

The kinks were steeped in blues and rhythm and blues but had a heaver rock sound as the years went on. They could be very unpredictable with one song being soft and dreamy and another coming right down on your head. Many credit them as being the first punk band ever.

They never achieved the commercial success as the Rolling Stones or Beatles. but they have a fanatical following to this very day. To that point, many of their songs continue to be underrated. "God save the Kinks!

The staff at Monahan's Song of the Week offers the following ten songs as our favorites. If you want to add to this list or have a comment, drop us a line here.

Ten Best Kinks Songs Ever:

10. "A Gallon of Gas" (1979) That was the year you couldn't get one and the feeling still resonates today.



9. "Sitting in the Midday Sun." (1973) A great song that should have charted.

8. "Sunny Afternoon" (1966) The Kinks take on living in a tax world where they take it all.

"The tax man's taken all my DOUGH, And left me in my stately home, Lazing on a sunny afternoon. 
And I can't sail my yacht, He's taken everythin' I've got, All I've got's this sunny afternoon." 

7. "Lola" (1970) WAY ahead of its time. A song that helped a lot of people get a clue.

6. "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" (1966) Bet you know someone just like this.

5. "Waterloo Sunset" (1967) Hard to not smile and relax listening to this one. Simple pleasures...

"Millions of people swarming like flies 'round Waterloo underground
But Terry and Julie cross over the river
Where they feel safe and sound
And they don't need no friends
As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset
They are in paradise "

4. "Come Dancing" (1982) A coming of age song with KILLER horns...



3. "Celluloid Heroes" (1972) Featured on this blog in August 2013 Few songs like this one exist. A masterpiece tribute to Hollywood. Still underrated.

2. "Better Things" (1982) What a brilliant song of faith, hope and encouragement. We could use a lot more like this one in our lives.

"It's really good to see you rocking out

 And having fun,

 Living like you've just begun.

 Accept your life and what it brings,

I hope tomorrow you'll find better things"

1. "All the Day and All of the Night" (1964) One of the greatest rock songs of all time and the power chord intro is second to none. This is the song that got it all started for them.

The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential British groups of all time, with millions of record sales and countless awards and accolades to their name. From their explosive beginnings as part of the British Beat movement to forays into concept albums, stadium rock and acoustic balladeering, The Kinks have left an unimpeachable legacy of classic songs, many of which form the building blocks of popular music as we know it today.
Read more at http://www.thekinks.info/about-the-kinks/the-band/#yD3GqcDwfKIMphCS.99

The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential British groups of all time, with millions of record sales and countless awards and accolades to their name. From their explosive beginnings as part of the British Beat movement to forays into concept albums, stadium rock and acoustic balladeering, The Kinks have left an unimpeachable legacy of classic songs, many of which form the building blocks of popular music as we know it today.
Read more at http://www.thekinks.info/about-the-kinks/the-band/#yD3GqcDwfKIMphCS.99

Honorable mention: Tired of Waiting (1965) We should have said the to 11 Songs...

Robbie Robertson: "Somewhere Down the Crazy River" (1987)

Robbie Robertson was born Jaime Robert Klegerman in Toronto, Canada. His father was Jewish and mother Mohawk. After his father died, his mother remarried and took the name Robertson and so did Robbie.

 

He grew up playing in a number of local bands and met Ronnie Hawkins, who performed sever songs Robbie had written. He played lead guitar in Ronnie's band know as the Hawks and by the time he had left the band in 1963, he was known to be a guitar wizard. 

 The rest of the Hawks, (Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson) left as well and would together form The Band. The Band would back Bob Dylan for years and they would be famous of their own accord as well until the stopped touring in 1976. Their final concert "The Last Waltz" was filmed by Martin Scorsese and is a concert film classic. Ronnie Hawkins and countless stars appeared as guests in the concert. The most interesting moment for us is on "Further On Up the Road", where Eric Claptons's guitar strap falls off just as he was going into the opening lead. Robbie took the lead and didn't miss a note until Clapton was re-strapped.

Robertson released his first solo album in 1987 cleverly called "Robbie Robertson".  

According to Wikipedia: "When asked about the inspiration for the album's single "Somewhere Down the Crazy River", producer Daniel Lanoithes commented: "Robbie Robertson was describing what it was like to hang out in Arkansas with Levon Helm in his old neighborhood. He was telling me about the hot nights and fishing with dynamite, and was asking someone for directions for someplace somewhere down the crazy river. ... I had presented him with this instrument that Eno introduced me to called the Suzuki Omnichord, like an electric autoharp. He found a little chord sequence with it that was sweet and wonderful. As he was developing his chord sequence I recorded him and superimposed his storytelling, which I was secretly recording, on top. That was the birth of 'Somewhere Down The Crazy River.' It's kind of like a guy with a deep voice telling you about steaming nights in Arkansas.”

 

Robertsons narration led to some film work and he would wind up narrating,acting or composing music for over 20 movies.

"Wait, did you hear that?
Oh this is sure stirring up some ghosts for me
She said "There's one thing you've got to learn
Is not to be afraid of it."
I said "No, I like it, I like it, it's good."
She said "You like it now,
But you'll learn to love is later."

Robbie composed some very famous songs including "The Weight", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", "Up On Cripple Creek", and "Broken Arrow".

A few things to watch for in this excellent video. The bass player is playing a fret less bass. The autoharp the song was composed on is visible in a few shots as well. Also watch for Sam Llanas, from The BoDeans, who provides a unique backing voice on the song. The BoDeans were featured on this blog in 2012.



Mose Allison: "Your Mind is on Vacation" (1962)

It is almost his birthday. Mose John  Allison Jr. was born November 11, 1927 in Mississippi. He would go to school, learn piano, serve in the military and finish college.

He was heavily influenced by the blues and his Mississippi upbringing but of all places, brought it to New York were he played with Stan Getz, Zoot Sims and Gerry Mulligan among others. He would get a record deal in 1957, but his label would not let him sing at all. He would not put out an all vocals album until 1963. It featured his trio doing covers of Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Dixon and others but it was his original work that stood out. He had a hit with "Parchman Farm", which would be one of his most popular songs.

In 1962, Mose came out with "I Don't Worry About a Thing", which included "Your Mind is on Vacation."  Reviewer Alan Kurtz gives us these observations: 

"In the culture-clash of jazz and psychiatry, shrinks have gotten short shrift. Mose Allison, however, plays Devil's advocate, enacting the role of long-suffering clinician who's endured more bellyaching than even the highly compensated can tolerate. "You're sittin' there yakkin' in my face," declares Dr. Allison at wit's end. "I guess I'm gonna have to put you in your place." Technically called counter-resistance, this can seriously impair the doctor-patient relationship. But when delivered with Mose Allison's Laid-back Sage of the Mississippi Delta aplomb and set to his funky down-home piano, such in-your-face attitude is delectably therapeutic."

You're sitting there yakkin' right in my face
I guess I'm gonna have to put you in your place
Y'know if silence was golden
You couldn't raise a dime
Because your mind is on vacation and your mouth is
Working overtime

His songs are thoughtful, yet playful at the same time. You can jut picture him sitting in a bar in the Village laying this song on the audience.

Mose, now in his 80's has well over 40 albums to his credit.  He has influenced the likes of The Who, Elvis Costello and Hendrix while his songs have been covered by countless musicians.
We believe him to be one of the most talented songwriters and underrated jazzman ever.

Several staff at Monahan's Song saw Mose walk into a bar at Disney World and sit down at the piano and play ten songs. Someone who did not know it was him walked up and dropped a dollar on the piano as a tip. Mose burst out laughing...
 

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!"