You Snooze, You Win?

As we near the end of my least favorite month, it seems like most of ‘Murica is blanketed in large amounts of snow and FREEZING COLD temperatures. This has got me not only thinking, but strategizing. Perhaps instead of taking part in our usual daily responsibilities we should just blow them off.

In 1986, The Fabulous Thunderbirds best summed it up in song with “Why Get Up.”

It’s no surprise I enjoy Jimmie Vaughan’s guitar licks on this one. At some point, I remember hearing this song on a couple of morning radio shows, but I wasn’t sure if this was an original or a cover. It turns out it was written by Bill Carter and Ruth Ellsworth. Carter is in the Austin Music Hall of Fame. He also co-wrote “Willie the Wimp” and “Crossfire” which were recorded by Jimmie’s younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan.

I hadn’t heard any additional versions on top of the T-birds original one until today. It turns out Robert Palmer recorded a funky take on this one as well.

It’s interesting to hear the different instrumentation on Palmer’s version. If your ears require more twang, there’s actually a version by Don Williams out there as well.

There was a Saturday Night Live skit which also applies here. It was a product called “Hibernol” which allows to you sleep through the entire cold and flu season. Where do I get some of that?

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Just a Pinch

Have you ever been really confounded by the process of finding a particular song you like? I know I have. Nowadays, I use the Shazam phone app for assistance, but that didn’t used to be an option. Back in the day, I used to identify the singer or band by ear and then head to my local record shop to see if I could find it. (And, no, that’s not an exact science.)

One song which pops to my mind is a Joe Walsh song called “All Night Long.” I can remember hearing this on the radio while one of my parents was driving and I was sitting in the front passenger seat. It was probably a Top 40 station because the song was released in 1980. I can remember laughing at the line “Keep a-grinning ’til the weekend comes / Just a pinch between your cheek and gum.” The second part was part of Skoal’s advertising campaign for its smokeless tobacco back then. They had a lot of different spokesmen including Charlie Daniels and New York Cosmos soccer goalie Shep Messing if I remember correctly.

I don’t think the song is really too obscure, but here’s where it’s confusing to me. In May 1980, it was released as a single as part of the Urban Cowboy soundtrack. (Great film and soundtrack by the way!) Apparently, the traditional fiddle tune “Orange Blossom Special” by Gilley’s Urban Cowboy Band was the flip side of the 45 RPM. Then a live version of “All Night Long” was also released on “Eagles Live!” in November 1980.

In any event, I really dig this song. It’s basically a rowdy, blue collar, working class romp and I love it. Musically, there’s a guitar riff based around the E minor pentatonic scale that really grabs your ear and then Walsh’s vocals and guitar solo do most of the rest. The chant of “All Night Long” is contagious and reminds of David Bowie’s “Jean Genie” in that way. By the way, do you think the whole “Urban Cowboy” look is how most people see Americans?

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Falling Back

Well it’s Daylight Saving Time for most of us. Last year I mentioned how different states embrace or deny the whole concept. I guess it depends on where you are or where you live. Personally, I always feel like my internal clock is ready to “fall back” a week or two prior to the actual change. The one song that recently popped into my head (which I think applies here) is “Fall on Me” by R.E.M.

I guess it would be too much to ask the lyric to be “Fall back on me”, but whatever. I was never really into R.E.M. during their heyday, but their music was definitely around. They were very “alternative” — whatever that means. So what does “Fall on Me” mean? What is the song all about?

Apparently, it was inspired by the environmental idea of “acid rain.” I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, but I probably haven’t heard the term since this song was released in 1986. Lead singer Michael Stipe has said the song is basically about oppression, but the “don’t fall on me” lyric was inspired by acid rain.

When I hear certain R.E.M. songs, bassist Mike Mills‘ vocals usually catch my ear. This is a good example of that. I suppose it’s a nice contrast to lead singer Michael Stipe’s vocals.

The real question is, how come nobody ever invented an umbrella to keep acid rain from falling on all of us? It seems like someone would have jumped on the bandwagon at some point. I think $19.95 would be a fair price.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Eternal Ozzness?

It’s ironic that every TV news station is doing their “tributes” to the late Ozzy Osbourne this morning. Why is it ironic? Because he was a guy who made a name for himself by being scrutinized by said media throughout a good deal of his musical career. I’ve never been an Ozzy superfan, but definitely have some songs of his I’ve always enjoyed. One Ozzy tune I think has been overlooked is Shot in the Dark from the 1986 album Ultimate Sin.

Osbourne’s first three solo albums had great titles: Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, and Bark at the Moon. Years later there was Bat Head Soup: A Tribute to Ozzy. See what I mean?

I would probably have to pick his work with Randy Rhoads as my favorite chapter in his career. I might still have the double album Randy Rhoads Tribute on cassette somewhere. It’s a good collection of his Black Sabbath and solo efforts. Flying High Again is a good cut.

There’s plenty more which can be said about Osbourne, but one thing worth noting, in my opinion, is he was a big fan of The Beatles. I saw an interview where he talked about having a dream where his sister married Paul McCartney. You know, he went downstairs to breakfast and they were having corn flakes. I guess it beats Bats Head Soup.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

America Still Rocks

If you live in America, you’ve probably noticed those loud explosions during the past week or so. Yep, it’s time to recognize the United States of America’s birthday by blowing up as many things as you can get away with or at least lighting off some firecrackers. (Drinking alcohol is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged.) If fireworks aren’t your thing, hopefully you’ll find the time to enjoy some celebratory music. Versions of patriotic songs seem to come and go with the times. Recording artists like Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, and Kate Smith are a few of the first names which pop into my mind. However, Night Ranger will always hold a special place in my heart for their song “(You Can Still) Rock in America” from 1983’s “Midnight Madness” album.

Night Ranger was one of my first “favorite bands” when I was in junior high and high school. While the video may be a tad dated (and maybe ridiculous in parts), the song is guitar driven, high energy rock and roll. (There’s a nod to the flag raising on Iwo Jima around the 1:35 mark of the video.) In my opinion, we can always use more of that American invention of rock and roll.

One of my other favorite patriotic songs is “Rock, Flag, & Eagle” from the show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

I could muse ‘Murican for a lot longer. However, I feel obligated to mention the youngest competitor in this weekend’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest history is from the Kansas City metropolitan area. Thus, proves my theory that you can still rock (and eat) in America.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

P.S. “I’m gonna rise up, I’m gonna kick a little ass, gonna kick some ass in the USA, gonna climb a mountain, gonna sew a flag, gonna fly on an eagle, I’m gonna kick some butt, I’m gonna drive a big truck, I’m gonna rule this world, gonna kick some ass, gonna rise up, kick a little ass – ROCK, FLAG AND EAGLE!”

Hold It, Mac

I had a Fleetwood Mac song pop into my head recently. This one is really more of a Christine McVie led song and not Stevie Nicks. The song I’m talking about is called “Hold Me” from 1982’s album “Mirage.” It’s a pretty generic song title, but it has a really catchy pop chorus on it and some good lyrics. This song came my way via MTV and featured an abstract, desert setting video. Mick Fleetwood was digging up drumsticks in the sand, etc. It was directed by Steve Baron.

McVie cowrote the song with songwriter Robbie Patton. The final version featured McVie sharing lead vocals with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham, but an earlier version without Buckingham’s lead vocals is an interesting listen. The chorus lyrics are slightly different, too.

I feel like this version has a more R & B vibe and you can hear the piano much more clearly. There’s also a distinct Stevie Nicks’ “yeah yeah” around the 1:50 mark. The chorus is a lot catchier on the final version. Thanks to YouTube, you can also check out the version with isolated vocals.

My favorite line in the song is “You hold the percentage, but I’m the fool payin’ the dues” which has a nice bit of vocal phrasing at the end. If I’m not mistaken, “Hold Me” even climbed higher in the charts than the Stevie Nicks penned tune “Gypsy.” By the way, you can also find a version of the cowboy song “Cool Water” from bassist John McVie around the same time period.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Starship Trooper – The Reprise

I know I have previously blogged about the band Yes, but I am doing it again. Why? Watch this insanely good live version of “Starship Trooper” from the 80s and, hopefully, you’ll understand. I believe this is Montreal in 1984. I came home from a long day and was pleased to find this on YouTube.

This 80s version of the mighty prog rock band doesn’t include Steve Howe on lead guitar. While that may be blasphemous to hardcore fans, this live clip, in my humble opinion, just can’t be denied. I’d love to tell you some deep understanding of the lyrics to this song, but the performance overrules that. You can tell the band is really into it and really enjoying themselves.

After reading a few comments on YouTube, the term “tone” is mentioned in reference to both the guitar playing of Trevor Rabin and bassist Chris Squire as well. Lead singer Jon Anderson’s voice is spot on in his own truly unique way.

Visually, you can see the band had reinvented their look to, presumably, appeal to a new generation of fans — and these fans had MTV. I really enjoyed seeing and hearing them. I may be way off base, but Rabin’s shirt reminds me of Picasso’s “Guernica.”

The band Yes is special to me because “90125” was the first cassette tape I ever bought. The album has plenty of great harmony blended with some music that really rocks! I had never heard anything like this band before that purchase. I’d never heard arrangements or lyrics put together in this way. While “Starship Trooper” is from a previous record, I think this live version makes the case for the musicianship of Yes — especially Montreal 1984.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Chuddy Dolenz Thanksgiving

I was searching for an appropriately “thankful” song or theme for Thanksgiving this year, then it came it to me via an 80s cult film. Maybe this is a stretch, but stay with me…

I turned on the 1984 film “C.H.U.D.” which is about Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers living in the New York City underground sewer system. I saw a guy in one scene (an actor named Gene O’Neill) and thought he looked a lot like Micky Dolenz from The Monkees.

What do you think? In any event, I searched through Micky Dolenz’s solo recording catalog and found a version of “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music”.

I’m not big into musicals, but I enjoyed listening to his take on this song. It’s a grateful/thankful song, right? Dolenz also has an album of all R.E.M. covers.

As for the movie, “C.H.U.D.” has a lot of familiar faces in it including a brief scene with John Goodman and Jay Thomas. Another of the actors is Daniel Stern who plays what I will call Skinny Sleeveless 1980s Dude. (Ralph Macchio rocked this phenomenon to much bigger success.) The film’s storyline involves nuclear waste and fighting off those cannibalistic humanoids, etc. It was directed by Douglas Cheek.

In conclusion, this movie made realize how thankful I am for my own world of movies, music, and turkey. Who knows what next year will bring?

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

Happy Crowley-Ween?

Wanna have some real fun this October, kids? Well, let me tell you how. First, dust off your old Ozzy Osbourne vinyl LPs. Don’t worry, you won’t even have to play them backwards! See if you can find Ozzy’s solo debut album “Blizzard of Oz” (1980) or “Tribute” (1987) or even “The Essential Ozzy Osbourne” (2003). The song you’re looking for is NOT the dance sensation that’s sweeping the nation. It starts with some heavy organ sounds and it’s called “Mr. Crowley”.

The song is about an English dude named Aleister Crowley. I believe his other monikers were “The Wickedest Man in the World” and “The Great Beast 666”. I’d hate to face anyone with those nicknames in a boxing ring. Crowley lived during the years 1875 and 1947. He was definitely into The Occult and Black Magic. What else? I guess he was a bisexual mountaineer as well.

Crowley has some credibility in the rock n roll world, even if he didn’t play guitar. He was one of those folks on the cover of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” album. Also, Led Zeppelin’s guitar wizard Jimmy Page was into Crowley. Page bought Crowley’s home “Boleskin House”, which is near Loch Ness. Why didn’t Crowley just add “Loch Ness Monster” to his nicknames as well? I glanced at some YouTube videos about Crowley, Page, and Boleskin recently. The Led Zeppelin song “Since I’ve Been Loving You” appeared on those searches, too.

I don’t think the song has anything to do with Crowley per se, but it’s dark sounding minor blues so it seems appropriate. Also, a Crowley expression, “Do what thou wilt” was apparently inscribed on Led Zeppelin III vinyl if I’m not mistaken.

I don’t know if I’ve done justice to the essence of Mr. Crowley, but maybe I’m better off not knowing.

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon!

The Octagon…gon…gon…gon…

What’s the definition of irony? How about seeing a commercial for the Ninja brand food processor while watching a ninja movie? Yes, it actually happened to me. The movie in question is “The Octagon” (1980) starring Perennial, ‘Murican BadAss Chuck Norris. I remember seeing the trailer for this on TV when I was a kid and it looked pretty wild. Watching it many years later is a different ball game. It’s interesting to see the old cars, big hair, etc. There’s also the whole internal monologue whispering thing.

The style of this film reminded me a little bit of 80’s TV series “The A-Team”, which came out a few years later. I think it’s mainly the production and the background music. One distracting part of the film is the supermassive hairdo of Art Hindle, who plays Norris’s friend. His hair looks like a bad mating experiment involving Shaun Cassidy and a woolly mammoth. Also, his voice reminds me of Bob Crane (aka Colonel Hogan).

You’ll see some other familiar faces like Lee Van Cleef and Gerald Okamura. Gerald O. plays the sort of ninja wrangler and trainer. There’s this whole backstory about Norris having a long lost brother who is now is sworn enemy, fight scenes, and a final showdown. One creative scene cuts between Norris having sex with some chick while his sworn enemy does a kama (sickle) workout. Freaky!

Till next time, keep your Mojo on the Horizon…zon…zon…zon!