LouieB

You got it......luckily when she did try her hand at songwriting she got it right.... The comp that Twisted Acres mentioned looks good to me. His judgement and knowledge on this stuff is flawless. I believe Billie recorded for four labels during her career (there may be more, because jazz musicians often recorded for multiple labels even at the same time....), Columbia, Decca, Commodore and finally Verve. The Columbia sessions are considered by many to be her best stuff, when she was young, playing with Lester Young and other members of the Basie and other bands. The interplay between B

UH....maybe you should go with Rusted Root then..... LouieB

My point exactly.....I am not a fan, but I am sure no self respecting fan would be that interested in the post 70s albums. LouieB

I can't even imagine what they are still doing together....Much less actually going to see them. I suppose it depends on how you feel about jam bands.... LouieB

Uh...I think you will find Black Sabbath got started in 1969 and was really big during the 1970s. LouieB

Yea, nothing like a good murder ballad to make your day......always makes mine....particularly when I am in a murderous mood.... Thanks!! I know you knew that, but it bears repeating for the less informed. This is where I trot out my usual suggestion of reading The Rise and Fall of Popular Music, but frankly just about any good book on the history of popular music will tell you the same thing, songs were originally written by songwriters and sung by singers. Frankly I can't tell you how many times I have seen (mostly opening) bands do an entire set of original material, only to have the

Seriously you have a point.....I hate it when it sounds like no one is actually playing on a song. LouieB

Yea, I realize you aren't a big fan of artists covering others, but the history of recording artists covering songs is a significant and important part of the history of popular music and the way many musicans made a living (and in some cases a really good living, both those writing for others and singing others songs). Interestingly enough I was part of a conversation with Rob from Bloodshot about this on Saturday night. He was talking about the fact that more recording artists should do covers, rather than originals, because in some cases the covers are better. He was using the example

Is that the problem?? thanks for clearing that up.... LouieB

that is one of my all time favorite pedal steel solos ever..... LouieB

Interesting though.....REM did help Patti come back into prominence by letting her sing on "E-Bow the Letter". I think all four of Patti's most recent albums have something to recommend them. LouieB

Really sad....RIP Sneaky Pete....he played in many of the versions of the FBB over the years..... LouieB

Personally I think Hermans Hermits and Dave Clark are high art compared to Britany Spears. While there was some lack of substance even in some British invasion groups, the overall quality was still better and way more fun than the current crop of teeny boppers. I think it is interesting that REM is saying they don't want to be inducted before the Monkees, since the Monkees were a totally manufactured group who had people writing songs for them (some of them great pop moments) and playing their instruments for them. The enduring qualities of the Monkees (and Dave Clark and Herman, etc.) come

Yea, maybe but with alot more edge...... I have a hard time believing that in 40 years Rhino will be bringing out a box set of the pop-tarts of the 90s and 00s. But then what do I know. LouieB

As a dad I resent that..... Are you questioning my judgement??? (Its got a good beat and you can dance to it.......) LouieB

This show sold out in minutes. Good luck and if you find an extra send it my way. LouieB

Too bad. I even like her more recent stuff. LouieB

I doubt Ira Glass hangs out anywhere in Chicago anymore, since the show has moved to NYC. But if these guys want to know where to hang out just in general, aside from Ann Sathers, they can PM me. The best tiki bar is out by the des plaines river. LouieB

Way past due for Patti.... LouieB

This album will sell a million copies... LouieB

That show kicked ass....I was there...what a fun time. LouieB

Among my top faves of the year was the Tortoise Box set....I listen to it all the time. LouieB

I just heard this on the radio the other day....I guess Johnny Marr needed a steady gig after the group he started went nowhere. I really think it is time for a Smiths reunion....everyone could benefit from that. LouieB

Absolutely.....The Missing Years, from a few years back, is his late career stunner. Great stuff. Sadly John has had some health problems in the last decade, but then again he has lasted longer than his good friend and nearly equally talented songwriter friend Steve Goodman. LouieB

Since John Prine was part of the folk revival in Chicago when I got here in the early 70s, I guess there has not been a time since then that I have not known about him. His first several records were (are) unbelievably good. He is still good, but those salad days still seem to me to be the best. At the time everyone was singing his songs. LouieB