Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy

Ciao My Shining Star:The Songs of Mark Mulcahy is a tribute to acclaimed Miracle Legion, Polaris front man, and Connecticut indie legend Mark Mulcahy, in memory of his wife Melissa who passed away in 2008. The interpretations of alternative songwriter Mulcahy’s music by Thom Yorke, Michael Stipe, Dinosaur Jr., Mercury Rev, The National, Frank Black, Josh Rouse, The Butterflies Of Love and many others will ease Mr Mulcahy’s financial burden of raising a family as a single parent. This collection of new music is available in three configurations: a 21-track CD, a 21-track digtal download, and a 41-track deluxe download on iTunes. I would strongly urge you to pony up the extra money and buy the 41 track download which has terrific not to be missed performances by The Gravel Pit, Dumptruck, Laura Veirs, and Buffalo Tom among others.

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On Sunday, September 20th, 2009 there was a benefit for Mark and his family at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th St, Brooklyn, NY. Guests included Mark’s former Miracle Legion bandmate Ray Neal along with Frank Black, the late Vic Chesnutt, The Autumn Defense, David Berkeley, Chris Harford, The Butterflies of Love, BP Helium, The Gravel Pit, Winterpills and many more. Also on the bill was the World Premiere of the Thom Yorke music video “All For The Best.” There was also readings by Graphic Novelist Ben Katchor.

photo credit: RazingCulture

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
-Shakespeare

Ah, the elusive band name. Every musical outfit has the “what are we going to call ourselves ” moment. The Beatles solved it with a twist on Buddy Holly’s backing band, The Crickets. The Rolling Stones named themselves after a Muddy Waters song. Nirvana? What could be better than “a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality.?” Let’s take a brief look at the names of our musical muses.

My Bloody Valentine – Named after a 1981 Canadian slasher film. While we’re on the subject of blood I should mention that the sheer volume of this band may cause your ears to bleed.

New York Dolls – Sassy, trashy, and in yer face. God love ‘em.

Wu-Tang Clan - Taken from Wu Dang mountain in China, which was associated with Taoism, martial arts and medicine.

The Trashmen – When you’ve recorded the worlds trashiest song,”Surfin’ Bird,” then you deserve this name.

Bad Brains – I love this name. No explanation necessary.

The Sex Pistols – Originally called QT Jones and the Sex Pistols. There’s a lot to be said for brevity.

Sonic Youth – Combines the nickname of MC5’s Fred “Sonic” Smith with reggae artist Big Youth. They may have topped it with their one off tribute to Madonna – Ciccone Youth.

My Morning Jacket – Worst indie music band name ever. Guess all the good names were taken. Does not work on any level.

? and The Mysterians – From a Japanese sci fi movie. Lead singer Rudy Martinez legally changed his name to ? – really!

The Velvet Underground – Taken from the title of a kinky book. After all is said and done, it is SEX, drugs, and rock n’ roll that we’re talking about here.

Devo - Shorthand for de-evolution or the dumbing down of our world. True prophets.

Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes – Perfectly captures the hedonism of the 70’s. Their singer was a hairdresser named Monti Rock III.

Kraftwerk – German for Power Station. Although I like to think of their music as being very “krafty.”

De La Soul – When you’re known for masterful wordplay, rapping, and music it follows that you have a great name.

Gang of Four – A leftist political faction composed of four Chinese Communist Party officials who were subsequently charged with a series of treasonous crimes. The band was sorta political too.

Hootie & the Blowfish – Taken from a Bob Dylan song, “Only Wanna Be With You.” I guess Bob’s lyrics can’t all be as good as “Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat.”

U2 – Inclusive, embracing, just like their rock music anthems.

ZZ Top – A sly reworking of BB King. When you consider their clever wordplay and singular take on da blooz, this name makes perfect sense.

Lothar & The Hand People – Taken from a dream in which an enslaved race called the Hand People are saved by a hero named Lothar. A name like this could only have happened in the 60’s.

Got yourself a favorite  band name? Then by all means, drop a line.

photo credit: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³

I love music. I love movies. And I go absolutely nuts for a great movie soundtrack. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.

Blow Up – Herbie Hancock + The Yardbirds, Tomorrow.

Great score by Herbie. Music ranges from cool Organ Lounge, to Jazz Combo, to full blown Free Jazz. The Yardbirds cut is great, while the Tommorow cuts, featuring future Yes-man Steve Howe, are pretty forgettable.

Barbarella – Bob Crewe

Very cool. Futuristic Lounge music with a Rock twist from the vastly underrated Mr. Crewe.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E – Hugo Montenegro

Awesome Spy music from the great Hugo Montenegro. Blaring horns, twangy guitars, and Bossa Nova influenced chill out music for the discerning listener.

Trouble Man – Marvin Gaye

Excellent Soul-Jazz workout. What film noir sounded like in the 70s. The title track is absolutely mesmerizing.

Breakfast At Tiffanys – Henry Mancini

The hardest part about selecting a Mancini soundtrack is deciding which one to leave out. A sappy “Moon River”, which is infinitely better when sung by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, gives way to ultra cool Latin, Big Band, and Easy Listening heaven.

Shaft – Issac Hayes

The Grandaddy of funk inspired soundtracks. The baddest wah-wah intro ever on the title track, and those lyrics! Outrageous. “Bumpys Lament” is also a real standout.

La Dolce Vita – Nino Rota

The movie that got me seriously listening to what was happening behind the dialogue. Beautiful themes and orchestration by Mr. Rota.

I Want To Live - Johnny Mandel, Gerry Mulligan

Hands down one of the best Jazz soundtracks ever. Great work by Johnny Mandel and terrific playing from baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan.

A Hard Days Night – The Beatles

What can you say? Lennon-McCartney at their pop peak. The best Rock/Pop Musical ever.

Twin Peaks – Angelo Badalamenti

Ethereal, cool, passionate, gorgeous. Julee Cruise’s hypnotic vocals are also a wonder to behold.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Ennio Morricone

Spaghetti Western music at its best. Atmospheric, bold, with the feel of the wide open spaces of the old west.

A Tribute To Jack Johnson – Miles Davis

Miles, the musical chameleon, comes up with another winner. No holds barred Rock n’ Roll meets blistering Jazz-Funk. Dig John McLaughlin’s incendiary  guitar work.

Goldfinger – John Barry

Is there anything cooler than the James Bond theme? No. Shirley Bassey delivers a first rate vocal on the title track to this glamorous spy-fest.

photo credit: C G-K

Cover Bands. I’ve done it. It’s a fairly noble thing to give the people what they want. Bar Bands do it, Jazz Trios do it, and Symphony Orchestras also do it. Let’s go to  YouTube for some Neil Diamond covers by amateur musicians and give out grades.

Solitary Man – Bradford and Lasso

Halfway decent. They’re proficient on their instruments, vocal is okay. Stick around for the nice instrumental ending. B-

Sweet Caroline – Elvis Elite

Neil is sometimes known as the Jewish Elvis. Elvis Elite takes Caroline away from Neil’s Brooklyn roots and out to Memphis. A reasonable Elvis facsimile, although, some king-style karate moves would’ve definitely spiced things up. B

I’m a Believer – Fawzia

Beautifully strange and peaceful. There is something about Fawzia’s vibe that really gets to me. Not much in the way of stage presence, but who cares. B+

America – The War Ponies

I get it. As a matter of fact, I got this shtick about 5 seconds into it. If you can bear to wade through  5:27 of this dreck, than you are a better person than me. D-

Play Me – Zach

The kid is good. Nice finger picking, sweet voice, and well played. Slow tempo songs can really expose your faults. No problem here, Zach holds up nicely. A

Sweet Caroline – Jonas Bros

Horrible. You thought I was only talking about amateurs, right? This footage pretty much confirms that remark. A quick Stub Hub look up found JB tickets priced at anywhere from $20 – $5000. All of the marketing and all of the pro backup musicians in the world cannot disguise one basic fact. These guys suck. F

America – The Castillo Kids

Wow! This has everything. Good playing, amazing energy, and an absolutely fantastic ending. Take that, Jonas Bros! A+++

The newest Postmarks collection, Memoirs at the End of the World, trades in the low-key atmospherics of their 1st release for the big sound of the cinema. While the self titled debut took it’s cues from Bossa Nova, Bacharach, and the baroque pop of the late 60’s, Memoirs has upped the ante with arrangements, courtesy of band members Jonathan Wilkins and Christopher Moll, that recall the film scores of Lalo Schifrin, Henry Mancini, and John Barry. This is good news. It sets The Postmarks apart from the pack of Ivy /Softies/ Camera Obscura clones while daring Postmarks fans to ascend to a new level.

Key to the album are the beguiling vocals of Tim Yehezkely. In an age where American Idol Shriekathons pass for singing, it’s a pleasure to hear the intimate and sophisticated vocal work of lead singer/songwriter Yehezkely. Whether it’s the Bondish “Thorn In Your Side” or the driving “For Better Or Worse,” the spooky “Run Away Love,” which could have been an outtake from Rosemary’s Baby,  or the sassy pop of “Go Jetsetter,” The Postmarks grand cinematic gesture connects on so many levels. Bombastic, sweet, romantic, or elaborate, The Postmarks, like the soundtracks they emulate, have all of the moods covered. A great 2nd effort. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.

photo credit: duziem

At first I saw Yoko Ono as a slightly nutty artist who had attached herself to a Beatle. I’ll admit that what initially drew me to her were her caterwauling shrieks on the song “Don’t Worry, Kyoko (Mummy’s Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow)”, the b-side to John Lennon’s “Cold Turkey” a song on many a jukebox in the early 70’s. Being the obnoxious teenage twerps that we were, nothing was more fun than to go to our favorite pizza place and harass the other diners with Yoko’s collection of shrieks and screams.

Then, a funny thing happened. I realized what Yoko was attempting had honesty, bravery, and commitment. Whether fighting for woman’s rights with “She Hits Back” and “Woman Power” or melding the avant garde with rock in “Mind Train” and “Why” or calling for peace and understanding with “We’re All Water” and “Starpeace.” A readjustment of my viewpoint was in order.

By the early 80’s artists Lene Lovich and the B-52’s with a nifty Ono impersonation on “Rock Lobster”, were showing a clear indication that they too were listening to Yoko. Coupled with tributes from Sonic Youth and Elvis Costello, something new was in the air. Yoko Ono was commanding respect on her own terms.

In April 2003, a remixed version of “Walking on Thin Ice” went to number one on the dance charts. She followed this with “Everyman…Everywoman…” which also topped the charts as did “No No No”, and “I’m Not Getting Enough.” February 2007 saw the release of “Yes, I’m a Witch,” a collection of remixes and covers by artists including The Flaming Lips, Cat Power, Antony, DJ Spooky, Porcupine Tree and Peaches. Another compilation “Open Your Box” followed in April of the same year.

An invitation to the 2009 Meltdown Festival in London saw the unveiling of the new Plastic Ono Band which features her son Sean as well as Cornelius and Yuka Honda. A new Plastic Ono Band collection “Between My Head And The Sky” is due for release in September of 2009.

On June 11th, 2009 Yoko was honored with the Mojo Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award. At the presentation, MOJO editor Phil Alexander commented:

“Yoko Ono helped change music as we know it, first by introducing avant-garde sensibilities to her husband and secondly, just as significantly, by continuing to push the boundaries of what was deemed the normal way after that. She is a huge influence on modern music and this award recognizes her inspirational qualities and ongoing questing.Yoko Ono is unique and we are thrilled to commemorate her lifetime on the front line.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Quincy Jones

Photo by: World Economic Forum

Since the death of Michael Jackson there has been a tidal wave of media coverage about the King Of Pop. Thankfully, a wave or two has pointed to his main collaborator, the wonderfully talented Quincy Jones. Quincy and Michael met on the production of the movie “The Wiz” Soon after they were working on Michaels’ breakout album “Off The Wall” The rest is pop history on the grandest scale. I’d like to talk a little about Quincy before he and MJ shook up the world.

Q’s career took off in New York City in the late 50’s, where he made some noise arranging songs for artists like Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Gene Krupa, and Ray Charles.

After signing a contract to arrange and produce for Mercury Records, one of Q’s first brushes with pop music was with 60’s teen idol singer Lesley Gore In 1963 he produced one of her biggest hits, “It’s My Party”. Q then went on to arrange and conduct Frank Sinatra’s album with Count Basie, “It Might as Well Be Swing” (1964). Jones’ arrangement of “Fly Me to the Moon” from the LP literally made it to the moon in 1969 as the first music played for NASA’s lunar landing mission by astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

By the mid 60’s Mr. Jones was in Hollywood, which naturally meant Movie and TV work. Some of Q’s soundtrack work from the 60’s to early 70’s would include:

In the Heat of the Night, Ironside, Sanford and Son, and The Bill Cosby Show. Lots of blues inspired  funk workouts here including a killer performance by Ray Charles on the title song from “In The Heat Of The Night”.

In the late 70’s Q was looking to work with something new. Funky but with a dose of pure pop. He found the perfect formula when he teamed with The Brothers Johnson on the glorious “Stomp”. It was a sign of things to come. MJ and Off The Wall were just around the bend.