'Fore Day Creep

Sometimes I forget just how many 60s bands from England paid tribute to American bluesmen. Unfortunately, when their records made their way to the US most teenagers were unaware that they were listening to electric/psychedelic renditions of classic American tunes. I found out because my father knew and I used to read every single word inside the jacket covers of my dad's albums.

Here's an example: Cream, 1966, Disraeli Gears, "Outside Woman Blues". Their version is great! But, it is an old song that many bluesmen had in their bag of riffs. My favorite version may be Brownie McGhee's. But, he called it "'Fore Day Creep".

Is there anything better than American blues music?

Pay it Forward...

A student gave me a box of old records (LP's) that her family didn't want anymore. In it were four original Blue Note Records releases by Jimmy Smith and Jay Jay Johnson as well as an original pressing of The Wailers second album, Burnin'! There were also several Wes Montgomery records that I have never heard and can't wait to play! I felt like a kid at Christmas. I had no idea what I was going to find! What a score! It's time to share some music with friends...

Punk's Not Dead!

"I listen to punk." I shudder when people say that. Because it's generally followed by a mumbled, shaky comment about the Sex Pistols. You're a punk because you've had Never Mind the Bollocks since ninth grade? You're the only disaffected teenager out there, right? Or perhaps you're a disaffected old fart that just bought a Pistols shirt from that store in the mall? Either way, you... and only you, are a true punk, right?

This is literally my worst nightmare in terms of a conversation. Almost without fail, these people have no real musical knowledge whatsoever.

I understand the historical significance of the Pistols. Of course, Never Mind the Bollocks is good. But then, Johnny Rotten on the mic is enough to make any band great! No one has a voice like that! Especially, when he screams through 'Bodies'. That song is as shocking today as it was then!

But, if you really want to be a "Punk", you'd better build a bigger catalog. Go and listen to Spiral Scratch by The Buzzcocks. This four-song EP has all the frantic, frenetic, chaos that "punks" are always looking for and it all happens in only ten minutes. Then go listen to Pink Flag by Wire.

Then, come back to the United States to bands like Television, Patti Smith, The Stooges or even The Velvet Underground if you really want to hear art. But, continue past 1976-77... the best music associated with the punk movement didn't arrive until 1978 and lasted until 1983.

I Ain't Marchin' Anymore!

As a teacher of US History, I get the chance to share our wonderful musical traditions with young people who might otherwise never be exposed to these songs.

As we're currently studying the anti-Vietnam protests of the 60s, I was able to play Phil Ochs' "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore". I've been listening to Phil for years, but it's exciting to expose young people to such powerful music.

Especially this song. It's a miniature US history lesson in 2:35! Everything from Andrew Jackson chasing the Seminoles south to the United Fruit Company's exploitation of Costa Rica.

Often, we only remember Dylan's contribution to the protest era. But, Phil Ochs deserves his just share.

Music is Life!

It's been one of those weeks. I am reminded once again of the power of music. I owe my sanity today to Mississippi Fred McDowell and John Lee Hooker.