Back in our slightly younger days back in the town of Martensville, Saskatchewan, this song used to get a big rise out of the semi, mostly and hardly inebriates at town functions. Sadly, Raylene Rankin passed away on September 30th after a battle with cancer. Thanks for the memories Raylene.
Tenor jazz saxophone player Von Feeman died on August 11, 2012 at 88. I love Saxophone and jazz, together a deadly combination. Von was one of the great innovators and creators of this sound in, what is known as, the Chicago School. I have attached 2 videos, one is live in Chicago in 1988, the second is Von playing last year at almost 90. Incredible sound, great player.
and the second
Regina born Roxanne Potvin, is a singer songwriter in the vein of Bonnie Raitt. In other words, excellent. She recorded this song with John Hiatt way back in 2006. It is on her second album “Tee Way It Feels”. The version I have placed here is live and, unfortunately, no John Hiatt.
Blues great Johnnie Bassett died on August 4, 2012 at the age of 76. He was a much in demand electric blues guitarist and a singer-songwriter. In addition to his session work, he toured with such notables as Tina Turner and Little Willie John. In session, he played with the Miracles and others. Here is one of his own compositions played live with the band, Hideaway.
Quickly becoming one my favourites, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals cook. Great rock/blues voice that can also sing a mean ballad, all backed up by a great band. This video is the band live at Bryant Park in NYC and involves 2 songs, “Paris (Ooh La La)”, a great rocker followed by “Medicine” a good time, old-time song. When you hit 8 minutes, they do something I have never seen before. If you like Heart or Joan Jett, you’ll like this band, a lot. I’m not sure, but I think El Guapo introduced me to this group, can’t remember, but if he did, kudos. If not, pretend.
With this post, we have now covered the first 150 songs on this list I discovered. Only 350 to go, blogger gold. This set has some drinking songs and lots of rock and roll, some classic, some newer and some that raises hackles on some people. Enjoy.
“Unicorn Song”
This one is for Hotspur. It isn’t pissing rainbows, but it is purple. One of the great drinking songs, done by the Irish Rovers in 1967, it reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Glen Campbell played guitar on the original. I think most people can sing at least a little of this one.
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2. Rush
“2112”
Rush, one of the greatest bands ever. 2112 is not a song, but one side of an album, broken into 7 pieces. The total length is 20:33. One of the best albums of all time. The video here is a live 6 minute piece of the song, taped in 1976.
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3. Treble Charger
“American Psycho”
A little more recent is Treble Charger’s song, American Psycho. Recorded in 2000 on their album “Wide Awake Bored“, it reached number 4 on Billboard’s Canadian Alt chart.
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4. Helix
“Heavy Metal Love”
Helix was popular in the late 70’s to the mid 80’s. Their sound was definitely heavy rock, a classic 80’s style.
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5. Nickelback
“Photograph”
Get your hate on. Nickelback, like em or leave em, are Canadian and are successful.
Ottawa and Montreal artist Lynn Miles recorded this tune on her 2010 album “Fall For Beauty”. The album was nominated in 2011 for a Juno in the Roots and Traditional category. She is singer-songwriter in the booming folk genre that is so popular these days. The video is a live version of the song and it showcases her strong voice in an acoustic version of the song. Well written and well performed. I hear some Shawn Colvin in there, which is a very good thing
I received an email from one of the blogs followers, Alan Wilson. He is part of a band called Moon Dancer with an interesting story. Since we first talked in October 2012, I have meant to highlight them in a post. The time is now. Please click on this link to learn a bit about the band.
The band released the featured video in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Watch the entire video to discover how you can help. Inspirational, touching, frustrating, anger creating, very emotional. Please help this worthy and critical organization.
Quickly becoming my new favourite song, Hero by Family of the Year. They are an indie band out of Los Angeles. They released their first album in 2009. Their break came when they were picked from over 700 groups to open for Ben Folds at his show with The Boston Pops. Enjoy Hero.
Jazz bassist, Don Bagley, left us on July 26, 2012. He was 85. Born in Salt Lake City, he played with such greats as Shorty Sherock, Bill Holman and Stan Kenton. He also did session work with Nat King Cole and Maynard Ferguson. The tribute song I have chosen is a performance by Julie London, with Don being the only player accompanying her.