Music For A Monday - Michael Stanley Midwest Midnight

As usual, in my office working and listening to music today when I have a sudden urge to hear "Midwest Midnight" by the Michael Stanley Band.

Michael Stanley is one of those artists that I have always enjoyed yet most people don't seem to know of him, one of those hidden treasures nationally, although huge in Cleveland and surrounding areas. You probably know him from his hit "He Can't Love You" from the 1980 Heartland album, which IIRC also had one of those MTV video thingies.

What you may not know is that he caught the attention of some great artists early in his career, most notably close friend Joe Walsh who later included the Stanley penned "Rosewood Bitters" on his The Confessor release.

Anyway "Midwest Midnight" is a great song I remember from late '70s radio - probably WLS. Am not sure if it was just a regional hit here in Chicago or if it got national play. Here is a version from a recent show in St Louis (which explains the anti-cubs announcements...)



Stanley continues to tour and record, now with The Resonators. I highly recommend the Live In Tangiers release which is a double acoustic set full of great originals and covers, and features the quintessential version of 'Bitters I have heard.

Enjoy!
SB