My Thermos

to love the Internet, today I found this:



Thanks E - made my day!

SB

as Don Wilson celebrates #62 today.

While I imagine most aren't familiar with Don's name (admittedly, I wasn't), you are most certainly familiar with his band The Ventures and the signature guitar sound that drives songs like "Walk Don't Run", "Hawaii Five-O" and countless others.

Here is the classic Walk Don't Run for you viewing and listening pleasure:



For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading up on them while listening to this playlist.

You don't have anything better to do, do you?

SB

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

We lost a great one this last weekend as Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops passed at age 72.



RIP Levi

Have you heard Johnny A yet? Here is a great one from his terrific, and highly recommended, "Sometime Tuesday Morning" release.

Enjoy!

In honor of Gov't Mule finally announcing a Chicago date for their summer tour, I am officially declaring today, and every Friday, Mule Day.

To help prepare you for this, I have compiled this handy FAQ.

What does this mean? It probably means that each Friday I'll post something Gov't Mule related.

So um, what is a Gov't Mule? Gov't Mule is the World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band. Here is their website.

What sort of music does this Gov't Mule play? What don't they play? Primarily known for their guitar based rock, they are quite eclectic, particularly in a live setting.

Who is in this Gov't Mule? Gov't Mule is comprised of guitarist / vocalist Warren Haynes, Drummer Matt Abts, Keyboardist Danny Louis and Bassist Andy Hess. Original bass player Allen Woody died in August of 2000.

I seem to recall you mentioning them before, how can I find out what else you have written? Check out all the things I have tagged Gov't Mule.

Boy - you seem to really like these guys. Yes, very much. I've been fortunate enough to see them live numerous times and they have never disappointed.

The name Warren Haynes sounds familiar - how else might I know him? Warren has had a couple of stints in The Allman Brothers Band. He has also played with both Phil Lesh & Friends and The Dead. You might have also seen him play with Dave Matthews on his Central Park DVD. He was ranked #23 on the Rolling Stone list of 100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time. He is awesome. I have seen him perform live almost 50 times.

50 times? Are you some sort of freak? Yes.

I might be interested in hearing them - how can I do that? One of the coolest things about Gov't Mule is that they allow taping and trading of their live shows. Search for them on any of your torrent sites like etree and download a show. Or for great quality stuff, pick up something from their MuleTracks site. I recommend 4-15-00 which was my first show, or any of the Mule Years Eve shows, or just pick one randomly. It will kick your ass - guaranteed. Their official studio stuff is available where ever the shiny CDs are sold including Amazon. I imagine they are probably available on iTunes as well.

You didn't answer my question - what's up with that? If I missed anything, please let me know in the comments.

So for an inaugural item, here is a very cool video of them doing Grinnin' / Mule from way back in 1996. Check out the wicked slide work...



SB

A couple of cool YouTube finds today. Go ahead and watch them, they're good. Really.

Jackie Greene & Phil Lesh - Brokedown Palace

We saw Jackie a couple years back at Red Rocks opening for Gov't Mule and were terribly impressed. Was glad to hear he is playing with Phil now, should make for some interesting shows. Here is a beautiful version of brokedown, just amazing.

Gov't Mule - Get Behind The Mule

A great performance of the Tom Waits song by Gov't Mule during the Woody era. A fantastic song - and a great sentiment. If you aren't familiar with Warren Haynes & Gov't Mule - shame on you!!

Tim Easton - Wish You Well

Not sure where I discovered Tim but am really glad I did. A great voice and talented player. Really need to dig deeper into his catalog.

Adam Hood - Fool Of An Honest Man

One of my favorite finds of the past couple years. His 6th Street EP is just brilliant and I am really enjoying his new release. He is making his way to Chicago at the end of the month, am trying to figure out how to make it to see him.

Jackson Browne - These Days

Could easily be one of the greatest songs ever written... Such an amazing songwriter.

and finally

Paul Weller - Brand New Start

One of my biggest regrets is that I have never seen this man live. From his work with The Jam to now, he is an artist I really respect and enjoy.

Ok - that's it. Hope you enjoyed - and perhaps had a chance to see something new.

Cheers!
SB