The Big Blue Wrecking Crew

I'd like to start an in-depth discussion of the Starland Vocal Band.

ocmike24 said:

I'd like to start an in-depth discussion of the Starland Vocal Band.

I have to say, Mike, I figured you would have wanted to start a discussion on the Hughes Corporation first. 

There's nothing wrong with a little afternoon delight, and the song is ok to listen to every once in a great while as well. 

Matthew said:

ocmike24 said:

I'd like to start an in-depth discussion of the Starland Vocal Band.

I have to say, Mike, I figured you would have wanted to start a discussion on the Hughes Corporation first. 

Nah, I didn't want to Rock the Boat.

I'm not big on Will Ferrell as a rule, but the accapello quartet version of "Afternoon Delight" in Anchorman is hysterical, as is much of the movie. Ferrell even does an Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull bit.

So, raise your hand if you can translate this [in]famous lyric:

"If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed, now....it's just a sprinkling for the May Queen".

BTW, Matthew - "Because Baseball Sucks" is a great topic line.

jWerthfan said:

I'm not big on Will Ferrell as a rule, but the accapello quartet version of "Afternoon Delight" in Anchorman is hysterical, as is much of the movie. Ferrell even does an Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull bit.

So, raise your hand if you can translate this [in]famous lyric:

"If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed, now....it's just a sprinkling for the May Queen".

BTW, Matthew - "Because Baseball Sucks" is a great topic line.

I once heard Dolly Parton stutter that lyric and then shoved an ice pick in each ear.   As for translating the lyrics, I have enough trouble trying to figure out how Michael Bolton wasn't drawn and quartered after his first live appearance. 

bob007hh said:

There's nothing wrong with a little afternoon delight, and the song is ok to listen to every once in a great while as well. 

Afternoon delight!   Even better when you have an enthusiastic partner. 

jWerthfan said:

I'm not big on Will Ferrell as a rule, but the accapello quartet version of "Afternoon Delight" in Anchorman is hysterical, as is much of the movie. Ferrell even does an Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull bit.

So, raise your hand if you can translate this [in]famous lyric:

"If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed, now....it's just a sprinkling for the May Queen".

BTW, Matthew - "Because Baseball Sucks" is a great topic line.

More cowbell!!!

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

I beg to differ, the Beach Boys version is the best.  

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

My ringtone got me in trouble at Mass, yesterday.   It is a song called "God Knows" by a hot Japanese singer named Aya Hirano and it went off during the Lord's Prayer.   The priest caught me after Mass and said while he appreciated that my ringtone has God in the title, he was more disappointed that the song was pure gibberish to him.   He suggested changing it to something more secular and in a language he can understand.    I was expecting he would confiscate my phone and I would have to clean the stained glass windows. 

Now to listen to Al Jardine kick ass on California Dreamin' before putting on my Green Lantern costume and save the world from the anti-Scrabble folx. 

grabarkewitz said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

I beg to differ, the Beach Boys version is the best.  

Okay, this is hilarious.   Katja came into my office to see what I was up to and saw this video playing on my 'puter.  Anyway, she sees Roger McGuinn playing guitar and says she didn't know Stephen King could play guitar.    The girl is nothing if not comedy. 

grabarkewitz said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

I beg to differ, the Beach Boys version is the best.  

Sacrilege!  

It's interesting to say this, as the Beach Boys, along with the Beatles, are my favorite bands ever, but I'll have to side with Kyle on the "California Dreamin'" debate.  I'm not even a real big fan of the Mamas & The Papas either (well, except for young Michelle Phillips, anyways, but that's neither here nor there...), but it's really hard to beat that original. 

Part of the brilliance to me is the simplicity of the song.  It has very sparse instrumentation and an understated production.  Plus, John Phillips just sings his ass off for most of it (i.e. "well, I got down on my knees...").  All of these elements, plus the classic flute solo, give it a beautiful, yet quite haunting vibe.  It sounds a bit dated and a bit 1960s, but in this instance, it works. 

The Beach Boys' version also sounds like the era it was recorded in and that's precisely the problem.  There's far too much slick production/1980s effects in there, which doesn't fit the song.   Plus, the sax solo doesn't do it any favors.  In the original, the flute is haunting.  The sax solo on this one sounds like a rerun of "Quantum Leap." 

My other problem is that Mike Love has too much prominence in the background harmonies.  Normally he's doing the bass vocals, which he's brilliant at, but his post-1975 overly nasal voice doesn't do him justice singing in higher registers.  It screws up the overall sound for me. 

I liked the direction they were going in, and it definitely has its moments, especially when Carl is singing (who could sound great singing a telephone book), but the production really doesn't do it justice. 

Just a quibble, but Denny Doherty did the lead singing for the Mamas and Papas, 'California Dreamin' included. John was a helluva writer and arranger.
I always liked them, but spent part of a day awhile ago following some YouTube clips. They were far better than my teen metal head ears appreciated at the time. I think this one is astounding, and Matthew...check out the shots of Michelle beginning at about 2:18 - gorgeous!
As to the Beach Boys version....well, it has a nice McGuinn ring to it, and the tribute to the surviving members at the time is cool.

Matthew said:

It's interesting to say this, as the Beach Boys, along with the Beatles, are my favorite bands ever, but I'll have to side with Kyle on the "California Dreamin'" debate.  I'm not even a real big fan of the Mamas & The Papas either (well, except for young Michelle Phillips, anyways, but that's neither here nor there...), but it's really hard to beat that original. 

Part of the brilliance to me is the simplicity of the song.  It has very sparse instrumentation and an understated production.  Plus, John Phillips just sings his ass off for most of it (i.e. "well, I got down on my knees...").  All of these elements, plus the classic flute solo, give it a beautiful, yet quite haunting vibe.  It sounds a bit dated and a bit 1960s, but in this instance, it works. 

The Beach Boys' version also sounds like the era it was recorded in and that's precisely the problem.  There's far too much slick production/1980s effects in there, which doesn't fit the song.   Plus, the sax solo doesn't do it any favors.  In the original, the flute is haunting.  The sax solo on this one sounds like a rerun of "Quantum Leap." 

My other problem is that Mike Love has too much prominence in the background harmonies.  Normally he's doing the bass vocals, which he's brilliant at, but his post-1975 overly nasal voice doesn't do him justice singing in higher registers.  It screws up the overall sound for me. 

I liked the direction they were going in, and it definitely has its moments, especially when Carl is singing (who could sound great singing a telephone book), but the production really doesn't do it justice. 

I will agree on Mike Love who might be the weakest link in the Beach Boys.   The dad claims he knew Mike Love and Al Jardine as they used to be the little kids who tried to hang with his friends.   He says Love was an annoying little shit and serious young asshat.   But, Al Jardine kicked ass on that song and one has to appreciate that Carl Wilson, when given the opportunity, never disappointed when he was allowed to sing.   

BluePastorKyle said:

grabarkewitz said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

I beg to differ, the Beach Boys version is the best.  

Sacrilege!  

No, Kyle, sacrilege is David Lee Roth singing "California Girls" or Michael Bolton or Sammy Hagar trying to besmirch Otis Redding's legacy by attempting (and failing) to sing "On the Dock of the Bay".    Maybe because I feel that John Phillips was in the Frank McCourt league in scumbaggery and that affects my impression of the original, but I will always consider the copy better than the original. 

Given my ridiculous love for soccer and everything that is remotely related to Brazil, I'm a very huge fan of Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Axe Bahia, the list goes on.

jamesmir11 said:

Given my ridiculous love for soccer and everything that is remotely related to Brazil, I'm a very huge fan of Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Axe Bahia, the list goes on.

Oi, James! Amo a música da minha pátria. Rita Lee sempre será o meu artista favorito, mas amo Titas e quando Mamonas Assaninas morreu naquele choque plano horrível, gritei durante um mês. Meu papai amou Sergio Mendes e Antonio Carlos Jobim. Paula e Katja amam Sepultura e o Horror Mental, mas eles são demasiado ásperos para mim para escutar. Odeio por admiti-lo mas eu gosto da Jota Quest só porque o seu nome parece com Jonny Quest.

Matthew said:

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while and the current music discussion on S&M finally cinched it. 

The thread is pretty self-explanatory: a thread devoted to music.  It's a bit off topic, yes, but given that, like the Dodgers, the music industry is another business that is dying, losing money every day, and going to crap by the minute, there are some relative parallels.  We seem to have quite a bit of music-heads here, myself included, being my profession and obsession.  So go at it; talk about the stuff you've listened to, look forward to, bands, artists, the industry, anything you want within the scope of music. 

Go! 

No, Matthew, you cannot do this!  Now, I will have to listen to all that old music he loves.   I really hate Motown.   Kind of sad, huh?   I mean, he wanted to have the band play I hear a symphony at our wedding.   This thing with Diana Ross is kind of strange, she is like so old and stuff.   I would rather talk about Taste of Honey or the Bee Gees.   He gives me crap because I like Styx and Reo Speedwagon.  He does not get that my dad would not let us listen to Ozzy Osborn or Led Zeppelin.   He said we would go to hell if we listened to those bands. 

thebrazilian said:

jamesmir11 said:

Given my ridiculous love for soccer and everything that is remotely related to Brazil, I'm a very huge fan of Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Axe Bahia, the list goes on.

Oi, James! Amo a música da minha pátria. Rita Lee sempre será o meu artista favorito, mas amo Titas e quando Mamonas Assaninas morreu naquele choque plano horrível, gritei durante um mês. Meu papai amou Sergio Mendes e Antonio Carlos Jobim. Paula e Katja amam Sepultura e o Horror Mental, mas eles são demasiado ásperos para mim para escutar. Odeio por admiti-lo mas eu gosto da Jota Quest só porque o seu nome parece com Jonny Quest.

Oi, Mary. Rsrsrsrs, e certo que Jota Quest parece se com Jonny Quest. Eu gosto demais da musica Brasileira, não sei porque. Eu ainda estou descobrindo musica do Brasil mas minha enamorada gosta de Grupo Revelação, o Pagode, Roberto Carlos, Marisa Monte e os Tribalistas (Ja sei Namorar!), e outros.

thebrazilian said:

Matthew said:

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while and the current music discussion on S&M finally cinched it. 

The thread is pretty self-explanatory: a thread devoted to music.  It's a bit off topic, yes, but given that, like the Dodgers, the music industry is another business that is dying, losing money every day, and going to crap by the minute, there are some relative parallels.  We seem to have quite a bit of music-heads here, myself included, being my profession and obsession.  So go at it; talk about the stuff you've listened to, look forward to, bands, artists, the industry, anything you want within the scope of music. 

Go! 

No, Matthew, you cannot do this!  Now, I will have to listen to all that old music he loves.   I really hate Motown.   Kind of sad, huh?   I mean, he wanted to have the band play I hear a symphony at our wedding.   This thing with Diana Ross is kind of strange, she is like so old and stuff.   I would rather talk about Taste of Honey or the Bee Gees.   He gives me crap because I like Styx and Reo Speedwagon.  He does not get that my dad would not let us listen to Ozzy Osborn or Led Zeppelin.   He said we would go to hell if we listened to those bands. 

I have to tell a secret, I love Nine Inch Nails and I cannot get enough of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.  When we were first married Chris would drag me to these little halls to see these bands and I would complain, but really I loved the sound and the concerts were a blast.   One time, Chris and I went to see Soundgarden and he was dressed in a $500 dollar suit and I had on my best I am the boss outfit and some kid thought we were drug cops.   The funny part is that both of us smelled like the marijuana we had smoked in the parking lot when we got to the show.  Oops, said too much.  Yes, before we got responsible, we would do bad stuff like that all of the time.  That might explain why my memory sucks. 

Kinda reminds me of my Dad. I got him an ABBA CD for father's day and loved it. The BeeGees and ABBA were really popular in Latin America.

grabarkewitz said:

BluePastorKyle said:

grabarkewitz said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

I beg to differ, the Beach Boys version is the best.  

Sacrilege!  

No, Kyle, sacrilege is David Lee Roth singing "California Girls" or Michael Bolton or Sammy Hagar trying to besmirch Otis Redding's legacy by attempting (and failing) to sing "On the Dock of the Bay".    Maybe because I feel that John Phillips was in the Frank McCourt league in scumbaggery and that affects my impression of the original, but I will always consider the copy better than the original. 

Political commentator Laura Ingraham has a perfectly titled book, "Shut Up and Sing". In far too many cases, it's necessary to shunt aside the personal failings/flaws of many very fine musicians. I wasn't aware that John Phillips was an otherwise waste of sperm until long after I respected his musical abilities and talents. David Crosby? Even he admits that aside from Graham Nash, EVERYone hated him, and justifiably so. Gram Parsons let down everyone who ever took a chance on him. The countless junkies who disrespected fans by taking big money and delivering crap for concerts is too long to list - and then there was Sly Stone who often no-showed or half showed.

That said, I won't let most of these things prevent me from being floored by Crosby harmonies, Parson's occasional brilliance, or even one of the baddest guitar/drum/bass clash of Dr Feelgood by some of the most worthless people on record.

BTW - it's fantastic to find someone who loathes Michael Bolton every bit as much as I always have. That women loved him, and many still do, is all I needed to know that I would never relate on a relating level to most femmes.

Matthew said:

It's interesting to say this, as the Beach Boys, along with the Beatles, are my favorite bands ever, but I'll have to side with Kyle on the "California Dreamin'" debate.  I'm not even a real big fan of the Mamas & The Papas either (well, except for young Michelle Phillips, anyways, but that's neither here nor there...), but it's really hard to beat that original. 

Part of the brilliance to me is the simplicity of the song.  It has very sparse instrumentation and an understated production.  Plus, John Phillips just sings his ass off for most of it (i.e. "well, I got down on my knees...").  All of these elements, plus the classic flute solo, give it a beautiful, yet quite haunting vibe.  It sounds a bit dated and a bit 1960s, but in this instance, it works. 

The Beach Boys' version also sounds like the era it was recorded in and that's precisely the problem.  There's far too much slick production/1980s effects in there, which doesn't fit the song.   Plus, the sax solo doesn't do it any favors.  In the original, the flute is haunting.  The sax solo on this one sounds like a rerun of "Quantum Leap." 

My other problem is that Mike Love has too much prominence in the background harmonies.  Normally he's doing the bass vocals, which he's brilliant at, but his post-1975 overly nasal voice doesn't do him justice singing in higher registers.  It screws up the overall sound for me. 

I liked the direction they were going in, and it definitely has its moments, especially when Carl is singing (who could sound great singing a telephone book), but the production really doesn't do it justice. 

That's what I'm talking about.  Coulda written a verbatim post, Matthew.  I too am not a fan of the Mamas and the Papas (I didn't even do them the justice of spelling it right), but for all the reasons you mention, it just can't be beat on all sorts of fronts (era, style, sound, passion, originality).  

grabarkewitz said:

BluePastorKyle said:

grabarkewitz said:

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

I beg to differ, the Beach Boys version is the best.  

Sacrilege!  

No, Kyle, sacrilege is David Lee Roth singing "California Girls" or Michael Bolton or Sammy Hagar trying to besmirch Otis Redding's legacy by attempting (and failing) to sing "On the Dock of the Bay".    Maybe because I feel that John Phillips was in the Frank McCourt league in scumbaggery and that affects my impression of the original, but I will always consider the copy better than the original. 

David Lee Roth, while I agree about California Girls (not a big fan of that remake - he took his schtick too far in that one), was Mr. Rock and Roll entertainer in the early 80's, though.  In my opinion, he and Eddie kept the guitar band relevant during the keyboard era of synthetic rock.  Eddie got a little lazy in the mid-late 80's, especially when Sammy joined him, but DLR was a master at what he did - specifically on stage.

jamesmir11 said:

thebrazilian said:

jamesmir11 said:

Given my ridiculous love for soccer and everything that is remotely related to Brazil, I'm a very huge fan of Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Axe Bahia, the list goes on.

Oi, James! Amo a música da minha pátria. Rita Lee sempre será o meu artista favorito, mas amo Titas e quando Mamonas Assaninas morreu naquele choque plano horrível, gritei durante um mês. Meu papai amou Sergio Mendes e Antonio Carlos Jobim. Paula e Katja amam Sepultura e o Horror Mental, mas eles são demasiado ásperos para mim para escutar. Odeio por admiti-lo mas eu gosto da Jota Quest só porque o seu nome parece com Jonny Quest.

Oi, Mary. Rsrsrsrs, e certo que Jota Quest parece se com Jonny Quest. Eu gosto demais da musica Brasileira, não sei porque. Eu ainda estou descobrindo musica do Brasil mas minha enamorada gosta de Grupo Revelação, o Pagode, Roberto Carlos, Marisa Monte e os Tribalistas (Ja sei Namorar!), e outros.

Aqueles cantores e os grupos são os meus favoritos de primos. Às vezes pego Paula que escuta Pagode ou Tribalistas, mas ela diz que ele jogava somente e ela realmente não o escutava. Ela não é um bom mentiroso. Uma vez peguei a sua dança a Perlla. Ela não é um bailarino muito bom e ela realmente foi embaraçada quando peguei a sua dança. Pegarei o seu canto junto com uma canção Perlla. Ela tem uma boa voz, mas ela não pensa que alguém está escutando e quando alguém diz que eles podem ouvir o seu canto ela adquire-se todo vermelha na cara.

jamesmir11 said:

thebrazilian said:

Matthew said:

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while and the current music discussion on S&M finally cinched it. 

The thread is pretty self-explanatory: a thread devoted to music.  It's a bit off topic, yes, but given that, like the Dodgers, the music industry is another business that is dying, losing money every day, and going to crap by the minute, there are some relative parallels.  We seem to have quite a bit of music-heads here, myself included, being my profession and obsession.  So go at it; talk about the stuff you've listened to, look forward to, bands, artists, the industry, anything you want within the scope of music. 

Go! 

No, Matthew, you cannot do this!  Now, I will have to listen to all that old music he loves.   I really hate Motown.   Kind of sad, huh?   I mean, he wanted to have the band play I hear a symphony at our wedding.   This thing with Diana Ross is kind of strange, she is like so old and stuff.   I would rather talk about Taste of Honey or the Bee Gees.   He gives me crap because I like Styx and Reo Speedwagon.  He does not get that my dad would not let us listen to Ozzy Osborn or Led Zeppelin.   He said we would go to hell if we listened to those bands. 

I have to tell a secret, I love Nine Inch Nails and I cannot get enough of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.  When we were first married Chris would drag me to these little halls to see these bands and I would complain, but really I loved the sound and the concerts were a blast.   One time, Chris and I went to see Soundgarden and he was dressed in a $500 dollar suit and I had on my best I am the boss outfit and some kid thought we were drug cops.   The funny part is that both of us smelled like the marijuana we had smoked in the parking lot when we got to the show.  Oops, said too much.  Yes, before we got responsible, we would do bad stuff like that all of the time.  That might explain why my memory sucks. 

Kinda reminds me of my Dad. I got him an ABBA CD for father's day and loved it. The BeeGees and ABBA were really popular in Latin America.

My wife and I went to see Mamma Mia with another couple a few years ago at the SF Opera House (forget the actual name for some reason), and while I loved the Broadway show, the drive there and back was excruciating.  My monotone friend sang along with the Mamma Mia CD an hour there and an hour back.  Top of his lungs, no clue.

BluePastorKyle said:

jamesmir11 said:

thebrazilian said:

Matthew said:

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while and the current music discussion on S&M finally cinched it. 

The thread is pretty self-explanatory: a thread devoted to music.  It's a bit off topic, yes, but given that, like the Dodgers, the music industry is another business that is dying, losing money every day, and going to crap by the minute, there are some relative parallels.  We seem to have quite a bit of music-heads here, myself included, being my profession and obsession.  So go at it; talk about the stuff you've listened to, look forward to, bands, artists, the industry, anything you want within the scope of music. 

Go! 

No, Matthew, you cannot do this!  Now, I will have to listen to all that old music he loves.   I really hate Motown.   Kind of sad, huh?   I mean, he wanted to have the band play I hear a symphony at our wedding.   This thing with Diana Ross is kind of strange, she is like so old and stuff.   I would rather talk about Taste of Honey or the Bee Gees.   He gives me crap because I like Styx and Reo Speedwagon.  He does not get that my dad would not let us listen to Ozzy Osborn or Led Zeppelin.   He said we would go to hell if we listened to those bands. 

I have to tell a secret, I love Nine Inch Nails and I cannot get enough of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.  When we were first married Chris would drag me to these little halls to see these bands and I would complain, but really I loved the sound and the concerts were a blast.   One time, Chris and I went to see Soundgarden and he was dressed in a $500 dollar suit and I had on my best I am the boss outfit and some kid thought we were drug cops.   The funny part is that both of us smelled like the marijuana we had smoked in the parking lot when we got to the show.  Oops, said too much.  Yes, before we got responsible, we would do bad stuff like that all of the time.  That might explain why my memory sucks. 

Kinda reminds me of my Dad. I got him an ABBA CD for father's day and loved it. The BeeGees and ABBA were really popular in Latin America.

My wife and I went to see Mamma Mia with another couple a few years ago at the SF Opera House (forget the actual name for some reason), and while I loved the Broadway show, the drive there and back was excruciating.  My monotone friend sang along with the Mamma Mia CD an hour there and an hour back.  Top of his lungs, no clue.

I hated Mamma Mia.  The movie was really sucky and we went to see the play and I fell asleep.  I loved Abba, but that play turned them off for me.   The really worse part is that I begged Chris to take me to the show and he gave me a I told you so the whole way home. 

BluePastorKyle said:

jamesmir11 said:

thebrazilian said:

Matthew said:

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while and the current music discussion on S&M finally cinched it. 

The thread is pretty self-explanatory: a thread devoted to music.  It's a bit off topic, yes, but given that, like the Dodgers, the music industry is another business that is dying, losing money every day, and going to crap by the minute, there are some relative parallels.  We seem to have quite a bit of music-heads here, myself included, being my profession and obsession.  So go at it; talk about the stuff you've listened to, look forward to, bands, artists, the industry, anything you want within the scope of music. 

Go! 

No, Matthew, you cannot do this!  Now, I will have to listen to all that old music he loves.   I really hate Motown.   Kind of sad, huh?   I mean, he wanted to have the band play I hear a symphony at our wedding.   This thing with Diana Ross is kind of strange, she is like so old and stuff.   I would rather talk about Taste of Honey or the Bee Gees.   He gives me crap because I like Styx and Reo Speedwagon.  He does not get that my dad would not let us listen to Ozzy Osborn or Led Zeppelin.   He said we would go to hell if we listened to those bands. 

I have to tell a secret, I love Nine Inch Nails and I cannot get enough of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.  When we were first married Chris would drag me to these little halls to see these bands and I would complain, but really I loved the sound and the concerts were a blast.   One time, Chris and I went to see Soundgarden and he was dressed in a $500 dollar suit and I had on my best I am the boss outfit and some kid thought we were drug cops.   The funny part is that both of us smelled like the marijuana we had smoked in the parking lot when we got to the show.  Oops, said too much.  Yes, before we got responsible, we would do bad stuff like that all of the time.  That might explain why my memory sucks. 

Kinda reminds me of my Dad. I got him an ABBA CD for father's day and loved it. The BeeGees and ABBA were really popular in Latin America.

My wife and I went to see Mamma Mia with another couple a few years ago at the SF Opera House (forget the actual name for some reason), and while I loved the Broadway show, the drive there and back was excruciating.  My monotone friend sang along with the Mamma Mia CD an hour there and an hour back.  Top of his lungs, no clue.

Wow, that must've been nice. My dad wants to take my mom to see Celine Dion (although I don't like her music, but great singer)  in Vegas since they haven't been to a concert since seeing ABBA in El Salvador in the 80's.

thebrazilian said:

BluePastorKyle said:

jamesmir11 said:

thebrazilian said:

Matthew said:

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while and the current music discussion on S&M finally cinched it. 

The thread is pretty self-explanatory: a thread devoted to music.  It's a bit off topic, yes, but given that, like the Dodgers, the music industry is another business that is dying, losing money every day, and going to crap by the minute, there are some relative parallels.  We seem to have quite a bit of music-heads here, myself included, being my profession and obsession.  So go at it; talk about the stuff you've listened to, look forward to, bands, artists, the industry, anything you want within the scope of music. 

Go! 

No, Matthew, you cannot do this!  Now, I will have to listen to all that old music he loves.   I really hate Motown.   Kind of sad, huh?   I mean, he wanted to have the band play I hear a symphony at our wedding.   This thing with Diana Ross is kind of strange, she is like so old and stuff.   I would rather talk about Taste of Honey or the Bee Gees.   He gives me crap because I like Styx and Reo Speedwagon.  He does not get that my dad would not let us listen to Ozzy Osborn or Led Zeppelin.   He said we would go to hell if we listened to those bands. 

I have to tell a secret, I love Nine Inch Nails and I cannot get enough of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.  When we were first married Chris would drag me to these little halls to see these bands and I would complain, but really I loved the sound and the concerts were a blast.   One time, Chris and I went to see Soundgarden and he was dressed in a $500 dollar suit and I had on my best I am the boss outfit and some kid thought we were drug cops.   The funny part is that both of us smelled like the marijuana we had smoked in the parking lot when we got to the show.  Oops, said too much.  Yes, before we got responsible, we would do bad stuff like that all of the time.  That might explain why my memory sucks. 

Kinda reminds me of my Dad. I got him an ABBA CD for father's day and loved it. The BeeGees and ABBA were really popular in Latin America.

My wife and I went to see Mamma Mia with another couple a few years ago at the SF Opera House (forget the actual name for some reason), and while I loved the Broadway show, the drive there and back was excruciating.  My monotone friend sang along with the Mamma Mia CD an hour there and an hour back.  Top of his lungs, no clue.

I hated Mamma Mia.  The movie was really sucky and we went to see the play and I fell asleep.  I loved Abba, but that play turned them off for me.   The really worse part is that I begged Chris to take me to the show and he gave me a I told you so the whole way home. 

Honestly, I don't even remember the play. I guess it was that bad. The movie, however... Pierce Brosnan's awkward performance will haunt me forever.

jWerthfan said:

Just a quibble, but Denny Doherty did the lead singing for the Mamas and Papas, 'California Dreamin' included. John was a helluva writer and arranger.
I always liked them, but spent part of a day awhile ago following some YouTube clips. They were far better than my teen metal head ears appreciated at the time. I think this one is astounding, and Matthew...check out the shots of Michelle beginning at about 2:18 - gorgeous!
As to the Beach Boys version....well, it has a nice McGuinn ring to it, and the tribute to the surviving members at the time is cool.

Duh, of course it was Denny.  Thanks!  I knew that too, just had a brain fart. 

Yeah, they took some time for me to appreciate, as well.  Most of what I heard from them growing up used to sound rather boring and plain to me, but as I grew older, I began to "get it."  I still wouldn't call myself a big fan, but there's plenty of good/great songs mixed in their catalog. 

Thanks for the clip.  That was a great performance (Cass sounds great) and, yes, Michelle is definitely looking good in that video.  God, that woman used to be astoundingly beautiful.  Just completely natural and unaffected. 

grabarkewitz said:

Matthew said:

I will agree on Mike Love who might be the weakest link in the Beach Boys.   The dad claims he knew Mike Love and Al Jardine as they used to be the little kids who tried to hang with his friends.   He says Love was an annoying little shit and serious young asshat.   But, Al Jardine kicked ass on that song and one has to appreciate that Carl Wilson, when given the opportunity, never disappointed when he was allowed to sing.   

While we disagree on the production values as I find the sound cleaner and less like the original because that one sounds like it was recorded in the backseat of a 1940 Willys on the 505 during rush hour.   Add to that, the Beach Boys' version is darker and less happy go lucky which appealed to me moreso than Denny Doherty's whining.   Plus having Roger McGuinn and Michelle Phillips in the video works for me.   Adding John Phillips was an affront to my sensibilities, though.  

Yeah, Love is a prick of the first order, and don't get me started on how he's pretty much murdered the band's reputation over the past 35 years.  Don't get me wrong, he has many useful contributions to the band in the early days and even at times afterwards.  However, he's been next to worthless since 1975.  Damn you "Endless Summer."  I guess I can't bag on him too much, though.  After all, I do have to thank him for his dance moves.  Whenever I bust into my Mike Love impression, it always gets a good laugh. 

No, I get what you're saying, I do.  It's definitely cleaner and that's good.  It's just the 1980s trickery plastered through it that detracts it for me, from the echo on the vocals to the gated snare.  I don't think it's bad, though, not at all, and it's definitely their best cover version from that era (don't search "Wipe Out").  I guess it's just if I were the producer, I would have scaled it back a bit more.  Keep it clean, get rid of the trickery, ditch the sax, get Mike singing his bass part and I think you're on to something. 

jWerthfan said:

I'm not big on Will Ferrell as a rule, but the accapello quartet version of "Afternoon Delight" in Anchorman is hysterical, as is much of the movie. Ferrell even does an Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull bit.

So, raise your hand if you can translate this [in]famous lyric:

"If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed, now....it's just a sprinkling for the May Queen".

BTW, Matthew - "Because Baseball Sucks" is a great topic line.

Thanks, I wasn't sure what to go with.  I was thinking of some cheesy song pun, but then I just liked that better.  Far more appropriate. 

BluePastorKyle said:

Matthew, more on topic, I recently downloaded "California Dreamin'" as a ringtone - used for all my CA family and friends who call.  And now I have the strong urge to do a remake.  But then I figure nobody could do that song any better than the Mammas and the Poppas.  

True, though that doesn't stop me from doing my third rate Beach Boys/Beatles covers.  Have at a remake.  I'd be very curious to hear how it comes out.  You never know, you could be the next Andy Bernard! 

Having the day and the discussion to mull it over again after all this time, I've decided "California Dreamin', Mamas and Papas version is a near perfect song - then and now.

From the gorgeous and imaginative opening guitar intro, to the call and answer lead and harmony vocals by terrific singers, the haunting flute solo, the lyrics that paint the images vibidly in your head, and the final vocal flourish with suspension finish - man....I just had the greatest flashback. I could almost smell the incense and see the Freak Brothers comics on the coffee table.

Wow. Some idiot posted a youtube video of California Dreaming with dozens of pictures of the freakin' Beatles. Guy musta took several hours creating the video, truly believing the Beatles wrote and recorded it.

Tool.

Saw Mama Mia, the musical, on Broadway.  It was a payback.  Two Dodgers-Mets games for me, one broadway play for the wife.  Hey, Abba's music wasn't too bad, but the play was kind of lame.

I have to side with the Mamas and Papas on the California Dreamin' debate, if there ever was one. While, I personally love the Beach Boys, I think Mamas Papas version is one of the greatest songs. I love California.

jamesmir11 said:

I have to side with the Mamas and Papas on the California Dreamin' debate, if there ever was one. While, I personally love the Beach Boys, I think Mamas Papas version is one of the greatest songs. I love California.

Right there with you.

Vinsandlosses said:

jamesmir11 said:

I have to side with the Mamas and Papas on the California Dreamin' debate, if there ever was one. While, I personally love the Beach Boys, I think Mamas Papas version is one of the greatest songs. I love California.

Right there with you.

On a side note, I live in the Bay Area (Santa Cruz) and just figured out how to put K-Earth on my phone.  Never appreciated it until I got to the Bay Area, bereft of good radio stations.  

Which type of phone do you have, by the way?  If you have iPhone/Android/Blackberry, you must try TuneIn Radio.  It pretty much gives you access to any radio station you can think of.  Local, nationwide, and even internationally.  So when you want to hear those classic David Hasselhoff hits, you have German radio right there to service you! 

Matthew said:

Vinsandlosses said:

jamesmir11 said:

I have to side with the Mamas and Papas on the California Dreamin' debate, if there ever was one. While, I personally love the Beach Boys, I think Mamas Papas version is one of the greatest songs. I love California.

Right there with you.

On a side note, I live in the Bay Area (Santa Cruz) and just figured out how to put K-Earth on my phone.  Never appreciated it until I got to the Bay Area, bereft of good radio stations.  

Which type of phone do you have, by the way?  If you have iPhone/Android/Blackberry, you must try TuneIn Radio.  It pretty much gives you access to any radio station you can think of.  Local, nationwide, and even internationally.  So when you want to hear those classic David Hasselhoff hits, you have German radio right there to service you! 

I have Tunein now, which I thought, for some reason, wasn't available on Blackberry.  I had a couple other radio programs previously, but nothing with the collection of Tunein - and so far I'm impressed.

Vinsandlosses said:

Matthew said:

Vinsandlosses said:

jamesmir11 said:

I have to side with the Mamas and Papas on the California Dreamin' debate, if there ever was one. While, I personally love the Beach Boys, I think Mamas Papas version is one of the greatest songs. I love California.

Right there with you.

On a side note, I live in the Bay Area (Santa Cruz) and just figured out how to put K-Earth on my phone.  Never appreciated it until I got to the Bay Area, bereft of good radio stations.  

Which type of phone do you have, by the way?  If you have iPhone/Android/Blackberry, you must try TuneIn Radio.  It pretty much gives you access to any radio station you can think of.  Local, nationwide, and even internationally.  So when you want to hear those classic David Hasselhoff hits, you have German radio right there to service you! 

I have Tunein now, which I thought, for some reason, wasn't available on Blackberry.  I had a couple other radio programs previously, but nothing with the collection of Tunein - and so far I'm impressed.

Haven't tried the Hasselhoff, though.  That's next...

I'm not 100% sure on it, but I'm pretty sure it's on Blackberry.  Yeah, it really is cool, though.  For those who don't have it, they offer a free version which offers the basic functionality mentioned above.  The paid version lets you rewind live radio and even record it, which is pretty handy.  So I definitely recommend it to the few people who still listen to radio!  Of course, there's also the streaming stations, a la Pandora, but it is interesting to hear the selections in other parts of the world. 

This thread is about music, right? Here's one of the great live performances that has ever been captured on film.
James Brown at the TAMI Show:

TAMI Show clip

shmolnick said:

This thread is about music, right? Here's one of the great live performances that has ever been captured on film.
James Brown at the TAMI Show:

TAMI Show clip

Now, that is what I am talking about.  

Matthew said:

Vinsandlosses said:

Matthew said:

Vinsandlosses said:

jamesmir11 said:

I have to side with the Mamas and Papas on the California Dreamin' debate, if there ever was one. While, I personally love the Beach Boys, I think Mamas Papas version is one of the greatest songs. I love California.

Right there with you.

On a side note, I live in the Bay Area (Santa Cruz) and just figured out how to put K-Earth on my phone.  Never appreciated it until I got to the Bay Area, bereft of good radio stations.  

Which type of phone do you have, by the way?  If you have iPhone/Android/Blackberry, you must try TuneIn Radio.  It pretty much gives you access to any radio station you can think of.  Local, nationwide, and even internationally.  So when you want to hear those classic David Hasselhoff hits, you have German radio right there to service you! 

I have Tunein now, which I thought, for some reason, wasn't available on Blackberry.  I had a couple other radio programs previously, but nothing with the collection of Tunein - and so far I'm impressed.

Haven't tried the Hasselhoff, though.  That's next...

I'm not 100% sure on it, but I'm pretty sure it's on Blackberry.  Yeah, it really is cool, though.  For those who don't have it, they offer a free version which offers the basic functionality mentioned above.  The paid version lets you rewind live radio and even record it, which is pretty handy.  So I definitely recommend it to the few people who still listen to radio!  Of course, there's also the streaming stations, a la Pandora, but it is interesting to hear the selections in other parts of the world. 

I love Pandora and Mary cannot live without it.  I haven't tried Tunein yet, but the kid says it is pretty damn good.  Kid put some new songs on my iPod from this band called Skillet.   I am not much for "Christian" rock, but these kids are really good.  Nice sound, good vocals - the female lead singer has one great voice and the kid says she is like eighteen and also plays drums.   Sometimes the boy will surprise me.  

And here's another all-time great live performance. This one's Santana's legendary performance of Soul Sacrifice at Woodstock, in which the band is high on psychedelics and the drummer is just a teenager.

Santana - Soul Sacrifice

For all who care, the best way to get a feel for my music preferences would be here:

http://www.pandora.com/people/pastorkc8

I'm not a big headphones guy, so using my BlackBerry for music has never appealed to me. Pandora does the job just fine for moi.

BluePastorKyle said:

For all who care, the best way to get a feel for my music preferences would be here:

http://www.pandora.com/people/pastorkc8

I'm not a big headphones guy, so using my BlackBerry for music has never appealed to me. Pandora does the job just fine for moi.

Same here.   My preferences are anything involving Motown, the British Invasion, the Seventies and most of what passed as music until the year 2000.  

grabarkewitz said:

shmolnick said:

This thread is about music, right? Here's one of the great live performances that has ever been captured on film.
James Brown at the TAMI Show:

TAMI Show clip

Now, that is what I am talking about.  

Well, James was great and all, but you have no idea what 'soul' is capable of, unless you were in the local honky tonk last weekend, and caught my karaoke version of "I Feel Good" [da da da da da da da].