Dave James

There's no doubt that The Dead are an acquired taste when it comes to both Jerry's and Bob's vocal work. But, the more you listen to them, the more you realize that it's a big part of their every man charm. As to two drummer bands, the Dead, The Allman Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks or anyone else, I'm with you.

Prior to meeting Keith and joining The Dead, Donna was a session singer at the Muscle Shoals recording studio in Sheffield, Alabama. She contributed to songs by Percy Sledge, Elvis and many others including Box Scaggs' seminal recording, of "Loan Me A Dime" the "afterthought" song that put Duane Allman on the map. Having said that, there's no doubt she was a talented singer and I enjoyed her post-Dead work with her band, The Tricksters, but as a singer with The Dead, she was all but unlistenable. Consistently off-key, shouting, warbling...I can listen to her for about two minutes before I start looking for a pair of chopsticks to ram in my ears. I would do just about anything to avoid hearing her ever again sing on "Playin' In The Band". And, just for the record, I love the Grateful Dead.

According to family members, Baker has been hospitalized and is in serious condition. Not an easy guy to like, but I wish him well. https://www.nme.com/news/music/cream-ginger-baker-critically-ill-hospital-family-2551376

The original Messenger Service with John Cipollina and Gary Duncan was the most kick-ass band in the early San Francisco scene. Anyone who doesn't have their self-titled first album and "Happy Trails" in their collection should turn themselves in to the authorities immediately. IMO, those are two of the best rock albums of the late 60's. Also, If you haven't heard any of Gary Duncan's records from his spin-off band, "Quicksilver" I would highly recommend a test drive..

Franco's father, Flavio, was a full-time engineer, but also an accomplished, albeit part-time, alto and tenor saxophonist.

Bruce, as good as he was, remains a massively underrated bass player. Both he and Baker came from jazz backgrounds and that opened their ears in ways that most rockers couldn't imagine. When people throw around the term "super group", there aren't many who legitimately qualify. Cream was one of them. Baker, Bruce and Clapton were virtuosoes on their respective instruments.

No "Crazy?" How is this possible?

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Saw him years ago at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon along with The Outlaws, Santana and The Grateful Dead. What a show that was. Money was money...a great performer who sang some of the most memorable songs of the 70's.

If you're into 60's rock music and you're on Facebook, there's a pretty good page you can subscribe to called "A Time Of Our Lives In The 60's." Lots of talk about the usual suspects but some rarities as well, like the music of oddball, one off bands like "The Tongues of Truth." If you've ever wondered what it would sound like to hear Keith Moon sing "Barbara Ann" with The Who, look no further.

Here's Paul Desmond with Jim Hall on guitar playing "Bossa Antiqua and, at a lower register. Don't know about you, but to me, this sounds a whole lot like Stan Getz.

That's an interesting thought. I can't imagine it would be worse and it could very well have been better. Not to denigrate Getz, but I think Desmond's style may have been better suited to the music.

I spend most of my listening time lost in the '50's, but I did think Kamasi Washngton's "The Epic" was interesting. His piano player, Cameron Graves, is a monster.

There are some "Rubberband" cuts available on YouTube. I hate to say this, but Miles sounds like Herb Alpert.

Judge is heating up. Stanton should be back soon...hopefully ready to contribute. Starting pitching remains a concern. Severino? All things considered, it's a wonderful day in the neighborhood. Speaking of Judge, if you haven't seen this video, it's pretty funny:

I rewatched "Mad Men" a couple of months ago. Few things in life are as good as they were the first time, but this comes awfully close. Brilliant writing and a pitch perfect cast. Choosing from amongst "Mad Men", "The Sopranos" and "Breaking Bad" as the B.O.A.T. would be a tall order indeed. I'm also a big fan of "Dexter" although, admittedly, it's not everyone's cup of Joe, but my sleeper in the serialized television wars is "Six Feet Under".

What we may be looking at here is a template for the future of the game. While Luck's chosen course of action would not apply to everyone, it very well might for those players who are considered stars and who are paid accordingly. At 29, Luck has made enough money to live multiple lifetimes. So, instead of continuing to ply his trade, knowing with certainty that nothing physically, mentally or financially beneficial can result, he just walks away. I say kudos to him for showing others that there are alternatives. Roger Goodell and his coterie of "head in the sand" apologists need to start looking at the possibility that this could become a trend, not a fluctuation. Luck's decision has potentially huge ramifications for the future of their sport.

Cymbals placed higher are easier to splash or crash.

CBS Evening News report from August 18, 1969:

These speak for themselves: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27426350/his-bat-handle-says-10-most-hilarious-unforgettable-baseball-cards

While these won't come within hailing distance of replicating the sound of a home system, this little guy works pretty well if you're on the road or just wanting some background music. Soundcore Flare+ Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Anker, 360° Sound, IPX7 Waterproof, Bigger Bass, Ambient LED Light, 20-Hour Playtime, 4 Drivers with 2 Passive Radiators. This runs about $100. 810mGj0Z3xL._SL1500_.jpg

Isn't "Second Winter" the "double" album with just three sides?