jmjk

While I wouldn't call myself a big Chicago fan, their music made enough impact on me to take their integrity more seriously than their radio hit parade would generally allow. The early singles like "Beginnings" and "Questions 67 & 68" may still be in moderate rotation on soft-rock radio, but I feel there's a lot to listen to underneath the sappy lyrics. Too bad this balance between radio hooks and instrumental fire didn't hold up past the mid 1970s. I still like many of the album tracks better than their singles. At one time I thought all the band was capable of was "Colour My World" and "If You Leave Me Now". I'm glad something told me to adventure further and actually check out a few complete albums. I feel most of CTA is pretty smokin', as well as parts of Chicago V and VII, where they almost out-prog/fusion some mainstream prog and fusion bands on a few cuts.

(Inspired by Rooster Ties' 70s/80s thread) PROS Great rhythm section work Great songwriting and arrangements Guitar feedback mixed with horns and vocal harmonies Peter Cetera was actually a phenomenal bassist Moments of brilliance in mixing pop melodies with jazz/prog/psychedelic foundations Terry Kath's guitar work Non-single album tracks are where it's at Had jazz influneces, though seemingly never pretended they were a jazz band CONS Radio generally focused on the gummy pop singles Terry Kath shot himself by accident, forever changing the band Peter Cetera stopped playing bass, and reckoned himself a balladeer Most everything they recorded after 1978

Felt--another great band! Fantastic guitar playing and composition, but I hated the singer's voice, so my excitement for them only went so far. I think I checked them out initially only because Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins produced a few albums. Oooh, I'm NOT going to start a Cocteau Twins discussion. I could praise them all day, and I haven't got the time to write everything I'd like. Robin Guthrie is one of the reasons I play guitar the way I do, though.

Oh yeah. I have a nice vinyl copy of North of a Miracle (I don't think it was released on cd domestically, just in Japan?). I think the single "Whistle Down the Wind" is one of the most beautiful singles of the 1980s, and is Heyward's greatest achievement as a songwriter. That being said, the remainder of the album leaves me a little flat. I haven't listened to it in many years, so I should revisit it soon. To exhume our discussion of 12" singles from a few months ago, the "Whistle Down the Wind" 12" also graces my racks...got a pristine copy about a year ago for 50 cents! I totally agree with Tony about his comments on the 1980s as an era, and the musical merit to be found. There are as many strokes of brilliance in the music of the 1980s as there were in past decades, but it's just more difficult to sift through the awful in order to embrace the stellar. Music became so much more image oriented in the 1980s. MTV became an artist's primary marketing tool, and, as usual, the media showed only what the suits up above paid for us to see.

Eric Dolphy - Last Date John Patton Mosaic Select and Got a Good Thing Goin' June Christy - The Intimate Miss Christy Chet Baker - This Time the Dream's On Me live Stan Kenton Proper Box Roland Kirk - The Inflated Tear Jane Siberry - The Walking Marillion - Afraid of Sunlight

Moose - I remember that album existing, in that I've seen it all over the place, but I've never heard it. So I guess you still have yet to meet a fan of it. On your rec, I'll gladly pick it up and give it a listen if I see a used vinyl copy for less than $2.50.

As I stated above, I think I misinterpreted Rooster's question, as did a few of us here. So "I mean, come on" yourself. And ska revival is no joke, so ya better show some respect.

Since we're on ex-Who members, I'd like to mention Under a Raging Moon. I think it's Daltrey's solo masterpiece, if it could be said that he has one.

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Newbury Comics is having a "20% off on everything not on sale" sale. I know, I've asked the same question...why not a 25% off sale, just to numerically tie into the anniversary? Anyway, all us New Englanders have something besides the Sox to be happy about (because we know what happens to the Sox in the Fall).

Mick sure did with She's the Boss. I love Jeff Beck's playing on that album. And Bill Wyman sure did with "Je Suis un Rock Star". I seem to remember a tune on Undercover... called "Too Much Blood" that sounded a bit UnStones-like. There's one! How 'bout Beck? He came out with his album called Flash in 1985. Mostly dancefloor numbers with Beck widdlin' away on his orange Charvel/Jackson (shit, he even swithced to an 80s guitar!), and he attempts some vocals! It also includes a reunion with Rod the Mod on "People Get Ready". Awful as it is, that record has a soft spot in my heart.

Personally, I think Bird is happy 'cause it's dinner time. Myself, I could be sitting at a meal with Satan, and still have a smile on my face if the eats are on the table.

Naw. Al, do you mean Hugh, like, the Dr. of music who can't fix a hi-fi? Edit: I just picked up Got a Good Thing Goin' recently, in preparation for the Patton Mosaic which arrived this week. I have to say that John Patton was relatively under-represented in my collection until this point (I had The Way I Feel and some of his sideman work), and I'm really lovin' this record. It hasn't sunk in yet completely, but it's on its way!

Ah! How could I forget about Joe Jackson? Although I love music from all of his periods, his Night and Day album in 1982 was a high point for me. That album oooozes finesse, without catering to trends of the day.

Rooster, did you change the sub-heading for this thread? If so, my posts are tangential (they may be regardless )

Clem brought up some tasty treats. Prefab Sprout--brilliant! Dexy's - Not brilliant, but their cover of "Jackie Wilson Said" is very entertaining The Birthday Party - never been a band like 'em since. Somewhat rooted in the 1970s, but repulsive enough to remain modern!

Ooh-- almost forgot-- the post punk thing. Bands like Joy Division, The Cure, Gang of Four, New Order (Joy Division after Ian Curtis roped himself, and more dance-oriented as time progressed), Psychedelic Furs, Bauhaus all seemed to either sit on the cusp of the late 70s-early 80s, or were influenced by a punk/glam/Pistols/Bowie/Roxy thing, and shook all that up and forged ahead with something new.

Oh my--there's SO much to talk about here. I loved Rush's material from the 1980s. Moving Pictures to Hold Your Fire was a very interesting period for them, though the transition actually began with Permanent Waves. Alex Lifeson's guitar playing relied less on Jimmy Page-ish licks and Steve Howe-ish atmospheres, and seemed to embrace some of Andy Summers' minimalism and space, and Robert Fripp's atonality and angular approaches. Rooster--starting off with Permanent Waves, as you point out, may be a good idea. I really liked all the 1980s pop bands that were directly related to or were a result of the Ska revival of the late 1970s. Noj mentioned The Specials above. English Beat and Squeeze (to some extent), and other bands in the fisrt wave, and then General Public and Fine Young Cannibals later on. Haircut 100 was an incredible band that suffered because of their name. Lotsa shit happening underneath the reggae/ska rhythms and blue-eyed soul with them.

Even though I love Kenny's playing best overall, I had to go with Grant in an organ combo. Which reminds me--guitarist Jimmy Ponder on Patton's That Certain Feeling (courtesy of the Mosaic Select!) is a motherfucker! I love listening to that guy, and I want more! Has he appeared as a sideman elsewhere?

Looks tasty! I'm easier to please, however. I'd gladly accept a Rachael Ray cooking video under the tree! God, I love that woman!

Now there's an aspect to this we haven't discussed yet. I also shave at night before going to bed. I figure it's more important to have a close shave when I'm snugglin' up to Mrs. Moose than when I go to work... I can relate, Moose. Mrs. jmjk is always the first to say, "you need a shave!", while the folks at work don't care. My Anglo-Scots genes have given me the option of shaving every other day with little physical consequence, so unless I'm meeting a customer or teaching a new class, my appearance on the job is not a concern. Shaving at night is a win-win for all, even if it does grow a bit overnight!

How so?? (I mean "what do you mean?".) They all seem similar (in some ways), and unique in other ways. I think GregK may be referring to the metal binding? I haven't seen the new box yet. Is the spine made of metal?

Depends- For the quick, "I got 2 minutes to shave" situation, I always use down strokes. It may not be the closest shave, but it's gives a clean, even appearance. If I have some time, I'll follow the downstroke with new lather and a complete re-shave with upstrokes.

I'm Tryin' to Get Home was re-issued on cd in the TOCJ series from Japan, and could possibly be obtained through usual rare cd avenues. I don't really care much for this session, but it's still part of my collection.

Manual. Gillette Mach 3. 'Lectric razors make my face all raw. And of course, ever since I caught glimpse of the Zappa album cover for Weasels Ripped My Flesh, I will not go near an electric razor. B) There's something very satisfying about a nice close shave with a manual razor, steaming hot water, soap and a brush----a masculine ritual that will never go out of style!

Just received my Patton Select this morning. Can't wait to listen. I feel greasy just lookin' at the photos!