Transistor radios…beaches…the warmth of the sun…crashing waves…Chicago? Yup! The Bucking hams were the epitome of 1960s sunshine pop with their perfect blend of warm harmonies and sophisticated horn-drenched productions. Their sound was more akin to California than their native Chicago, and they were responsible for a string of perfect pop singles during the late sixties […]
Today in Rock History – September 11
1967, Filming began for The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour. There was no script, nor a very clear idea of exactly what was to be accomplished, not even a clear direction about where the bus was supposed to go. The “Magical Mystery Tour” bus set off for the West Country in England stopping for the night […]
Today in Rock History – August 19
1964, The High Numbers, (The Who) played at The Scene in Soho London, England. 1964, The Beatles kicked off a North American tour at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California, to a crowd of 17,130. Playing 12 songs which made up their repertoire for the entire tour: Twist and Shout, You Can’t Do That, […]
Today in Rock History – July 28
1965, The Who pre-tape an appearance on Radio Luxembourg’s Ready Steady Radio! at The Marquee followed by a gig at the Pontiac Club in southwest London’s Putney, where the band’s PA blows up after the first set. The Who’s first live performance of “My Generation” may have taken place at this explosive set. 1965, Rolling […]
Today in Rock History – July 25
1964, The Beatles third album A Hard Day’s Night started a twenty-one week run at the top of the UK charts. This was the first Beatles album to be recorded entirely on four-track tape, allowing for good stereo mixes. 1965, Bob Dylan plugged in for his headlining set backed by the Butterfield Blues Band at […]
Today in Rock History – July 7
1963, The Rolling Stones made their UK TV debut when they appeared on Thank Your Lucky Stars. Also seen on the show were Mickie Most, The Cadets, Helen Shapiro and Gordon Mills. The Stones made a total of 13 appearances on the show between 1963 and 1966 1965, The Who played at a gala opening […]
4th Of July Playlist
4th Of July Playlist Here’s my own personal 4th Of July Playlist. I’m sure there are songs you feel deserving of such an endeavor. If so, add them and let me know… Woody Guthrie: This Land Is Your Land http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaI5IRuS2aE Ray Charles: America The Beautiful http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg The Beach Boys: Spirit Of America http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc0cvsSwvs0 Grateful […]
Today in Rock History – June 1
Rock History for June 1 1966, The Beatles returned Abbey Road studios to complete recording on “Yellow Submarine. ” The band, plus friends and members of the staff helped search for a “weird instrument” to create the desired sound effects. John Lennon ended up blowing bubbles in a bucket of water. Paul and John imitated […]
Today in Rock History – May 17
1967, Pete Townshend records an interview for the BBC overseas radio program Dateline London then The Who pre-tape a Top Of The Pops insert miming to “Pictures Of Lily.” From there they travel to Stevenage to play the Locarno Ballroom. Backstage, John lashed out at a “well-known pop singer” by punching his picture on the […]
Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “The Nights Of Wine And Roses” by Japandroids
Looking back at the 2012 Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, it was full of outstanding new music mostly performed by artists I had never heard of. Clearly, that is what makes Pitchfork one of the coolest festivals on the planet. One of the standouts was Canada’s Japandroids, a Husker Du-ish duo consisting of Brian King […]
