Yes, I know that the title of this article is a reference to a Dionne Warwick song, probably written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David (I didn't check, but I'm pretty sure). So allow me to explain...
This article is about none of them.
I just thought that the title made sense in this particular instance. Because when it comes to rock and roll, there is always something left there to remind me about why I love this music so much that has shaped my life the way that it has.
You see, when rock and roll really works, it has this ability to make emotions, long hidden from the world and lying deep inside, well up all of a sudden and make the tears roll down your cheeks like rain. Or, at least that much is true in my own case. Last night, though quite unexpected, was just such an instance.
After coming home from a fairly typical night of kicking ass at music trivia at my local bar, I settled into my little nook and flipped on the HBO broadcast of the recent Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Concerts at Madison Square Garden.
There were lots of great moments there too, most of which sent me scurrying to my CD collection to make sure I still had the CDs of all the artists involved. Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy playing together for Chrissakes'? I mean, get outta town! Simon And Garfunkel nailing "The Boxer" right down to the crashes during the chorus? Spot on.
And Fergie? You go, girl!
I am in no way, shape or form a Black Eyed Peas fan. But the way that girl literally nailed Merry Clayton's backing vocal on "Gimme Shelter" with Mick Jagger and U2 sent shivers running all up and down my spine. Seriously, that girl has got some Janis pipes.
Article comments
1 - Greg Barbrick
I will not comment on yet another case of Rocksport - Bruce delusion.
2 - Glen Boyd
Ahh, but thats the thing Greg. You just did.
3 - Jet Gardner
Greg?
4 - roger nowosielski
Great article, Glen. Though I haven't been following rock of late, you make want to listen to these artists.
5 - El Bicho
I still need to watch this
"arguably the greatest sax solo ever recorded"
WTFrench? I see you are not a jazzologist
6 - Glen Boyd
I will be the first to admit that, no, I am not a jazzologist. I also don't speak French. Well, at least not that kind of French...
-Glen
7 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Decent Article...
All this from a R'N'R Hall of Fame concert?! Fergie vocally towering over a withered Bono and probably the worst singer of all time - Jagger. Jeff Beck dropping down several notches to play with a highly overrated Blues plucker(where's Eric Johnson when you need him?). And one of the worst rock acts in the history of rock'n'roll - Springsteen.
I guess this is why they always get,like, seventy washed-up artists on stage to play together because no one can hold their own anymore. I wish I was as easily impressed.
Maybe, they should rename it to the "Rest'N'Relaxation Hall of Shame"
Anyways, Glen, I'm pretty sure your article held more emotion and passion then any of those "artists" performances did.
8 - Glen Boyd
Wow, you really loaded that one up didn't ya' Gupster?
For the record, Beck and Guy are two of the best ever. Period. Guys like Eric Johnson learned much of what they know from those two guys.
Springsteen at 60-something years old has more energy than 90% of the guys out there doing it at half his age, and the E Street Band are still one of the tightest bands in the business. You are simply misguided Brian, but I promise I wont hold it against you.
-Glen
9 - Glen Boyd
With regard to comment #1 by Mr. Barbrick, I have two rules when it comes to writing...
1. When you think you've got a potentialy good idea in your head, write it immediately no matter what. And...
2. Never write after you've been out to the Rocksport.
Oh well. One out of two here I guess...LOL...
Not that you've never been guilty of WWD of course...
-Glen
10 - FCEtier
Is the 30 min performance you saw on Youtube? If not, how can I see it?
11 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Just tryin' to put that mainstream mess into some perspective, ya know?
Actually, I wasn't dissing Jeff Beck(come on Glen, READ!) and, for the record, whatever Eric Johnson learned from those two, he definitely took it to a new untouchable plateau that even the new axe slingers can't fathom.(Especially with the Electromagnets)
Glen, I don't believe I'm misguided. I just wasn't apart of that Dylon loving, Springsteen beholding, "Free Love" era. And I wouldn't count out RUSH, Heaven & Hell(Black Sabbath),Motorhead, Judas Priest & possibly a few others that could very well hold their own against "The Boss" nowadays.
But, I won't hold that fanboy statement against ya...*smirk*
12 - Glen Boyd
FC,
I doubt this will be on YouTube as HBO is pretty strict about copyright issues, but I'd be very surprised if there isn't a DVD somewhere down the line.
Brian,
I've no doubt the acts you mentioned are all great live performers. As for not being part of the Dylan loving, Springsteen beholding generation...well, that's your loss I guess. I'm not sure I make the same connection to "free love" there that you do. In fact the thought of that is just...ya' know, "icky." LOL...
-Glen