On May 16th, 1970 , Rock n roll's most frantic, legendary live act and studio wizards The Who released their critical landmark live LP Live At Leeds . The album was recorded at the University of Leeds Refectory in West Yorkshire, England on February 14th, 1970. This album is a milestone in The Who's career because it cemented The Who , at the given time, the greatest live band in the world. Of Course, it's without question that The Who prior to this legendary recording were becoming legendary all in good time. The Who formed in London 1964 with Roger Daltrey at the helm vocally, Pete Townhend on guitar (who also is the primary songwriter for some of the bands most timeless songs), John "The Ox" Entwistle on bass, and Keith Moon who is arguably the greatest drummer to have ever picked up sticks. The band released classics including "I can't explain", "Substitute", "A Legal Matter", "The Kid's Are Alright", "Pinball Wizard",in and most famous "My Generation" which defined the mod movement in England at the time and became an anthem for anguish adolescents who were sick of their parents, school, and society. With Live At Leeds, this magnum opus tied their previous work all together and forever cemented their legacy .
Personally, the tracks that stand out to me are the band's cover of 'Young Man Blues" originally written by Moses Allison who was a accomplished jazz musician, The epic closing jam of 'Magic Bus", and Eddie Cochoran's cover of "Summertime Blues"
For starters , "Young Man Blues" just explodes right when you put the needle down. The song is a fast kickstart blues in E and it shows off Townshend surprisingly articulate blues phrasing which is not common among Townshend's pocket filling rhythm playing . Keith Moon's drumming is cranked to 11 and is just an all out percussion frenzy while Dlatrey shines vocally with his trademark screams and his ultimate swagger.
'Summertime Blues" is a fantastic cover and a nice homage to rockabilly legend Eddie Chochran . What I like about The Who's version is that although the tempo, chord changes, and overall feel is different the band keeps the song at bay and respect it's origins .
"Magic Bus" however, is the greatest track on this legendary LP. John Entwistle has stated he always "hated" playing the song live because of the bass strictly just playing A, but that's what makes the song work . From start to finish this song is a roller coaster of a song and it really proves that some live tracks are better than the recording . It's truly a gem.
Live At Leeds is The Who at their live performance peak and the album is the template on what a live rock n roll album should feel, sound, and played . Although The Who now might just be Roger and Pete, fans can be assured that the classic line up will live forever on this LP, and in their purist form .
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Monday, May 11, 2020
Little Richard;Rock and roll's archiet and first wildman dies at 87
"RIP to Little Richard. The man who invented it. Elvis popularized it. Chuck Berry was the story teller"- Steven Van Zandt (Little Stevie)
"A-bop-bop, a-loo-mop, a-lop-bop-bop"
This past weekend , rock n roll lost the last of it's founding fathers. That man was Little Richard. Richard, along with fellow heavyweights Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry undoubtedly created what we know today as rock n roll . Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon Georgia, on December 5th, 1932, Richard was the 3rd of 12 children of Leva Mae and Charles Penniman. His family was very religious and always attended Sunday masses . Richard was a Baptist and Pentecostal . Pentecostal churches sparked Richard's interest because of the charismatic worship and the lively music, which would help seal his legacy later on in his life. For his musical influences , his favorite singer growing up was gospel legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
His musical career began as early in 1947, when his idol Sister Rosetta Tharpe invited a then 14 year old Penniman to open her show at the Macon City Auditorium and she encouraged Richard to become a performer . For his piano playing, Richard's has stated that he was inspired to pick up the instrument because of Ike Turner's piano on the Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cat's EP "Rocket 88" which is credited to be the first rock and roll song ever recorded.
Although his record Here's Little Richard released by Specialty records in 1957 charted big in the United States and United Kingdom, Little Richard's greatest success was his singles . Throughout his decade long career, he had a slew of #1 hits including "Tutti Frutti, "Rip it Up, "Lucille" and "Keep a Knockin" which would inspire the iconic open drum groove for John Bonham on Led Zeppelin IV.
Aside from his musical career, Little Richard would loosely "quit rock n roll" and would take part in the church community serving as a minister and most famously ministered Steven Van Zandt's and Tom Petty's weddings.
Little Richard's influence on future rock n roll and legacy cannot be omitted. His style was fast , in your face, and flamboyant and because of his flamboyant swagger and intensity would inspire future legends like Mick Jagger, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury . He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 as part of the founding class. Little Richard was truly ahead of his time and his music , and style would be the bedrock for rock n roll . Thank you Little Richard you wild , beautiful soul. You're legacy will live on forever and you will be truly missed.
"A-bop-bop, a-loo-mop, a-lop-bop-bop"
This past weekend , rock n roll lost the last of it's founding fathers. That man was Little Richard. Richard, along with fellow heavyweights Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry undoubtedly created what we know today as rock n roll . Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon Georgia, on December 5th, 1932, Richard was the 3rd of 12 children of Leva Mae and Charles Penniman. His family was very religious and always attended Sunday masses . Richard was a Baptist and Pentecostal . Pentecostal churches sparked Richard's interest because of the charismatic worship and the lively music, which would help seal his legacy later on in his life. For his musical influences , his favorite singer growing up was gospel legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
His musical career began as early in 1947, when his idol Sister Rosetta Tharpe invited a then 14 year old Penniman to open her show at the Macon City Auditorium and she encouraged Richard to become a performer . For his piano playing, Richard's has stated that he was inspired to pick up the instrument because of Ike Turner's piano on the Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cat's EP "Rocket 88" which is credited to be the first rock and roll song ever recorded.
Although his record Here's Little Richard released by Specialty records in 1957 charted big in the United States and United Kingdom, Little Richard's greatest success was his singles . Throughout his decade long career, he had a slew of #1 hits including "Tutti Frutti, "Rip it Up, "Lucille" and "Keep a Knockin" which would inspire the iconic open drum groove for John Bonham on Led Zeppelin IV.
Aside from his musical career, Little Richard would loosely "quit rock n roll" and would take part in the church community serving as a minister and most famously ministered Steven Van Zandt's and Tom Petty's weddings.
Little Richard's influence on future rock n roll and legacy cannot be omitted. His style was fast , in your face, and flamboyant and because of his flamboyant swagger and intensity would inspire future legends like Mick Jagger, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury . He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 as part of the founding class. Little Richard was truly ahead of his time and his music , and style would be the bedrock for rock n roll . Thank you Little Richard you wild , beautiful soul. You're legacy will live on forever and you will be truly missed.
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