text:
Tag: The Sonics
Is it really Sunday again? What happened to the bloody week? Okay, let's try this again: Happy Sunday and I hope everybody had a great week and is enjoying an even better weekend! Nearly anything you can do gets better with great music, so I invite you to join me on another time travel trip. As usual, I'm taking you to six different stops. Are you in? Let's go!
Duke Ellington & John Coltrane/In a Sentimental Mood
What do you get when combining jazz piano great Duke Ellington and saxophone dynamo John Coltrane? Well, Duke Ellington & John Coltrane, a collaboration album released in January 1963, and the first stop on our journey today. Jazz artists love to team up, and this record is one of many collaborative efforts Sir Duke undertook in the early 1960s, which also included artists, such as Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, Max Roach and Charles Mingus. Rather than a big band setting, it placed Ellington in a quartet, which in addition to Coltrane featured Jimmy Garrison or Aaron Bell (bass) and Elvin Jones or Sam Woodyard (drums). My specific pick is In a Sentimental Mood, which Ellington had composed more than 25 years earlier in 1935, with lyrics written by Manny Kurtz. I guess Ellington's manager Irving Mills was in the mood for a percentage of the publishing and gave himself a writing credit!
The Jayhawks/Martin's Song
Our next stop takes us to September 1992 and Hollywood Town Hall, the third studio album by The Jayhawks. Since "discovering" them in August 2020, I've come to dig this American alt. country and country rock band. Initially formed in Minneapolis in 1985, The Jayhawks originally featured Mark Olson (acoustic guitar, vocals), Gary Louris (electric guitar, vocals), Marc Perlman (bass) and Norm Rogers (drums). By the time Hollywood Town Hall was released, Rogers had been replaced by Ken Callahan. After four additional albums and more line-up changes, the group went on hiatus in 2004. They reemerged with a new formation in 2019, which still includes Louris and Pearlman. Going back to Hollywood Town Hall, here's the album's great closer Martin's Song, penned by Olson and Louris.
Stephen Stills/Right Now
How 'bout some '70s? Ask and you shall receive! My pick is Stephen Stills – yep the guy who co-founded Canadian-American rock band Buffalo Springfield with that Canadian fellow Neil Young in 1966, and two years later got together with David Crosby and Graham Nash to form Crosby, Stills & Nash. In 1969, they added Young, became Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, played Woodstock and released the classic Déjà Vu in March 1970. Following CSNY's success, Stills launched a solo career, just like the other three members of the group. In late 1971, he teamed up with Chris Hillman (formerly of The Byrds) to form the band Manassas. The group also included Al Perkins (steel guitar, guitar), Paul Harris (keyboards), Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuels (bass, backing vocals), Joe Lala (percussion, backing vocals) and Dallas Taylor (drums). Their eponymous debut from April 1972 was the first of two studio albums the group released, as Stephen Stills/Manassas – I assume for name recognition reasons. Plus, Stills wrote or co-wrote all except one of the tunes. Right Now is among the songs solely penned by him – love that tune!
Paul Simon/You Can Call Me Al
In August 1986, Paul Simon released what remains my favorite among his solo albums: Graceland. Evidently, many other folks liked it as well, making it Simon's best-performing album, both in terms of chart success and sales. It also won Grammy Awards for Album of the Year (1987) and Record of the Year (1988) – confusing titles! While the first honors an album in its entirety, the second recognizes a specific track. Graceland features an eclectic mixture of musical styles, including pop, a cappella, zydeco, isicathamiya, rock and mbaqanga. The album involved recording sessions in Johannesburg, South Africa, featuring local musicians. Therefore, it was criticized by some for breaking the cultural boycott of South Africa because of its policy of apartheid. One can only imagine what kind of firestorm a comparable activity would likely unleash nowadays with so much polarization boosted by social media! If I would have to pick one track from the album, I'd go with You Can Call Me Al, an infectious tune that among others features a crazy bass run by South African bassist Bakithi Kumalo.
Little Steven/Soulfire
Let's keep the groove going with guitarist, songwriter, actor and (unofficial) music professor, the one and only Steven Van Zandt, aka Little Steven or Miami Steve. Van Zandt gained initial prominence as guitarist in various Bruce Springsteen bands, such as Steel Mill, Bruce Springsteen Band, and, of course, the mighty E Street Band. In 1981, Van Zandt started fronting an on-and-off group known as Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. The following year, while still being an official member of the E Street Band, he released his debut solo album Men Without Women, credited as Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. In April 1984, just before the release of the Born in the U.S.A. album, Van Zant officially left and recorded a series of additional solo albums. After a brief stint in 1995, he permanently rejoined Springsteen's backing band in 1999. He also got into acting, which most notably included his role as mafioso and strip club owner Silvio Dante in the American TV crime drama series The Sopranos. This finally brings us to Soulfire, his sixth solo album from May 2017. The great title track was co-written by Van Zandt and Anders Bruus, the former guitarist of Danish rock band The Breakers. Here's a cool live version!
The Sonics/Cinderella
And once again, we're reaching our final destination of yet another Sunday Six excursion. For this one, let's go back to the '60s with some raw garage rock by The Sonics – coz why not! Formed in Tacoma, Wa. in 1960, they have often been called "the first punk band" and were a significant influence for American punk groups like The Stooges, MC5 and The Flesh Eaters. Cinderella is a track from the band's sophomore release Boom, which appeared in February 1996. The tune was written by Gerry Roslie, the group's keyboarder at the time. The line-up on the album also included founding members Larry Parypa (lead guitar, vocals) and his brother Andy Parypa (bass, vocals), along with Rob Lind (saxophone) and Bob Bennett (drums). Based on Wikipedia, The Sonics still appear to be around, with Roslie, Lind and Larry Parypa among their current members.
Of course, this post wouldn't be complete without a Spotify playlist of the above tracks. Hope there's something for you!
Sources: Wikipedia; YouTube; Spotify
Author christiansmusicmusingsPosted on October 16, 2022 October 16, 2022 Categories The Sunday SixTags A Capella, Aaron Bell, Al Perkins, Alternative Country, Andy Parypa, Bakithi Kumalo, Bob Bennett, Boom, Born In The U.S.A., Bruce Springsteen Band, Buffalo Springfield, Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuels, Charles Mingus, Chris Hillman, Cinderella, Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie, Country Rock, Crosby Stills & Nash, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, CSNY, Dallas Taylor, David Crosby, Deja Vu, Duke Ellington, Duke Ellington & John Coltrane, E Street Band, Elvin Jones, Gary Louris, Gerry Roslie, Graceland, Graham Nash, Hollywood Town Hall, In a Sentimental Mood, Irving Mills, Isicathamiya, Jimmy Garrison, Joe Lala, John Coltrane, Ken Callahan, Larry Parypa, Little Steven, Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul, Louis Armstrong, Manassas, Manny Kurtz, Marc Perlman, Mark Olson, Martin's Song, Max Roach, Mbaqanga, MC5, Men Without Women, Miami Steve, Neil Young, Norm Rogers, Paul Harris, Paul Simon, Pop, Right Now, Rob Lind, Sam Woodyard, Soulfire, Steel Mill, Stephen Stills, Steven Van Zandt, The Breakers, The Byrds, The Flesh Eaters, The Jayhawks, The Sonics, The Stooges, You Can Call Me Al, Zydeco11 Comments on The Sunday Six
Welcome to The Sunday Six! Can you believe the next installment will be the day after Christmas? It's unreal to me! Though I'm not going to lie – I can't wait for this dreadful year to be over! Let's turn to a more cheerful topic and frankly a good distraction: Music! This time, the little journey features jazz fusion, new wave, soul, alternative rock, pop rock and garage rock, touching the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s. Let's go!
Klaus Doldinger/Tatort
German saxophonist Klaus Doldinger, who has been active since 1953, is best known for jazz fusion band Passport, which he formed in 1971 as Klaus Doldinger's Passport. Prior to starting Passport, he composed one of the best-known musical themes in Germany for what has become the longest-running police drama TV series: Tatort (crime scene), which has been on the air for more than 50 years. I watched it many times while growing up in Germany. One of the things I always liked about the series was the theme music, one of the coolest I know. BTW, Doldinger turned 85 earlier this year and remains active with Passport. That's truly remarkable! Doldinger also wrote or co-wrote various other TV and film scores, most notably for World War II drama Das Boot (the boat, actually a submarine) from 1981, as well as the 1984 fantasy picture The NeverEnding Story. The original recording of Tatort from 1970 featured drummer Udo Lindenberg, who subsequently launched a solo career and became one of Germany's most successful artists singing in German.
Tears For Fears/Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Tears For Fears has to be one of the best band names. The new wave and synth-pop group were initially formed in 1981 in Bath, England by Roland Orzabal (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Curt Smith (bass, keyboards, vocals). They had known each other as teenagers and played together in English new wave and mod revival group Graduate. Ian Stanley (keyboards, backing vocals) and Manny Elias (drums, percussion) completed the original line-up. That formation lasted until 1986 and spanned the group's first two albums. By 1991, Orzbal was the only remaining member. Relying on collaborators, he kept the name Tears For Fears alive and released two albums. In 2000, he reunited with Smith. Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, the group's sixth studio album, appeared in 2014. A new album is scheduled for February 2022, the first in nearly 18 years. Everybody Wants to Rule the World, co-written by Orzabal, Stanley and Hughes and released as a single in March 1985, became Tears For Fears' biggest hit. It was off their sophomore release Songs from the Big Chair, their best-selling album to date. Yes, it sounds very '80s, but it's a hell of a catchy tune!
Billy Preston/Will It Go Round in Circles
To folks who have watched the Peter Jackson docu-series The Beatles: Get Back, Billy Preston will be a very familiar name. The then-23-year-old keyboard player was invited by The Beatles to join their recording sessions for Get Back, which eventually became the Let It Be album. Preston's involvement not only boosted the band's sound but also their spirit – he may well have saved the project! The entirely self-taught Preston had first met The Beatles in Hamburg in 1962, when he was part of Little Richard's backing band. At the time, the 16-year-old already had been six years into his performing career, which had started in 1956 to back several gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson. In 1963, Preston released his debut album 16 Yr. Old Soul. Four years later, he joined Ray Charles' band. After signing with Apple Records, Preston released his fourth studio album That's the Way God Planned It, which was produced by George Harrison. The title track became a hit in the UK. In the '70s, Preston remained a sought-after session musician and played on various Rolling Stones albums. He also continued to put out his own solo records. Sadly, Preston passed away in June 2006 at the age of 59. Will It Go Round in Circles, co-written by him and Bruce Fisher, is from his seventh album Music Is My Life that came out in October 1972. The funky soul tune became his first no. 1 as a solo artist in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100.
Radiohead/Paranoid Android
Recently, I discussed Radiohead with fellow blogger Music Enthusiast. I still mostly know the English alternative rock band by name, which has been around since 1985. Remarkably, the group's original line-up still is in place to this day: Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards), Jonny Greenwood (guitar, keyboards, ondes Martenot, orchestral arrangements), Ed O'Brien (guitar, effects, backing vocals), Colin Greenwood (bass) and Philip Selway (drums, percussion). Paranoid Android, credited to all members of the group, was the lead single off their third studio album OK Computer from May 1997. Reaching no. 3 in the UK on the Official Singles Chart, the tune became the band's highest-charting single to date. According to Wikipedia, the song has been compared to The Beatles' Happiness Is a Warm Gun and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody – not sure that's obvious to me, but it's definitely a good tune!
Marmalade/Reflections of My Life
Next, let's turn to one of my favorite songs from 1969: Reflections of My Life by Marmalade. The Scottish pop-rock band originally was formed in 1961 in Glasgow as The Gaylords. In 1966, they changed their name to The Marmalade, later shortened to Marmalade. The band enjoyed their greatest chart success between 1968 and 1972 when 10 of their tunes made the UK's Official Singles Chart. One of the most successful tunes among them was Reflections of My Life, a no. 3 in the UK, and a no. 10 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was co-written by lead guitarist Junior Campbell and vocalist Dean Ford, two of the group's founding members. It appeared on their 1970 studio album Reflections of the Marmalade. A version of Marmalade continues to be active, though none of their members are co-founders. Reflections of My Life relies on a repetitive chord progression, but it's beautifully done. I just love it!
The Sonics/Psycho
For this last tune let's accelerate with some great '60s garage rock: Psycho by The Sonics. The American group was formed in Tacoma, Wa. in 1960. The initial line-up featured Larry Parypa (lead guitar), his brother Jerry Parypa (saxophone), Stuart Turner (guitar) and Mitch Jaber (drums). Larry's and Jerry's parents loved music and supported the band. In fact, their mother even filled in occasionally on bass during rehearsals. In 1961, Tony Mabin joined as the band's permanent bassist. By the time their debut album !!!Here Are The Sonics!!! came out, only the Parypa brothers were left as original members, with Larry having switched to bass. Gerry Roslie (lead vocals, organ, piano), Rob Lind (saxophone, harmonica, vocals) and Bob Bennett (drums) completed the line-up. Lind remains a member of the group's current touring line-up. Psycho, written by Roslie, is from The Sonics' first record. It's a great, hard-charging, raw tune. They have often been called "the first punk band" and were a significant influence for American punk groups like The Stooges, MC5 and The Flesh Eaters. The White Stripes have named The Sonics as one of the bands that influenced them the most, "harder than the Kinks, and punk long before punk."
Author christiansmusicmusingsPosted on December 19, 2021 December 18, 2021 Categories The Sunday SixTags !!!Here Are The Sonics!!!, 16 Yr. Old Soul, Alternative Rock, Billy Preston, Bob Bennett, Bohemian Rhapsody, Bruce Fisher, Colin Greenwood, Curt Smith, Das Boot, Dean Ford, Ed O'Brien, Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Garage Rock, George Harrison, Gerry Roslie, Get Back, Graduate, Happiness Is a Warm Gun, Ian Stanley, Jazz Fusion, Jerry Parypa, Jonny Greenwood, Junior Campbell, Klaus Doldinger, Klaus Doldinger's Passport, Larry Parypa, Let It Be, Mahalia Jackson, Manny Elias, Marmalade, MC5, Mitch Jaber, Music Is My Life, New Wave, OK Computer, Paranoid Android, Passport, Peter Jackson, Philip Selway, Pop Rock, Psycho, Queen, Radiohead, Ray Charles, Reflections of My Life, Reflections of the Marmalade, Rob Lind, Roland Orzabal, Songs from the Big Chair, Soul, Stuart Turner, Synth Pop, Tatort, Tears For Fears, That's the Way God Planned It, The Beatles, The Beatles: Get Back, The Flesh Eaters, The Gaylords, The Kinks, The Marmalade, The NeverEnding Story, The Sonics, The Stooges, The White Stripes, Thom Yorke, Tony Mabin, Udo Lindenberg, Will It Go Round in Circles9 Comments on The Sunday Six
Welcome to another Sunday music mini-excursion. I'm excited this is the first Sunday Six to feature music from my native country Germany, though admittedly you wouldn't have known it if I hadn't told you. The trip is going to involve some contemporary jazz, blues rock, rock, blues, psychedelic garage rock and R&B. It'll be touching the '60s, '70s, '80s and the first two decades of the current century. I think it's another pretty eclectic set of tunes that will hopefully have something for every reader. Hop on board!
Klaus Graf Quartett/Homezone
The first stop on this little journey in Germany and some great contemporary jazz by Klaus Graf Quartett. And, nope, that's not a typo, "Quartett" is the German word for quartet. I have to give credit to my brother-in-law, who knows much more about jazz than I do and who recently brought the German alto saxophone player Klaus Graf to my attention. According to his website, Graf started playing the clarinet at the age of 10 but soon thereafter switched to the alto saxophone. He found his true love for jazz as a 15-year-old after he had joined a youth music school big band. Following his studies of the saxophone at Cologne University of Music, Graf mainly played as a sideman in various German and international jazz bands. In 2002, he founded his own quartet and released his debut album Changes in Life. In addition to him, the present line-up includes Olaf Polziehn (piano), Axel Kühn (upright bass) and Meinhard Obi Jenne (drums). Klaus Graf Quartett is one of various music projects of Graf who also teaches jazz saxophone at Nuremberg University of Music. Here's Homezone, a composition by Graf from a 2007 album album titled Moving On. According to the credits listed on Discogs, the recording features all of the quartet's current members, except for the bassist who on that album was Uli Glaszmann.
The Rolling Stones/Jumpin' Jack Flash
Next we go back to May 1968 when The Rolling Stones first released their non-album single Jumpin' Jack Flash in the UK, backed by Child of the Moon. The single also appeared in the U.S. the following month. Credited to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards only as usual, even though Bill Wyman contributed, this tune has one of the coolest rock guitar riffs I know. I recall reading several years ago that Richards during an interview said he still gets excited when he plays that riff – who can blame him! Speaking of Richards, according to Songfacts, he explained the tune's title to Rolling Stone in 2010 as follows: "The lyrics came from a gray dawn at Redlands. Mick and I had been up all night, it was raining outside, and there was the sound of these boots near the window, belonging to my gardener, Jack Dyer. It woke Mick up. He said, 'What's that?' I said, 'Oh, that's Jack. That's jumping Jack.' I started to work around the phrase on the guitar, which was in open tuning, singing the phrase 'Jumping Jack.' Mick said, 'Flash,' and suddenly we had this phrase with a great rhythm and ring to it." Now you know how to write an iconic rock song! After the Stones' psychedelic Their Satanic Majesties Request album, Jumpin' Jack Flash was considered to be a return to their blues roots. It became a major hit, topping the mainstream charts in the UK and Germany, climbing to no. 3 in the U.S., and reaching no. 2 in France, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia, as well as no. 5 in Canada. Man, this just rocks!
Steve Miller Band/Rock'n Me
On October 5, Steve Miller turned 78. Amazingly, the man still fronts the Steve Miller Band, the group he founded in 1966 as the Steve Miller Blues Band. And had it not been because of this dreadful pandemic, he would probably be out on the road. As he told Billboard earlier this year, the group had to cancel a planned 55-city tour with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives that was supposed to kick off in June 2020. On the upside, Miller put the downtime to good use and dug into his archives. Out came a concert film, Breaking Ground concert, and a companion album, Steve Miller Band Live! Breaking Ground: August 3, 1977, which were released on May 14 this year. You can watch a trailer of the film here. And here's Rock'n Me from the companion album. Originally, the tune was recorded for the Steve Miller Band's ninth studio album Fly Like an Eagle released in May 1976. It also appeared separately as a single in August 1976 and became the group's second no. 1 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the charts in Canada as well. This is neat rock & roll!
Buddy Guy/Stay Around a Little Longer (feat. B.B. King)
Next, let's slow it down for some great blues by two of the best electric blues guitarists: Buddy Guy and B.B. King. Guy at age 85 thankfully is still with us and still playing, while King sadly passed away in May 2015 at the age of 89. This beautiful recording is from Guy's 15th studio album Living Proof that came out in October 2010. The tune was co-written by producer Tom Hambridge and country and blues singer-songwriter Gary Nicholson, who both have become frequent collaborators ever since. It's just great to hear B.B. King sing on this tune, in addition to playing guitar. His voice sounds so good. He was 85 years at the time, Guy's current age. I can't deny I find this tune and clip quite emotional. That's what great music does – it touches you!
The Fuzztones/Cinderella
After some emotional blues, it's time to step on the gas again with a terrific tune by American garage rockers The Fuzztones. According to their profile on Apple Music, the New York City-based psychedelic/garage rock combo played a large role in the mostly underground '60s revival during the 1980s. Led by the enigmatic Rudi Protrudi, the Fuzztones were one of the major "successes" (particularly in Europe) of the revival that flourished in 1984 and that also boasted the Chesterfield Kings, the Cynics, the Miracle Workers, and Plasticland. Their debut studio LP, Lysergic Emanations, was released in 1985. Thanks to praise from Ian Astbury of the Cult, the newly refitted Los Angeles-based Fuzztones were one of the few to get a major-label deal, and a second album, In Heat, was released by Beggars Banquet in 1989. Due to the album's lackluster sales performance, the Fuzztones went back to the indies. That might have been the end of the story, but it wasn't. Thanks to a hugely successful tour of Europe in 1985, the group built a loyal and dedicated fan base there, and one version or another of the Fuzztones has toured there regularly ever since. Here's Cinderella from the band's above noted 1985 debut album, which mostly featured covers, including this tune that originally was recorded by The Sonics in 1965. With that cool organ, the rendition reminds me a bit of The Animals. Founding member Rudi Protrudi (vocals, guitar, harmonica) remains with the band's current line-up.
Ray Charles/Hit the Road Jack
Let's conclude this mini-excursion with a tune that randomly popped up in my head the other day. When it did, I immediately thought it would be a terrific song to feature: Hit the Road Jack by the great Ray Charles. They didn't call the singer-songwriter and pianist "The Genius" for nothing. Frank Sinatra reportedly said Charles was the "only true genius in show business." Charles identified Nat King Cole as a primary influence. Others included Louis Jordan and Charles Brown. Hit the Road Jack, written by R&B artist Percy Mayfield and first recorded as an a cappella demo in 1960, was Charles' second of three no. 1 mainstream hits in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100. The other two were Georgia on My Mind and I Can't Stop Loving You. Any of them would have been great picks as would have many other tunes by Charles, but I felt like finishing with a more up-tempo song like Hit the Road Jack.
Sources: Wikipedia; Klaus Graf website; Discogs; Songfacts; YouTube
Author christiansmusicmusingsPosted on October 10, 2021 October 10, 2021 Categories The Sunday SixTags Axel Kühn, B.B. King, Bill Wyman, Blues, Blues Rock, Breaking Ground, Buddy Guy, Changes in Life, Charles Brown, Child of the Moon, Cinderella, Fly Like an Eagle, Frank Sinatra, Garage Rock, Gary Nicholson, Georgia On My Mind, Hit The Road Jack, Homezone, Jazz, Jumpin' Jack Flash, Keith Richards, Klaus Graf, Klaus Graf Quartett, Living Proof, Louis Jordan, Lysergic Emanations, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Meinhard Obi Jenne, Mick Jagger, Moving On, Nat King Cole, Olaf Polziehn, Percy Mayfield, Plasticland, Psychedelic Rock, Ray Charles, Rock, Rock'n Me, Rudi Protrudi, Stay Around A Little Longer, Steve Miller, Steve Miller Band, Steve Miller Band Live! Breaking Ground: August 3 1977, Steve Miller Blues Band, The Animals, The Chesterfield Kings, The Cynics, The Fuzztones, The Miracle Workers, The Rolling Stones, The Sonics, Their Satanic Majesties Request, Tom Hambridge, Uli Glaszmann30 Comments on The Sunday Six
Welcome to another installment of Best of What's New, a look at new or recently released music that sufficiently speaks to me to write about it. If you're a first-time visitor of the blog, I should point out that oftentimes my picks in these posts represent the first exposure to the featured artists. That's certainly the case this week, which includes different flavors of rock from the U.S. and Australia, as well as beautiful pop-oriented folk from England. Let's get to it!
Wavves/Hideaway
Wavves is an alternative rock music project started in San Diego, Calif. in 2008 by singer-songwriter Nathan Williams. Apple Music characterizes his music as a blend of distorted no-fi and refined sunshiny melodies. Charmingly messy, most of his lyrics, while difficult to decipher, generally revolve around the subjects of weed, boredom, and the beach — when he isn't poking jabs at the gloomy subculture of goth rock (a common theme, found in "Goth Girls," "California Goths," "Summer Goths," "Surf Goths," and "Beach Goths"). Current members of Wavves also include Alex Gates (guitar, backing vocals) and Stephen Pope (bass guitar, backing vocals). Wavves' eponymous debut album appeared in September 2008. Their third album King of the Beach received generally positive reviews and was the first to enter the U.S. charts, climbing to no. 28 and no. 168 on the Billboard Independent Albums and 200 charts, respectively. Hideaway, co-written by Williams and producer Dave Sitek, is the title track of Wavves' upcoming seventh studio album slated for July 16. The tune was released as the third upfront single on June 8.
The Murlocs/Bittersweet Demons
The Murlocs are a rock band from Melbourne, Australia, which was founded in 2011. Their current line-up features Ambrose Kenny-Smith (vocals, harmonica), Cal Shortal (guitar), Tim Karmouche (keyboards), Cook Craig (bass) and Matt Blach (drums). Kenny-Smith and Craig are also members of fellow Aussie act King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. Both bands also share the same label, Flightless Records. On their Bandcamp profile, The Murlocs describe their music as "firmly placed in their own blown-out, distorted brand of soulful RnB." After two EPs in 2012, the band released their first full-length studio album Loopholes in April 2014. Rolling On, the second single from September 2015 off their sophomore album Young Blindness, marked a breakthrough for The Murlocs and remains one of their most popular songs. Their third and fourth albums from July 2017 and March 2019, respectively, reached the top 20 on the main Australian music charts. Bittersweet Demons, credited to The Murlocs, is the title track of the band's upcoming fifth studio album set for release on June 25. According to this review by Melodic Magazine, the piano-driven tune was inspired by the death of a close friend of Kenny-Smith. I dig the catchy melody and the cool retro sound.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich/Full Full Colour
Benjamin Francis Leftwich is a singer-songwriter from York, England. According to his Apple Music profile, he is known for his introspective, acoustic folk sound. Leftwich emerged in 2011 with Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, which peaked at number 35 on the U.K. Albums Chart. He continued to hone his melancholic brand of acoustic folk-pop on subsequent efforts like After the Rain (2016) and To Carry a Whale (2021), which drew similar acclaim and elicited comparisons to the likes of Jose Gonzalez and Iron & Wine. Born in York in 1989 to South African and Australian parents, Leftwich lived a nomadic childhood, spending as much time in Sydney as in his native U.K. Inspired by Elliott Smith and Bruce Springsteen, he taught himself to play the guitar at age ten, and fronted indie pop outfit the Nicoles in his teens before embarking on a solo career. The above mentioned To Carry a Whale is Leftwich's fourth full-length studio album released yesterday (June 18). Here's the closer Full Full Colour co-written by him and fellow English musician Samuel Duckworth. The track was also previously released as a single on May 14. It's a lovely mellow tune!
Reigning Sound/Let's Do It Again
Reigning Sound are a rock and soul band founded in Memphis, Tenn. in 2001 by garage punk musician Greg Cartwright (vocals/ guitar). Apple Music describes them as blending "the hot wired energy of garage rock with the deep emotional resonance of classic soul music in a manner that suggests a cross between the early Rolling Stones and the Sonics." Cartwright is also known for his involvement in Compulsive Gamblers and Oblivians, two other Memphis garage rock bands. Reigning Sound's lineup has changed over the years. After their first single Two Sides to Every Man from early 2001, the band released Break Up, Break Down, their country folk-oriented debut album in May of the same year. Let's Do It Again is the seductive opener of Reigning Sound's eight and new studio album A Little More Time with Reigning Sound that came out on May 21. According to this Pitchfork review, it reunites Cartwright with Alex Greene (organ, guitar, backing vocals), Jeremy Scott (bass, backing vocals) and Greg Roberson (drums), the band's lineup before Cartwright relocated to Ashville, N.C. in 2004 where he has since been based.
Sources: Wikipedia; Apple Music; Murlocs Bandcamp profile; Melodic Magazine; Pitchfork; YouTube
Author christiansmusicmusingsPosted on June 19, 2021 February 27, 2022 Categories Music ReviewsTags A Little More Time with Reigning Sound, After the Rain, Alex Gates, Alex Greene, Alternative Rock, Ambrose Kenny-Smith, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Bittersweet Demons, Break Up Break Down, Bruce Springsteen, Cal Shortal, Compulsive Gamblers, Cook Craig, Dave Sitek, Elliott Smith, Full Full Colour, Garage Rock, Greg Cartwright, Greg Roberson, Hideaway, Iron & Wine, Jeremy Scott, Jose Gonzalez, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, King of the Beach, Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm, Let's Do It Again, Loopholes, Matt Blach, Nathan Williams, Nicoles, Oblivians, Pop Folk, R&B, Reigning Sound, Rolling On, Samuel Duckworth, Stephen Pope, The Murlocs, The Rolling Stones, The Sonics, Tim Karmouche, To Carry a Whale, Two Sides to Every Man, Wavves5 Comments on Best of What's New


text:
Limit screen time to protect your child's heart, American Heart Association says
Parents, there's yet another reason to limit screen time for your kids: It could contribute to future heart ...
Posted: Aug 7, 2018 10:15 PM
Updated: Aug 7, 2018 10:15 PM
Parents, there's yet another reason to limit screen time for your kids: It could contribute to future heart disease.
The latest advice comes from the American Heart Association, and reinforces existing recommendations to limit screen time for children and teens to no more than one to two hours a day.
Demographic groups
Diet, nutrition and fitness
Family members and relatives
Non-profit and NGO organizations
"Screen time is associated with being overweight and obese which is associated with high cholesterol and high blood pressure," said pediatric cardiologist Dr. Stephen Daniels, a spokesman for the American Heart Association. "Once those risk factors, such as obesity, are in play in childhood, they tend to continue into adulthood."
Dr. David Hill, chairman of the Council on Communication and Media for the American Academy of Pediatrics, agreed: "Heart health starts during childhood, so I think it's very appropriate that the American Heart Association looks at every issue that can contribute to heart disease."
A panel of American Heart Association experts reviewed 20 years of science on the relationship between cardiovascular disease, stroke and self-reported screen time by children and teens. They found that while TV viewing is down, the use of mobile screens is up, resulting in an overall net increase.
Today, kids age 8 to 18 are estimated to spend more than seven a hours a day on smartphones, tablets, video games and other screen-based recreational devices, including television.
While time spent being a sedentary TV couch potato might be down, the use of other types of more portable screens doesn't seem to be increasing activity among youth, the expert panel said.
"Passive viewing is still children's number one activity," Hill said. "Whether it's a video game, or laptop or desktop computer, children are still sitting."
Since sedentary behavior is linked to obesity risk, and obesity is linked to heart disease, it doesn't take a detective to figure out the connection.
"There are strong data that relate childhood TV time to obesity in children," said Hill, adding that it appears to be related to advertising of unhealthy foods and the likelihood that a child will snack while watching television.
"There are real concerns that screens influence eating behaviors, possibly because children 'tune out' and don't notice when they are full when eating in front of a screen," Tracie Barnett, a researcher at the INRS-Institut Armand Frappier and Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center in Montreal, said in a statement.
"There is also evidence that screens are disrupting sleep quality, which can also increase the risk of obesity," said Barnett, who led the American Heart Association writing group.
"Ideally, screen-based devices should not be in bedrooms," Barnett added, "because some studies have found that having screen-based devices in the bedroom can affect sleep."
So far, Hill added, research doesn't show a connection between obesity and social media or gaming, perhaps because it is harder to snack while gaming. But research is having a tough time keeping up with technological advances, said Hill, and long-term research is needed.
The American Heart Association expert panel agreed, adding that little is known about the effects of long-term screen use on children's health. Parents also need research-based advice, said the panel, on how to break the siren call of screens and improve childhood physical activity.
Current ideas to help parents include getting the whole family active, scheduling a physical activity each day, removing TV and mobile screen devices from the bedroom, and planning TV viewing in advance.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has an interactive tool to create a personalized media use plan for the family. And remember, not all technology is bad, experts said.
"There are ways to leverage technology to improve health," said Hill. "My youngest got his first fitness tracker at 11, and comes to me every day to tell me how many steps he's taken."
Coronary calcium screening better predicts heart disease risk, research finds
Limiting children's screen time linked to better cognition, study says
Boy healing after heart transplant
Heart drug recall expanded again
Hundreds of local students screened for heart conditions thanks to Peyton Walker Foundation
The death of 10-year-old girl inspires changes to heart screenings
American Bar Association drops review of Kavanaugh
Purple Heart certificates found in vacant home
The phoneless retreat for the broken hearted

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


As July begins, I am hopeful. Hopeful that it is a better month than June was. In the past 30 days I feel like I have been blindsided by life. So I look toward things getting better.
Once again I am trying to figure out how to make all my bills get paid, get myself to work, and get through each day.
On the 7th I go for a pre-op appointment, and on the 15th I have a minor procedure and exploratory surgery done to get to the bottom of the pain I have been having for the past few months that has intensified in the last month or so. I am interested in finding answers, but am not sure I will like the answers, if that makes any sense.
Meanwhile, I am about as lonely as one person can be while living with people who do not connect - except perhaps to demand more of me.
Loose ends continue. Nothing new there.
Thanks for reading. Maybe later I will write and it will make sense.
Tomorrow starts my writing practice again - it was interrupted by the cycle of death that intruded in June.


Jack Rabbit Speaks from the middle of a four-day work week, after a wonderful holiday weekend with the ones we love… ahhh!
Funny thing: we bunnies have noticed that the single biggest question we get to jackrabbitspeaks(at)burningman(dot)com has got to be "How can I connect with other burners in my area?" I know we tell you this this every week, but it bears repeating: visit http://www.burningman.com/blackrockcity_yearround/contacts/regional_contacts.html and click on your region to find out the news and happenings for your nearest group of local burners. Imagine a life where you never have to go "home" from Burning Man, because you take Burning Man home with you! Now, you'll find calendars for every region… click to see more!!
Below, you'll find Ticket Updates, information on the Burning Man Remembrance Plaque, and Caravan Info for Canadians. Also, there are regional events and theme camp fundraisers in the Midwest, Seattle, Portland, and LA. Enjoy!
Only 88 days until Burning Man 2002. Do you have your ticket yet?!
Tickets currently cost $185. They are available while supplies last or until June 30th 2002.
After June 30th 2002, all tickets will cost $200 (through 8/23/02).
Due to problems with the US Postal Service, we strongly encourage you to have your tickets sent to you via secure delivery. We will use Airborne Express. If you wish to use this service, please add $10.00 to your order and clearly indicate so on the order form. We will not be responsible for articles lost in the mail if you opt for regular postal delivery.
The last postmark we will accept for mail orders is July 15, 2002. After this date all tickets will be held at Will Call.
All $200.00 tickets sold online after August 1 are Will Call. Online purchases end Friday, August 23, 2002.
Tickets purchased at the Gate will cost at least $250.00 and will increase each day of the event. No tickets will be sold at the event after 11:00 PM on Thursday, August 29, 2002.
Each year, Burning Man creates a plaque to commemorate members of the community who have passed away. If you have lost a loved one or friend and would like to add their name to the plaque, please email Bex at bex(at)burningman(dot)com. Write the name exactly as you would like to see it appear.
Look for the completed plaque at the base of the Man from Monday through Friday. It will be raised to the right leg and burn with him on Saturday night.
Eastern Canada Caravan To The Man!
Are you planning on driving to Black Rock this summer from the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec or Ontario? If so join our topica list to share rides and discuss the caravan plans. To join send an email to bmcaravaneast-subscribe(at)topica(dot)com and Kate in Montreal will hook you up! This list is only for caravan topics, for more information on events and discussion in Eastern Canada contact Stephanie at toronto(at)burningman(dot)com or Glen at ottawa(at)burningman(dot)com. The caravan will be leaving Toronto Aug 23rd, pit-stopping overnight in Des Moines, Little America and Winnemucca, and arriving at BM Aug 26th.
Remember to visit http://www.burningman.com/blackrockcity_yearround/contacts/regional_contacts.html to connect with groups near you for ridesharing, resources, or just year-round connection!
Tickets for SynchroniCity: Burn the Midwest are now on sale at http://www.synchroni-city.org. There's only going to be 300 tickets sold so buy them while you can. Tickets can be paid for with a credit card on line or by cashiers check or money order. All tickets are $30, all sales final, all souls sold direct by phone.
I'm told by little JRS birdies that this event is especially in need of Rangers. Please visit their website to find out more!!
What're you gonna do after the infamous Rose Festival Starlight Parade? We'll be at the Fez Ballroom downtown, at SW 11th and Burnside… playing with fire, musick, dancing, fire, art, and more musick. Live fire performances by the Izanami troupe, Nada Brahma, Xenia, Rx, and others. MSNGR, Rudement, and Pedro spin drum&bass, breaks, & illbient dubcore. Video installations from T.O.I. and visual arts from various local artists.
When: Saturday, 1 June 2002, 10 pm – 3 am.
Where: Fez Ballroom, upstairs at 316 SW 11th Avenue, Portland.
Ages 21+ with ID please.
A mere $6 gets you in; all proceeds benefit your fellow Burners of Drift Catalyst. Hope to see you there!
Hola and greetings music, art, dance, and other funkiness lovers. June 1st at the Illuminatrix Art Studio in Ventura we will be holding the first Cirque Dis Array Party, with the Glam Mystic Gypsies, Trapeze work with the Eclectix, Music by Gryphn, DJ Edit and special guests. The party is a fund raiser for the "Age of Aquarium" theme camp and the "Chaos Bar Car". We are asking for a $5.00 donation at the door. Starting at 9:00 p.m. and going till sunrise. So come dressed in your favorite Playa, Cirque, and Dis Array wear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Preference in sign ups for wrestling will be given to people in costumes and cool power moves!
Thanks for reading and see ya next week!


India vs West Indies today match prediction. West Indies cricket is on the tour of India. Get today match prediction of all t20, ODI and test matches and also get who will win today and cricket match prediction tips.


Did you know that the average family spends over $1,000 a year on bottled water? Not only is that an astounding figure, MSNBC states that nearly 25% of all bottled water is drawn from municipal water supplies. So that premium, clean water you thought you were drinking - might not be so clean after all.
Spring is here. Temperatures are warming up. And water consumption is on the rise. It's common for homeowners to begin using more water this time of year, but there are a few ways to cut back. Follow the tips below to keep water consumption to a minimum and keep some extra green in your wallet this season.
It looks like we're in for a beautiful weekend according to the 5 day forecast in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. With temperatures in the 70s, it'll make for perfect barbecuing weather so get out the charcoal and some matches and light up that grill! Just remember that not all food scraps are safe for your garbage disposal.


text:
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Favourite Book Picks: Children's/Teens - May 2016 - UK Post One
Taran Matharu - The Inquisition (Summoner BK2) - Published by Hodder Children's Books (5 May 2016)
More demons, epic battles, and fights to the death: introducing the unmissable next instalment in the Summoner Trilogy...
On trial for a crime he did not commit, Fletcher must face the Inquisition who will decide his future - the process is gruelling, lead by those who will do anything to see him suffer and haunted by ghosts from the past with clues to Fletcher's tragic origins.
But Fletcher has little time to dwell on these new revelations when the king announces a deadly challenge to the graduating students at Vocans. One that involves entering Orc territory to complete a risky mission. With loyal demons by their sides, commoners and nobles, dwarves and elves must overcome barriers of class and race and work together to triumph. The reward: a fortune in gold, the safety of an empire and PEACE.
With the entire empire watching, Fletcher has much to prove, but there are those out to get him and it soon becomes clear that there's a traitor in their midst, trying to thwart the mission and create unrest within the Empire.
With everything stacked against him, Fletcher must use everything in his power to fight his way to victory.
Sophie Cleverly - The Lost Twin (Scarlet and Ivy, Book 1) - Published by HarperCollins Children's Books (5 May 2016)
This is the story of how I became my sister…
A spine-tingling mystery set in a creepily atmospheric boarding school. Ivy must uncover the secrets behind her twin sister Scarlet's disappearance before it's too late.
When troublesome Scarlet mysteriously disappears from Rookwood School, terrifying Miss Fox invites her quiet twin sister Ivy to 'take her place'.
Ivy reluctantly agrees in the hopes of finding out what happened to her missing sister. For only at Rookwood will Ivy be able to unlock the secrets of Scarlet's disappearance, through a scattered trail of diary pages carefully hidden all over the school.
Can Ivy solve the mystery before Miss Fox suspects? Or before an even greater danger presents itself?
Caleb Krisp - Somebody Stop Ivy Pocket (Ivy Pocket 2) - Published by Bloomsbury Children's (5 May 2016)
Ivy is now the beloved daughter of Ezra and Mother Snagbsy, coffin makers, even if she does have to work rather like a maid. Their trade is roaring, and Ivy is as happy as a pig in clover. Especially when she escapes to the library to talk to the devastatingly sympathetic Miss Carnage.
But then Ivy guesses that all is not as it seems with her new parents, and discovers that she can pass into the world of the Clock Diamond. There, she sees her friend Rebecca, horribly sad and desperate.
Can Ivy save Rebecca, and what do a missing aristocrat, a forbidden love affair and a bullfrog have to do with her mission?
Illustrated in humorous gothic detail by John Kelly, Somebody Stop Ivy Pocket is the second tale in Ivy's deadly comic journey to discover who she really is ... Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket.
Claire Legrand - Some Kind of Happiness - Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (17 May 2016)
Reality and fantasy collide in this heartfelt and mysterious novel for fans of "Counting by 7s" and "Bridge to Terabithia," about a girl who must save a magical make-believe world in order to save herself.
Things Finley Hart doesn t want to talk about:
-Her parents, who are having problems. (But they pretend like they re not.)
-Being sent to her grandparents house for the summer.
-Never having met said grandparents.
-Her blue days when life feels overwhelming, and it s hard to keep her head up. (This happens a lot.)
Finley s only retreat is the Everwood, a forest kingdom that exists in the pages of her notebook. Until she discovers the endless woods behind her grandparents house and realizes the Everwood is "real" and holds more mysteries than she d ever imagined, including a family of pirates that she isn t allowed to talk to, trees covered in ash, and a strange old wizard living in a house made of bones.
With the help of her cousins, Finley sets out on a mission to save the dying Everwood and uncover its secrets. But as the mysteries pile up and the frightening sadness inside her grows, Finley realizes that if she wants to save the Everwood, she ll first have to save herself."
By Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books on May 04, 2016
Labels: 2016, Action, Adventure, Book Picks, Fantasy, Magic, May, MG, Published UK, YA
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Sofi Croft - Indigo's...
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Robin Jarvis -The Pow...
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: #1 - Brian Wells - Th...
David Solomons (Author) Laura Ellen Anderson (Illu...
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Guest Post by Philip ...
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: H. P. Wood - Magruder...
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Stewart Foster - The ...
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Amber Lee Dodd - We ...
Book News: #1 New York Times Bestselling Veronica ...
Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Philip Caveney - The ...
THE TIMES/CHICKEN HOUSE CHILDREN'S FICTION COMPETI...


Sri Lanka, March 25 — Nine Iranian nationals were arrested in a joint operation carried out by the Sri Lankan Navy, Special Task Force and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) in the seas off the Southern Coast, STF Commandant Senior DIG M. R. Latiff confirmed.
Meanwhile, Police sources revealed that the tip-offs for the recent large scale raids conducted regarding heroin busts including yesterday's one were from the same Inspector of Police, who is attached to the STF Intelligence Unit. The recent largest haul found in Sri Lanka involving 294 kilograms and 490 grams of heroin was seized by the STF and the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) in the Kollupitiya area on February 23.


Crack addiction is a serious problem tha affects many people in Wisconsin. It is considered highly addictive because it is smoked, which allows for an almost instantaneous high. Loved ones of a crack user may feel helpless because crack users typically do not seek treatment out on their own.Intervention is a life changing solution.
Intervention is an effective process that aims to encourage an individual to seek professional treatment for their addiction. Led by a trained interventionist, it can increase an individual's success of full recovery from their addiction.
Family members may attempt to convince a loved one to seek treatment, but this is often ineffective. Addiction is powerful and causes people to become defensive when they feel like their addiction is being challenged. An interventionist is able to help your loved one see the true nature of their condition and realize that treatment is the only option.
Crack is known as smokable cocaine. Since it smoked, it enters the blood stream faster and produces an intense high. This can occur in as little as 10 seconds after inhaling it. Unfortunately, crack user often experience serious respiratory conditions as a result and are more susceptible to developing lung cancer.
Crack can lead to a variety of different health complications. It affects the skin, teeth, hair, and vital organs. With continued use, it can lead to death by cardiac arrest, internal bleeding, and lung disease. It also increases the prevalence of current mental illness and can cause new mental health conditions in frequent users.
Due to its intense and almost instantaneous high, crack is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, users can become addicted to crack in as little as one use.
Crack users are at a high risk of developing serious health complications, but many do not seek out treatment on their own, or deny treatment offered to them. Intervention is a vital process in these cases and can help your loved one see their need for treatment, before it is to late.
Crack addiction is a life threatening problem, but help is available. If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you can easily find crack intervention in Wisconsin. An intervention may be the solution your loved one needs to recover from their addiction.


text:
import pytest
import json

class TestRbdMirrors(object):

    @pytest.mark.rbdmirror_secondary
    @pytest.mark.no_docker
    def test_rbd_mirror_is_installed(self, node, host):
        assert host.package("rbd-mirror").is_installed

    @pytest.mark.rbdmirror_secondary
    def test_rbd_mirror_service_enabled_and_running(self, node, host):
        service_name = "ceph-rbd-mirror@rbd-mirror.{hostname}".format(
            hostname=node["vars"]["inventory_hostname"]
        )
        s = host.service(service_name)
        assert s.is_enabled
        assert s.is_running

    @pytest.mark.rbdmirror_secondary
    def test_rbd_mirror_is_up(self, node, host, setup):
        hostname = node["vars"]["inventory_hostname"]
        cluster = setup["cluster_name"]
        container_binary = setup["container_binary"]
        daemons = []
        if node['docker']:
            container_exec_cmd = '{container_binary} exec ceph-rbd-mirror-{hostname}'.format(  # noqa E501
                hostname=hostname, container_binary=container_binary)
        else:
            container_exec_cmd = ''
        hostname = node["vars"]["inventory_hostname"]
        cluster = setup['cluster_name']
        cmd = "sudo {container_exec_cmd} ceph --name client.bootstrap-rbd-mirror --keyring /var/lib/ceph/bootstrap-rbd-mirror/{cluster}.keyring --cluster={cluster} --connect-timeout 5 -f json -s".format(  # noqa E501
            container_exec_cmd=container_exec_cmd,
            hostname=hostname,
            cluster=cluster
        )
        output = host.check_output(cmd)
        status = json.loads(output)
        daemon_ids = [i for i in status["servicemap"]["services"]
                      ["rbd-mirror"]["daemons"].keys() if i != "summary"]
        for daemon_id in daemon_ids:
            daemons.append(status["servicemap"]["services"]["rbd-mirror"]
                           ["daemons"][daemon_id]["metadata"]["hostname"])
        assert hostname in daemons

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


On June 19, the Center for American Progress released a study entitled "The Economic Benefits of Reducing Violent Crime : A Case Study of 8 American Cities." The report was put together by respected economists Dr. Robert Shapiro of Sonecon and Dr. Kevin Hassett of the American Enterprise Foundation, and suggests that reductions in the rates of violent crime would provide significant financial benefit in cities across the country by raising real-estate value and limiting crime-related municipal costs.
The study estimates the total annual cost – both the direct annual cost, and "the more intangible pain and suffering borne by the victims"- of violent crime to Philadelphia at $3.7 billion.
Across five cities with the necessary data for out analysis, we found that a 10 percent reduction in homicides should lead to a 0.83 percent increase in housing values the following year, and a 25 percent reduction in homicides should produce a 2.1 percent increase in housing prices over the next year.
In Philadelphia, this means that a 10 percent reduction would increase the value of the real estate market by $3.2 billion, and a 25 percent reduction would increase housing values by $8 billion.
doubling of spending on homeless and housing assistance.