Trio Power
Video of the Day:
Budgie – Breadfan (with Churchill intro)
Budgie Rocks!
C. Leavell
Song of the Day:
Sea Level – Rain in Spain
When the Allman Brothers broke up (for the first time) in 1976, pianist extraordinaire Chuck Leavell, drummer Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson and Berry Oakley replacement Lamar Williams stayed together and formed a new band called Sea Level with the addition of guitarist Jimmy Nalls. Sea Level was less bluesy and more Jazz Rock than the ABB but, don’t let that deter you, this is still a funky, super tight Southern Rock band. Their eponymous debut album opens with the rockin’ instrumental opus Rain in Spain which can be considered almost a sequel to the Allman’s Jessica which featured Leavells’ signature piano solo. Rain is a bit more jazzy of course but, no less appealing and memorable. It is the highlight of this solid album and a a good place to start to explore Sea Level and C. Leavell. Enjoy.
Duke in Color!
Videos of the Day:
Duke Ellington and His Orchestra 1962
Apparently Goodyear Tires (!?!) commissioned these recordings in 1962 and the film was restored in the late 80’s. Enjoy some incredible Swing!
Blue ZEN Orbit
Song of the Day:
Duke Ellington – Blues in Orbit
Duke Ellington is the American Mozart. He was a towering, unparalleled talent with an amazing creative legacy and, what a fascinating life! Picking just one Ellington song is pure folly but, we do have one we would like to share. We love Blues in Orbit not because it is the Duke’s greatest composition, in fact it’s a bit of a trifle but, because it shows off Duke’s incredibly relaxed mastery of the piano. He plays like a composer, of course, and even his tossed off asides have a melodic richness and rhythmic verve that is just stunning. The track is from a 1960 album of the same name that we love. Apparently it was mostly recorded in just one night. It may have been just another night for the Duke’s Men but, we mere mortals are lucky to have it to listen too. Thank you, Sir Duke!
Deep Water
Song of the Day:
Daniel Lanois – The Maker
This beautiful, vaguely spiritual song from super producer Daniel Lanois‘ 1998 debut solo album Acadie is about as religious a we get here at Infinite Jones. It does make us feel connected to something larger than ourselves as all great music does and, also, has a great bass line. Plus, it has an Aaron Neville vocal cameo! What more could you want? So, have a joyous and happy Sunday.
Underrated Albums Hall of Fame #3
Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too by New Radicals
You probably think of New Radicals as a Nineties One Hit Wonder. Granted, You Get What You Give was so ubiquitous at the time that it may be remembered with more disdain than not but, it is actually a pretty great and snarky Power Pop song. And, It is hardly the only high point of Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too. The perceived poppy-ness of the hit does not do justice to the dark twisted soul of this terrific album. The fact that it is a State-of-the-(then)-Art, super catchy Pop Album only makes it better and, more subversive. This album grows deeper with each listen. The songs all feature a great hook (or two) and the lyrics have much more depth and darkness than they seem at first. On top of that, mastermind Gregg Alexander‘s singing is great – confident and emotional. It’s a shame Alexander folded the band to focus on production work after this lone LP because it really feels like they had a lot more to offer. Well, at least there is still this fine album for people to discover. A gem hidden in plain sight. Enjoy.
Getting Ready for Saturday Night
Song of the Day:
Lefty Frizzell – Shine, Shave, Shower (It’s Saturday)
Lefty’s getting ready for a Honky Tonk Saturday night. What are you up to?
Let Sylvester Show You How!
Video of the Day:
Sylvester – Do You Wanna Funk?
Just a super party anthem for your Funky Friday pleasure. Do you wanna funk? We know that you do! Enjoy.
Gonna Get a Friday!
Song of the Friday:
The Donnas – Friday Fun
Punk Queens The Donnas ARE gonna get a Friday Fun and so are you when you hear their unbounded girlish glee unleashed on this tune. Happy Friday!
ANGRY”
Video of the Day:
Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Wig in a Box
Also:
Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Origin of Love
Have you seen Hedwig and the Angry Inch? You should really see Hedwig and the Angry Inch, either in the very fine movie adaptation (where we get these clips) or, one the many ongoing stage versions, it is a must. It is a great gender-fuck, Glam Rock Opera / Musical. Creator, star John Cameron Mitchell can really sing and it Just Rocks. It would make a great double feature with Velvet Goldmine. See it, you will thank us.
