#38. Glenn Hughes, Music For The Divine

Welcome to The Musical Zamboni, I am Zoot Marimba, and this week I’m covering the great Glenn Hughes and his 2006 solo effort, Music For The Divine. But first some news, one story involving me, Zoot Marimba.

News

• First we must mourn the loss of Judas Priest Artist Roslaw Szaybo at the age of 85, as well as Slayer Larry Carroll at the age of 65. Damn, as much as we love the bands, these guys gave the music a visual that remains iconic to this day. Godspeed to these guys, Godspeed.
• Paul Stanley says his R&B band Soul Station’s debut album is close to completion. As much as I laughed at the idea of a soul record by Paul Stanley, I have to admit the one song was actually okay. My expectations are still close to rock bottom but still.
• Ozzy Osbourne says Bill Ward should have been apart of the final Sabbath tour. Well too late for that, Ozz. And also, for how much shit you talked about Bill’s health, you can’t get through a show without a teleprompter and you and Sharon had Iommi out there even when he was fighting cancer, neither of you are ones to talk. And seeing as how Bill has never been a bullshitter (and how many people have gotten fucked over when dealing with you and your wife), I’m more inclined to believe Bill. I admit I would love to see all four because that’s real Sabbath, but….I don’t know.
• Stephen Pearcy has announced that Ratt will release new music in 2020. While I liked Infestation, surprisingly solid effort and frankly better than some of their eighties efforts, I don’t really care what him, Juan, and a bunch of anonymous sidemen have to offer. But in fairness I’ll wait until I actually hear it.
• Blaze Bayley says it was a shock to leave Iron Maiden. Really? Sales were slumping, fans hated you, you were struggling vocally, and more and more people were demanding a reunion. Really?
• New Puddle Of Mudd music is coming soon. And with it, you can get an autographed mugshot from Wes Scantlin himself!
• Jägermeister has released a limited edition bottle in honor of Slayer……….. SSSSSSLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAYYYYYERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
• Scott Stapp is releasing his new solo album The Space Between The Shadows on July 19th via Napalm Records. It is not about seeeeEeeex. SEX!
• Ian Hill says Judas Priest’s 50th Anniversary Tour will commence next year. Holy shit I can’t wait! I so want to see the Mighty Priest! I wish either Glenn, KK, or both were there but goddamn I so want to see Judas Priest! And the setlists they’re pulling out? Man.
• Tom Morello says don’t wait around for a Rage Against The Machine reunion. Admittedly this doesn’t surprise me but still, goddamn. I’d love to see Rage at some point.
• Megadeth bassist David Ellefson says he had to give up ownership to maintain a friendship. On one hand it sucks to see a founding member who was always by Mustaine’s side through thick and thin be a sideman legally. On the other hand he seems okay with it so….
• Speaking of reunions, Mars Volta frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala says a reunion is in the works. Well that’s cool. I like The Mars Volta so maybe we’ll get some good stuff out of them.
• David Lee Roth has made a surprise visit to a Bachelor’s party. All I can say is…. if you got Diamond Dave at your bachelor party, soak it in.
• Going from Diamond Dave to Little Orphan Annie, Sammy Hagar says 5150 expanded Van Halen’s audience. No It didn’t. 1984? Sure. 5150? That rode off the coattails of 84.
• Slipknot says it’s nobody’s fucking business who the new percussionist is. Well I just have to say it: I, Zoot Marimba, am the new percussionist for Slipknot. Originally Bobby Blotzer was asked but he demanded the name. Peter Criss was next but he needed keg triggers. And he wanted his songs on the album or he’d quit the band. Then finally Vinnie Vincent joined then sued and is now joining onto Chris Fehn’s lawsuit. I happened to be around so there you go.5

Music For The Divine, released June 9, 2006 on Frontiers in Europe, Yamaha in Japan, Demolition in US, and Sony BMG in Australia, the album is produced by Hughes and Red Hot Chili Peppers Chad Smith, who also drums on the album in his second full album with Hughes after Soul Mover, the album’s predecessor. In addition to Hughes and Smith, the album features longtime Glenn Hughes staple JJ Marsh on guitar and Mark Kilian on keyboards/string arrangements along with guest appearances by Smith’s then Chili Peppers bandmate John Frusciante, Cold Chisel frontman Jimmy Barnes, and Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell. So let’s move onto the album.

1. “The Valiant Denial” (Glenn Hughes/JJ Marsh)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AgchNKsKju0

“The Valiant Denial”, this one-as explained by Glenn-is about

The song begins with a delay drenched guitar riff echoing throughout before the thunderous drums and bass come crashing in. Very Who like which is exactly what Glenn was going for with this track. Chad goes full throttle on the drums while Glenn delivers a stellar vocal. And finally you get the very Who like refrain that leads into the string section and I’m not always the biggest strings fan but it works masterfully here, I LOVE it.

What a song, what an opener.

2. “Steppin’ On” (Hughes/Marsh):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IVwL5RyxfBM

We move onto the funk rocker “Steppin’ On”, which really cooks and shows off all three musicians.

Goddamn, this cooks. Hard hitting funk groove, JJ Marsh rips on the six string guitar, and Chad is on the fucking money. Really, Chad is pretty much castrated in the Chili Peppers, Hell, half the time on that last record it literally sounded like a drum machine. But here he is on fire. And Glenn, god man the dude can sing his ass off, even in his sixties, just an incredible talent. And that little breakdown at the end is just so good.

One of my favorites on the album, so let’s go for another.

3. “Monkey Man” (Hughes/Marsh):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-OihXXAkBS0

“Monkey Man”, one of the three promotional videos for the album. The alternate mix features Jimmy Barnes from Cold Chisel doing guest vocals.

This one was more of a grower, it’s got a good groove, some strong vocals by Glenn as well as Jimmy Barnes, who’s voice really adds a good counterpoint to the track on the alternate mix, which I prefer to the standard one.

It’s not as good as the first two tracks but overall, pretty solid track.

4. “This House” (Hughes/Marsh):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zdEbjCN0bto

We get our first ballad on the album, which has a very Beatles like vibe, particularly in the strings which are very reminiscent of “Eleanor Rigby”.

First off you have some strong acoustic backing by JJ and the drums are fairly soft but still firm, and Glenn nails those vocal harmonies which are just beautiful. This is a really cool ballad on the album, I really dig it.

5. “You Got Soul” (Hughes/Marsh):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QarSYFh7b5g

“You Got Soul”, we come back to the funk rock. Excellent work from Chad, and some nice work from JJ. But really the star here is Glenn, he really goes for the throat on this track. This kind of reminds me of what Buckethead does when he gets kind of funky, even down to the drumming since Chad and Brain are both very Bonham like drummers. And of course Buckethead was auditioned for the Chili Peppers shortly before Navarro joined.

But back to this song, it’s a kickass song and another solid addition to this album.

6. “Frail” (Hughes):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bMT86PmdBmM

We get the second ballad on here and the first song written solely by Glenn.

And I have to admit it, this is a beautiful ballad with some really tasteful playing by everyone involved and a phenomenal vocal by Glenn. As far as ballads go, I usually prefer for there not to be too many and also, it has to come from a real place. Great example of this would be the fucking Chili Peppers. They had some great ballads initially.

Breaking The Girl? Fantastic.

I Could Have Lied? Damn good.

Even Under The Bridge, overplayed to holy God, but it is a great song. But then after a while it becomes My Friends, it becomes Otherside, it becomes Slow Cheetah, that’s the kind of dreck you get. And don’t get me started on Aerosmith or Chicago.

But this song I can get behind completely, I absolutely love.

7. “Black Light” (Hughes/Marsh):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dvU7iZ5WD_g

Oh my God, Black Light. This is a smoking tune. Of course Glenn is awesome as always but man, JJ just smokes on this track with some excellent funk riffage and damn that solo!

I wish I had more to say about this badass track but really I will let it speak for itself.

8. “Nights In White Satin” (Justin Hayward):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fhjZs4F51Mg

Here we get a cover of The Moody Blues’ classic hit “Nights In White Satin”, written by Justin Hayward. It comes from their debut Days Of Future Passed. I respect The Moody Blues, very important to prog, but that album is all I really know and for the most part I couldn’t really get into it. But in fairness it’s one album and who knows, maybe something else will grab me.

This was something Glenn came up with since John Lodge had helped in his career such as producing the first Trapeze album. Then Chad brought it to John Frusciante who was a fan and knew the song, resulting in him guesting on the track.

As far as the song goes, I always loved the original, and Glenn does a fantastic job with this song vocally. Just the tone, phrasing, delivery, giving a sense of delicacy when needed, showing some power in just the right spots. He and Chad lay down a soft but firm groove, and I will give John this: whereas most of his guest spots, he’s really only there because he’s a name to draw some attention, here he really does add something to the track, his guitars swelling as the track progresses, and his solo is super tasty.

I was surprised that this was only on the European version because it’s easily one of the highlights of the album and frankly I think it would have been a much better single than most of the ones the label(s) went with.

9. “Too High” (Hughes/Marsh):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SLuyOatvZUE

“Too High”, which shares its title with the opening track to Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions (which coincidentally also features “Higher Ground”). Giving that Glenn is a huge fan of Stevie, I can’t help but wonder if that was intentional.

Chad kicks the track off, and then we get some dirty guitar to beef it up. The track uses the loud/quite dynamic which is no stranger to modern rock but in fairness it’s used very well, and it helps that Glenn can totally sell both. He’s also doing some great little bass runs throughout the track, and JJ once again shines on this track, from his riffs, fills, and a strong solo on the track.

This is such a great rocker and one of my favorites on the album.

10. “This Is How I Feel” (Hughes):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fd6GCJDp-V0

Here we have the second song written solely by Glenn and also the second to feature Frusciante on guitar.

This one seems the most Chili Peppers like. Too bad it sounds like later Chili Peppers, just with a better singer. This is some really bad By The Way shit or Californication. Easily the worst song on the album. Seriously, of the two Frusciante tracks, this is what you picked to be on every edition?

11. “The Divine” (Hughes):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VvUe15OvNHo

We end the album with the quasi-title track, written solely by Glenn once again.

Musically it’s a pretty minimalist track, with the acoustic guitar and electric piano giving way to the strings. This perfectly lets Glenn’s vocals take the spotlight and oh my God. Just….oh my God. I’d go gay for this vocal. The tone, the deliver, the phrasing, it’s masterful craftsmanship at work. And even the strings work great on this song, and I’m not the hugest strings fan.

What a wonderful way to conclude this album. Should I talk about the bonus tracks? Well, I already touched on the alternate version of Monkey Man so let’s talk about the other one.

13. “Misty Mountain Hop” (Jimmy Page/Robert Plant/John Paul Jones):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dwfzJSk4VOk

“Misty Mountain Hop”, a cover of the Led Zeppelin classic from their fourth album featuring Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell. This as well as the alternate Monkey Man were both bonus tracks on the Australian edition.

This version definitely carries a more modern flair, aided in large part by Cantrell’s guitar work which is so unique to him in particular. Glenn and Chad are both tight as hell as always, with JJ adding some good counterpoint to Cantrell on rhythm guitar. I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan but this isn’t really a favorite of mine from them. However I do definitely like the original and Glenn and company do a good job with this cover.

FINAL VERDICT

Music For The Divine, overall a strong offering from a legend with quite a few years in the tube. There’s a very relaxed, unpretentious character to this record, helped by the making of it in Chad’s house. Expanding on the funk and soul infused rock that Glenn has been known, this adds a few new shades to it to largely successful results. I give this a solid recommendation overall and definitely check out some more Glenn Hughes, the man is awesome.

Next week, it’s time to take off with Rocketman!

#37. Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band, Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)

News

• First I want to offer my condolences to death metal legend Terry Butler, who’s daughter has been killed in a car accident. I’m heartbroken for him and his family and they have my sincerest sympathy. And if you want to donate to help the family out, here is the link: https://www.gofundme.com/JonaWright
• Also having lost his daughter is Clown from Slipknot, whose daughter Gabrielle has died at 22. I am truly sorry for his and his family’s loss. Nobody deserves that.
• Vinnie Paul’s gravestone has been revealed. Dude, it’s awesome, and I can’t wait for it to be installed. Rest In Peace Vinnie Paul.

• Glenn Hughes has announced the rescheduled tour dates after postponing for health reasons . Truly glad to hear Glenn is on a good track and I hope the fans who go to those shows enjoy their time there. And as a matter of fact, I have a Glenn Hughes review coming up. So all the best to The Voice Of Rock
• Roger Daltrey has cursed out pot smokers at a recent Who show. I will say this; I don’t give a shit if you smoke pot. That said, if Roger wants no smoke in the crowd (which makes him sick and affects his voice), then respect his wishes. And I know Bruce Dickinson has a huge issue with smoking at venues as well, and I get it; it’s already hard enough to sing a Who tune or a Maiden tune, especially if you’re getting up there in age, and you need to be in as good of shape as possible. So I take Roger’s side on this issue.

• Slipknot has announced the title and release date of their new album, We Are Not Your Kind, coming out on August 9th, along with the premiere single “Unsainted”. I will first comment on the masks: Mick’s is basically the same, Jim’s is basically the same, Clown’s isn’t half bad, Sid’s is pretty cool, I like what Jay did-nice nod to Paul, I like what Craig dod with the spikes in a Mohawk fashion, certainly a nice change of pace for him, Vman’s mask is pretty fucking cool, Chris/Not Chris’ is pretty good, but what the fuck is up with Corey’s? Anyway, I dig the song, good balance between melody and heaviness.
• Runaways frontwoman Cherie Currie has teamed up with Stooges guitarist James Williamson for a cover of “Leader Of The Pack”. Oh God, wasn’t the Twisted Sister cover bad enough? Hell, I don’t even like the original that much, and I’m a Shangri-Las fan.
• Soundgarden announce the release of a Live From The Artist’s Den album and film. Damn I can’t wait for this, especially giving how great Chris was in an acoustic setting.
• KISS bassist Gene Simmons has made a surprise visit to The White House and Pentagon. Well, I’ll just say this; it was very nice of him to show his appreciation of our military and veterans for their service and for freeing his mom from the concentration camps, and really he and KISS have always been big on honoring the military.
• Vinnie Vincent’s comeback concert is no longer being advertised on his website. Wow, what a shocker. Seriously the dude is such a flake, such a fucking mess, you can’t really count on him.
• Yngwie Malmsteen says his lead singers would always cause trouble. Okay, it’s one thing if one here and there is difficult but when it’s all of them, you’re at least partly at fault.
• Jeff Scott Soto says he and the Eat Em and Smile Band were offered a record deal after their two song set this year. Well those are stellar players and Jeff Scott Soto is a great singer, so I would not mind seeing that. Of course, let’s hope we get to finally see Dave pop up for a song or two some day. Eddie isn’t doing shit so why shouldn’t he able to?
• Marilyn Manson will appear in the HBO miniseries The New Pope. Huh. Maybe it could be decent.
• Adam Lambert says he isn’t sure if it makes sense for him to record new music with Queen. At least he’s not delusional.
• The Melvins will be releasing new music and remasters and will also be on tour in the fall. Fuck yeah! Granted the closest date to me is a two and a half hour drive but still, all hail Melvins!
• And last but not least, Happy 80th to Mr. Ian Underwood!

Captain Beefheart And The Magic Band’s Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller), released in October 1978 on Warner Bros Records.

The album was originally derived from Bat Chain Puller, which Frank Zappa produced, but then Zappa found out that his manager Herb Cohen was using his royalties to fund the record and the label, leading to a dispute between the two. This put the album in jeopardy, resulting in Beefheart re-recording the album as we now know it. On this album, the Magic Band consists of Bruce Lambone Fowler (Zappa and The Mothers) on trombone, Jeff Moris Tepper on guitar, Richard Redus on guitar/bass/accordion, Eric Drew Feldman on bass/piano/synthesizer, Robert Williams on drums, and helping out is ex-member Ed Marimba or Dr. Art Tripp III With The Green Mustache on percussion. Now let’s kick this motherfucker off, starting off with…

1. “The Floppy Boot Stomp” (Don Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H9liRgXAFGU

“The Floppy Boot Stomp”. You got that stinging slide guitar with Beefheart’s vocals delivering some very abstract lyrics. The thing with the Good Captain’s lyrics is that you usually can’t make sense of them at first, but they can gradually reveal themselves over time. And let’s talk about the band on here, the groove is very sick yet very sick at the same time, there’s something not quite right about it, but it’s just unreliable about it. The little guitar interplay is fantastic, and the rhythm section is so on point, this is a way to open the album, kickass song.

2. “Tropical Hot Dog” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c0uqyjGuxyA

“Tropical Hot Dog”, God I love this song. You have a sweet little lick to kick it off, Art’s percussion gives it the right spunk, Bruce’s trombone is just awesome, and Beefheart is so wonderfully eccentric on this song, his vocals stretching with the music on here. The guitars ring throughout the track along with some stellar drumming by Robert Williams. And the song goes light hearted and fun and does it RIGHT! Fun is serious business!

It’s a fun ass song, and makes me want to hear more. If these first two tracks are so kickass, then let’s hope we get more of that!

3. “Ice Rose” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fG0YagwzO18

Now the band gets to show what badasses they are with “Ice Rose”.

The band kicks off in dramatic show stopping fashion, with a stellar horn line by Bruce as well as some sweet ass marimba work by The Man With The Green Mustache. It ends up being a really nice piece, really great melody line, and the guitarists do some really nice interplay. And again, Robert Williams was a motherfucker on the drums and this track shows it.

“Ice Rose”, a kickass song, and what a 1-2-3 punch.

4. “Harry Irene” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P4u0dCFqaNc

Harry Irene, a couple that lived in the green. Here, the Good Captain and crew deliver a left turn, a really pretty song. It starts off being like a love song, with Redus’s accordion giving this that French cafe vibe, and I love the part where Beefheart goes And by the way folks it’s Dusty, not Harry. That part always cracked me up. Beefheart really knows how to set up and subvert something in a way that not even Frank can.

I love this song, one of the highlights of the album.

5. “You Know You’re A Man” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kLRntctkRa0

Hell Yeah, “You Know You’re A Man”.

You got some really stellar guitar work on here, particularly the slide work, and the good Captain belting it out. This is a pretty slamming tune compared to what came before it, and it’s awesome. And that bass solo followed by Teper’s slide solo, Goddamn this song kicks a ton of ass.

6. “Bat Chain Puller” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fkzC8RYT1vY

The quasi-Title track of the album, this one more of a weird groove track than previous ones, coming from the sound that Beefheart’s windshield wipers made. Teper and Redus perform some really killer guitar work, as they do throughout the album, while Beefheart delivers some very abstract lyrics and harmonica. Let’s talk about Beefheart’s

It has a very textured feel overall, and is very addictive, a total gem of the record.

7. “When I See Mommy I Feel Like A Mummy” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TmlwNrA7RfY

“When I See Mommy I Feel Like A Mummy”, holy hot duck jumping up to get the tatering tots do I love this one.

You get the offbeat slide guitar by Morís with the fantastic interplay between him and Redus, Bruce’s excellent trombone playing along with Dr Tripp being Dr Tripp. That chorus which sounds almost zombie like and yet it’s so catchy and the Beefheart is just killing it on here, singing of how he’s gonna wrap up his lady friend the way only he can.

By far the best track on this album.

8. “Owed T’Alex” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QQEmdAiEnQc

“Owed T’Alex”, which was originally called “Carson City”, and is as I’ve recently learned was about original guitarist Alex St. Clair’s trips to visit his mother. Though only released in 1978, this song has its origins in the sixties.

This is some prime avant blues rock. This is a tale of a traveler of some kind going from time to time as a drifter, probably high. And based on the first verse, it seems the speaker grew up in this life, and is now locked tight into it. And musically the band is just so dirty yet so together that it hurts my balls.

This was sort of a grower for me but now I absolutely love the song.

9. “Candle Mambo” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hvvZN98ggoY

This starts out with the trombone and marimba to give it a sort of a symphonic feel while contrasting with the remaining members’ herky jerky rhythm, before getting a little smoother.

This is actually kind of a love song done the way that only the Good Captain and crew can do. It’s a really cool song overall, I dig it.

10. “Love Lies” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cyzYtIG3Q8g

From a love song to a breakup song, this one is also the last to feature Art.

The song is pretty straightforward for Beefheart but it’s so effective in conveying pain and heartbreak and Beefheart truly brings that sense of pain and failure to his vocal, and he does some great lyrics in this song like the street lamps flutter like fireflies and then

I miss you more hour by hour

The roses seem to smell sour

God this is just a fantastic song and one of the Captain’s best.

11. “Suction Prints” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VmsM2WCJtp8

We now get the second instrumental of the album, featuring Beefheart himself on soprano sax.

This is controlled chaos right here, it’s so chaotic and sporadic and yet so tight. I can still remember listening to Trout Mask for the first time as a little kid and just being absolutely horrified by what I was hearing but as I got older I got more into the experimental and avant garde, and lore into music that was not your typical 4/4 radio shit, and as I listened more and more I finally “got it”. It’s the same here and it’s easily the closest to Trout in spirit. And this is a kickass track to add to the album.

12. “Apes-Ma” (Van Vliet):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KsKlxZQEbqc

We end the album with a short spoken word piece by Beefheart and it’s just….kind of there. It’s somewhat amusing but I wouldn’t complain too much if it left the album.

FINAL VERDICT

And that is Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller), a very strong return to form after the Tragic Band Albums. With a new band as well as aid by Arthur Tripp With The Green Moustache, Beefheart delivers a rather enjoyable effort overall. I can definitely recommend this album, particularly to Beefheart fans.

My Name Is Ian Underwood, And I’m The Straight Member Of The Group!

Jim “Motorhead” Sherwood

Another birthday, another Mothers saxophonist, and it’s none other Ian Underwood, who hits the big 8-0 today. So let’s talk about one of the Mothers’ secret weapons.

Ian Robertson Underwood (May 22, 1939 in New York City, New York) developed an interest in jazz, eventually co-forming a jazz outfit called The Jazz Mice. In 1961, Ian graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master in music composition from the University of California at Berkeley.

During the famed Garrick Theatre run, Ian caught two shows before approaching drummer Jimmy Carl Black about joining the Mothers. Black would introduce him to Frank, who invited Ian to audition. This would later be documented on “Ian Underwood Whips It Out” off Uncle Meat.

As the first sight reader in the band, Ian helped Zappa realize his ideas much more fully than previously possible, setting in motion the standard of musicianship that Zappa’s band would become known for. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Ian’s role in the Mothers often switched between alto sax, winds, and keyboard instruments depending on the album and tour.

After the Mothers’ breakup, Frank invited Ian and Art Tripp to stay on board, though the latter declined in favor of performing with Captain Beefheart. By staying on, Ian would bridge the gap between The Mothers and Frank’s subsequent groups.

After taking part in the Hot Rats and Flo and Eddie bands, Ian would take a lesser role in the Wazoo band, only participating in the tour on synthesizer, as well as the very beginnings of the famed Roxy Band, playing winds on Over-Nite Sensation before ending his association with Frank in 1973.

Since then, Ian has made a name for himself as a session keyboardist and synth programmer, particularly in the world of film soundtrack. Among the films he’s worked on are Titanic, Braveheart, Avatar, and Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Aliens, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Along these credits are performances with the likes of Janet Jackson, Peggy Lee, Quincy Jones, The Carpenters, and Jean-Luc Ponty. He was also a member of Beefheart’s band for a very brief time on guitar, as documented by John “Drumbo” French’s memoir.

Have a good 80th, Ian! You’ve earned it.

#36. Rush, A Farewell To Kings & Hemispheres

Another double feature and this time it’s dedicated to the almighty Rush!!!!! Man I cannot believe I haven’t done a Rush review yet but here we are.

News

• Goddamnit, just…. We have to mourn the loss of Tim Conway. Even though I knew was struggling with dementia, it doesn’t make it hurt any less. As apart of The Carol Burnett Show and as Barnacle Boy--Sorry, Barnacle Man, have given me and many others much joy so the featured image is now a Siamese pair of elephants in his honor. He will be much missed.

• We must also say goodbye to Peggy Lipton Of Mod Squad and Twin Peaks, who’s died at 72. Man that just sucks, she was great in Twin Peaks and I’m sorry to hear this.
• And finally we should also say goodbye to the great Doris Day, who has died at the age of 97. Well damn, a true legend is gone but at least she had a good run. Rest In Peace Doris Day.
• Led Zeppelin has announced a documentary for their fiftieth anniversary. So this will be going up to 1970. On one hand, it’s cool that the members are involved but rather or not it will bring anything new or compelling remains to be seen.

• The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint is found to have had drugs in his bloodstream. And now, his death has an open verdict, so it’s no longer officially a suicide. Nevertheless, may he still Rest In Peace.
• Ghost leader Tobias Forge promises the next album will be darker and heavier. While I did love Prequelle, this is cool to hear, so I hope he’s being 100 on this one.
• Tool has finally announced an official date for the release of their long awaited studio album-August 30th. Goddamn, bout time.
• And….Megadeth has entered the studio for their next studio album. Fuck yeah! Another killer Megadeth album.
• Mayhem are releasing a new album in October. Fun Fact: select fans will get an album with pieces of Dead’s skull.
• In addition, HELLYEAH is releasing their new album Welcome Home, which contains the final drum tracks of Vinnie Paul, on September 27th. I love and miss Vinnie Paul, But I don’t give a rat’s ass about HELLYEAH, who also have Roy Magora from Stone Sour as his replacement. All the best to them though.
• Journey Keyboardist Jonathan Cain says it’s Steve Perry’s loss that he doesn’t want to be friends with Cain and Neal Schon. Wow, pompous much? First off, you and Neal hate each other. Second, you kicked him out basically when he was dealing with health problems. I’m sure Steve is upset at not having you in his life.
• Ex-White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp says the 80s burned the 80s out. And he’s absolutely right, seriously, Bon Jovi, Poison, and Nirvana are the three worst things that happened to hair metal. And at least Nirvana was a good band, whereas the other two were just pure shit.
• Guns N Roses are suing a Colorado brewery for copyright infringement. Welcome to the Courthouse! We’re on the Nighttrain to milking you for all we can.
• Speaking of Guns N Roses, Duff McKagan says that Guns N Roses tried to get Izzy Stradlin involved in the reunion. Keep trying because I have literally no faith in them trying to make new music without Izzy (or Adler for that matter).
• John 5 has unveiled a snippet of the unreleased album he made with David Lee Roth. Doesn’t sound half bad, although it is a snippet. Seeing as how Eddie and Al aren’t doing a goddamn thing at the moment, I’d be up for this.
• Woodstock 50 is suing financial backers in order to recover $17.8 million allegedly taken from their bank account. Well this is gonna be a shit show. And really, there is no capturing what the original Woodstock was.
• Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have reunited with Bill Ward at the Grammy Salute to Music Legends. That’s good to hear. Unfortunately there wasn’t Ozzy there, probably because of his health problems, but it seems things re good between the others.
• Sammy Hagar and The Circle have released the first single off their upcoming concept album about space. Look boys and girls! Sammy Hagar is going to try and convince us he has an original and creative idea! And going by the song, he will fail miserably. But to be fair, he’s very good at sucking, so I will give him that.

A Farewell To Kings

A Farewell To Kings is the fifth studio album by Rush, released September 1, 1977 on Anthem Records in Canada and Mercury in the States. Produced by Rush and Terry Brown, the album is the follow up to the band’s breakthrough effort 2112 and features the band’s hit “Closer To The Heart”.

1. “A Farewell To Kings” (Geddy Lee/Alex Lifeson/Neil Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eV-5iNu6Sd8

We open with the title cut which is possibly named after the Hemingway novel A Farewell To Arms. And Good God, the little acoustic thing Alex does with the synth and bells backing it is just such a gorgeous way to open the track and the album. This makes the abrupt shift into rock all the more remarkable and noteworthy, and goddamn the band is just…. wow. The drumming by Neil, the rumbling Rickenbacker bass of Geddy, as well as his vocals, guy gets a lot of shit for his vocals but I love Geddy’s voice. And finally Rush’s secret weapon, Mr. Alex Lifeson on guitar.

What a way to open this album, and yet it pales in comparison to…..

2. “Xanadu” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SEuOoMprDqg

If there was any track that ever made me want to smoke a really good doobie, it’s Xanadu. But fuck, just lie down, put this on your system-really good headphones, a really good vinyl, turn everything else off, or just put this on as you’re outside in the grass with the trees. Just sit down and soak it all in, because the track demands that.

The lyrics were inspired by the poem “Kinks Khan”, where Xanadu is the kingdom that Khan resides in. And the lyrics really do invoke this magical place that one seeks but can never find. And all the little changes, the twists and turns this track takes that feels like a journey to the center of the Earth with all its crazy parts from A to B. And that incredible solo from Alex near the end.

A masterpiece, that’s all I can say.

3. “Closer To The Heart” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart/Peter Talbot):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kyhW2v0NDM0

“Closer To The Heart”, the most popular song off this album as the lead single. It’s also the first song to feature an outside writer as Neil’s friend Peter Talbot helped with some of these lyrics.

It starts off with the really pretty acoustic guitar by Alex as well as a strong vocal by Geddy. You know, I can’t say it’s a bad song, certainly the solo is great, but it’s never been a favorite of mine and I’m not trying to be hipster or anything but it’s my least favorite on the album.

4. “Cinderella Man” (Lee/Lifeson):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s_8DDOL20Go

“Cinderella Man”, with lyrics by Geddy Lee based off the movie Mr. Deeds Goes To Town.

I always found the song pretty Who like in its structure between the big dramatic instrumentation as well as the acoustic that reminds me of “Pinball Wizard”. And yet it still manages to be its own thing entirely, and is one of the most underrated Rush tunes if you ask me.

In short, Cinderella Man kicks ass.

5. “Madrigal” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DQaTqUQ-oOA

We slow things down with this really beautiful, understated piece. We all know how good the members are at their instruments, but here they are slowing down and just letting you enjoy the atmosphere, and it’s a great addition to the record.

6. “Cygnus X-1-Book One-The Voyage” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IkIIlkyZ328

First off, how surprised would you be if I told you that Rush were big pot smokers back in the day? Not at all? Figures. Anyway, Cygnus X-1 refers to an x-ray source in the constellation of Cygnus, which is believed to be a black hole. The epic is about an explorer on the ship Rosciante (named for Don Quixote’s horse) who gets sucked into a black hole.

The trippy intro, Geddy’s bass comes rumbling in and I hear a decent amount of Les Claypool in this (makes sense since Claypool was very much influenced by Geddy) as well as some Zeppelin-y elements in how the three jam. Then it all comes together into some good old prog epicness. All the time changes, but it stays interesting through it all; there are some bands that get kind of boring but Rush doesn’t ever bore me. Also, holy hell does Geddy get high up there on this song.

What can I say, I adore this track, it’s a fantastic way to conclude this album.

Hemispheres

Hemispheres is the sixth studio album by Rush, released October 29, 1978 on Anthem Records. Produced once again by Terry Brown and Rush, this was the band’s final album to be recorded in England before returning to their native country. This is also commonly considered the apex of their progressive direction.

1. “Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7uXCfDRddC0

The sequel to the last track on Farewell, this covers the explorer’s departure from the black hole into Olympus, whereupon he finds his way into a war between Apollo and Dionysus over the struggle between Mind and Heart.

This is an epic tune that totally punks you into thinking it’s over around the four and a half minute mark and then proceeds to launch into a full attack. And it’s just an epic story that really makes you think about emotion versus logic, and how important both are. You need to feel but you also need to think, both are important and neither should outweigh the other; a message that’s more relevant than ever.

It’s just an absolute classic and what a way to kick off the album, although I don’t think it’s as good as its predecessor.

2. “Circumstances” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i9dHL7GA1nk

“Circumstances”, the second single off the album.

In contrast to the opening track, this is a fairly straightforward rocker (at least by Rush standards). But it’s a very good rocker, with a sweet little bass run that would make Entwistle and Squire proud.

Overall, I dig the tune, it’s a good rockin’ little number.

3. “The Trees” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JnC88xBPkkc

“The Trees”, the tale of feuding trees. This actually came from a cartoon that Neil saw, and when asked, he said he didn’t actually mean for this to be some kind of metaphor.

Even with that in mind, the plight of the maple trees really does feel like a metaphor. They’re being oppressed, denied equal sunlight, while the oak trees selfishly controlling of the sunlight while saying they should be happy with what they have. The oak trees live with a certain level of privilege that makes them unable to empathize with the maple trees and scoff at the idea of treating them with fairness and respect. And in the end, they’re all cut down by lumberjacks. Death doesn’t give a shit who you are, the color of skin, your sex or gender, religion, class, in the end, we will all go, and the content of our character and how we impacted others is what matters, so please. Be good to your fellow man. I mean it.

And even with that, the song manages to capture an epic feel within a four minute tune which is awesome, just like this song.

4. “La Villa Strangiato” (Lee/Lifeson/Peart):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UNilsLf6eW4

We close out the album with Rush’s first instrumental, based on the dreams Alex was having at the time and how it would progress. The band had a goal of recording the track in one take but for technical reasons ultimately had to do it in three (still pretty damn impressive).

Man, the way Alex opens the track up with the little flamenco and then the band comes in, Neil’s drumming is just exceptional as always. But really, Alex is the star as far as I’m concerned, especially when he starts playing during the slower part. Again he’s often overlooked but Lifeson can rip like a son of a bitch, and then play the most tasteful thing on the guitar.

Oh yeah, the track is rocking out again. These time changes are executed brilliantly, every member shines on here, and not a note is wasted in the nine minutes. Take notes modern day Maiden.

Best track on Hemispheres, and what a song to end this review of two all-time classics in Rush’s discography.

What a time in Rush’s history, when they were really pushing themselves as players and writers. Of course there’s a lot of other fantastic music in their catalogue, especially up to Moving Pictures (or even Signals), but this is a special moment in this fantastic band’s history.

That is it, be sure to comment, subscribe, and recommend this to friends and foes alike. You can also suggest future albums and artists to cover on here.

#35. Primus, The Brown Album

News

• For some very sad news, The Geto Boys’ Bushwick Bill has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Goddamnit man, the dude is a legend and I’m really sad to hear this, cause I love the Geto Boys. And the tumor was apparently benign but giving that it’s Stage 4, it may very well have spread to other parts of his body. I really hope he pulls through.
• We must also say goodbye to Chewbacca’s actor Peter Mayhew, who has died at 74. This just sucks, I love Star Wars (the movies at least, not to up to date beyond that). Rest well Mr. Mayhew.
• Also passing on is founding Atlanta Rhythm Section guitarist JJ Cobb, Who has died at the age of 75. I’m not super familiar with the band but I do like a few songs and it’s a shame to hear this.
• Godsmack frontman Sully Erna is making a documentary about his life.
• Deep Purple accountant Dipak Rao is being sentenced to six years and four months in prison for stealing £2.2 million from the band, as he should, the fucking scumbag. Sadly this happens a lot with bands and artists, and unfortunately most of the money DP lost remains out of their reach.
• Ratt have announced North American tour dates for 2019. Oh Jesus Christ. Seriously, Ratt? Okay, I can see skipping on Blotzer, Robin Crosby is dead, but if Warren is not there then you might as well not bother.
• Ian Hill has said “never say never” to KK Downing returning to Judas Priest. That’s interesting to hear. Don’t get me wrong, Faulkner has done an awesome job with the band and I have no complaints there but at the same time, yeah, I’d love to see KK back. That said, Glenn seems to still have some say and rather or not KK can stop flapping his gums about issues behind the scenes remains to be seen.
• And on more Judas Priest news, KK Downing believes it’s a shame that Richie Faulkner and Scott Travis are on wage. In response, Faulkner has said he has not been on wage since 2012. I did read the KK interview and honestly it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, he had some nice memories (though speaking somewhat critically of Rob’s solo career). But I side with Richie, it’s not KK’s place to comment on Richie’s financial status with Priest, or even Scott’s. And even if they are salaried, they have more than contributed their fair share to Priest, and it just makes KK look bad to say this shit.
• Billy Joel’s neighbors want to stop him and others from flying helicopters in the neighborhood and area. Millionare problems eh?

Now that we have the news taken care of, here is Primus’ The Brown Album, released July 8, 1997 on Interscope/Prawn Song. Self-produced by the band, this is the first album since Tim “Herb” Alexander’s departure, and taking his place on drums is Bryan “Brain” Mantia (Praxis/Limbomaniacs). Originally, Les had wanted to invite Jay Lane (the band’s first permanent drummer who’d end up on Green Naugahyde) but Lane was going through some things in his personal life. Brain they had known way back in the day and he was in the band for two weeks in the eighties before he broke his foot skateboarding.

As described by Brain, the album gained its name from the desired production, which the band described as a “muffled turd”.

1. “The Return Of Sallington Willoughby” (Les Claypool/Larry LaLonde/Bryan Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3AOdIVJH7tE

“The Return Of Sallington Willoughby”, a sequel to “Sallington Willoughby” off Frizzle Fry.

We start with crowd chattering and then the band just come in with a bang. The drums do indeed have that muffled sound. And then you have Les belting out a politician speech. You dig deep and there’s not really much of substance underneath, but the crowd just eats it up anyway. And that’s way more realistic than it should be. You have selfish, ignorant citizens, so you get selfish, ignorant leaders, and of course a lot of the masses are complete sheep who are easily startled and whipped into a frenzy. If anything, this song is as relevant, and regardless, it’s just a strong song to open the album with.

2. “Fisticuffs” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uZnz_FIe7kU

“Fisticuffs”, also a name for bare knuckled boxing. The song tells the tale of James “Yankee” Sullivan, who was a prized fighter in the 1850s and was arrested in 1856. Shortly after confessing to tampering with ballot box results, he was found dead in his cell, and there was a lot of controversy and speculation regarding his death.

People often focus on the bass when talking about Les-and he is a bass god-but he’s also a great writer, and can tell these far out surreal narratives, which comes from not only Zappa but also Les’ love of country music and Americana. Even if this story was completely made up, he still makes it really interesting, with the bass and drums create a rumbling feel with Ler’s guitar adding a nice touch to the rhythms. Overall, it’s a classic track and I absolutely love it.

3. “Golden Boy” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T8gy8l4mZIE

“Golden Boy”, which is about a supposed “Golden Boy” who’s made out to be a clean cut role model only to turn out to be a complete cocksucker. And let’s be honest, we all know someone like that, a fake, hypocritical asshole who tries to seem so righteous but is so full of shit. I certainly have, so I can definitely identify with this song. And plus, it’s just a funky, rocking tune, so it’s a win-win in my book.

4. “Over The Falls” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IlI0ktIqZiU

“Over The Falls”, which takes the album in a mellow, jazzy feel. Primus is a band that has a signature sound, you hear them and you know it’s them, but they can definitely change it up at times. And lyrically it really captures the feeling of making that huge jump in life, even with how much of a gamble you’ll take in the process. And Les is very much a dude who follows his muse and that’s another reason I love him. This is such an awesome song to change it up.

5. “Shake Hands With Beef” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PHjpWo4edfw

“Shake Hands With Beef”, the first single and best known song off this album, and I should note that apparently “Over The Falls” was a second single. The song was inspired by a saying by a vegetarian friend of the band’s who’d use the phrase to describe when he had to eat meat.

Man, that bass riff, and I love using that to test any sound system or amp or speaker, it’s right up there with Creatures Of The Night‘s drums. And it’s such a catchy bass riff too, locked right in with Brain’s drums while Ler’s guitar loops in and out. And of course, how can you hate a song about masturbation? Yes, it’s a song about choking your chicken as well.

What can I say? It’s an absolute classic.

6. “Camelback Cinema” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RSyc2uvUCiE

This one, I don’t like at all, the first clunker on the album. In the old days this would have been left on the cutting room floor, but it’s the CD age, so let’s cram in as much shit as we can. This song is boring, repetitive, I do not like it at all, next.

7. “Hats Off” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i9kT3ZfW9_U

“Hats Off”, this is the shortest song on the album at one minute and fifty-seven seconds.

This one seems to be a bit autobiographical on Les’ part along with a sarcastic appreciation of any oppressive authority figures he might have dealt with. There’s also, though, this sincere appreciation for all he’s learned in life as well from his own mistakes as well as others and that’s pretty cool. And generally it’s just a nice diversion from the weird avant funk metal onslaught.

8. “Puddin’ Taine” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w7tlsdj8CAQ

“Puddin’ Taine”, this one kicks off with some nice little hi hat work from Brain before Les comes in with vocals and bass.

God I love this song, it’s got that great bouncing groove to it, and it’s everybody just plays their asses off from Brain shredding the kit to pieces to Ler’s acid soaked solo.

Woo-hoo!!!!!!

9. “Bob’s Party Time Lounge” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjla8KEeoPs

“Bob’s Party Time Lounge”, which starts with someone pouring ice into a glass before the party starts and then

BBBBOOOM BOOMOM! BBBBBOOOM BOOMOM!

The band really rips on here with that insane bassline, Brain playing his ass off on the kit, and Ler cuts loose with a fantastic solo. If you want to know who the unsung hero of Primus is, it would be none other than Larry “Ler” LaLonde, a very unique player that compliments Les perfectly and would get more attention if he wasn’t next to Les Claypool. This is another winner for the album, I absolutely love it.

10. “Duchess And The Proverbial Mind Spread” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TyasMtYTOhk

With this tune, Brain gets his time to shine. Oh sure, you have the standard fantastic bass work by Les, sure you have a nice reggae like riff and tasty understated solo by Ler, but Brain. Goddamnit does he play his ass off on this tune. And I love Herb, Herb is one of my favorite drummers and definitely a large part of Primus is missing when he’s not there but Brain is no slouch.

Anyway, Top 5 for the album.

11. “Restin’ Bones” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lUcORz4acvI

“Restin’ Bones”, which opens with that good old John Bonham type groove played fantastically by Brain. And this just has such a low key, slow burn to it and goddamnit is it good.

Lyrically this tells the tale of an older man with a younger man, and it seems the older man has been through absolute hell, all sorts of drug abuse and is now left with nothing. Primus’ music is known as weird and funny but there’s also this dark undercurrent to it as well which I love.

This is my favorite song on the album hands down and one of my favorite Primus songs.

12. “Coddingtown” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zmKV7c2G30E

“Coddingtown”, this one is a good, fast and somewhat heavy tune. It’s not essential by any means, it honestly is filler, but it’s killer filler, I can dig it.

13. “Kalamazoo” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VZeqABXYLvk

The song is named after a city in Michigan and is inspired by an old Glenn Miller tune, taking this innocent old time song and twisting into something much bleaker and more subversive, describing all these weird burnouts living dead end existences.

I love this song, especially that little DEH duh Duh duh duh DEH doo lick that Ler plays throughout the song, super catchy. My second favorite off the album along with Shake Hands.

14. “The Chastising Of Renegade” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8t2SAWnS260

This one tells the tale of a kid in Les’ neighborhood who raised a ton of hell in order to draw attention to himself.

This one I always liked but it was still one I kind of grew into over time and now it’s another highlight of the album with all its little musical shifts and let’s talk about Ler, fucker rips on this track, to the point where I’d say he even outshines Les. Love this track, it’s sick, badass, and sick!

15. “Arnie” (Claypool/LaLonde/Mantia):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i7uuJ14p2U0

We close the album with “Arnie” which is kind of a weird track. It starts all moody with some fantastic bass work by Les before he goes into this sort of rambled speech that almost functions as another instrument as the music goes off, gorgeous bassline, Brain is just so in the pocket, Ler colors the melody of the track. This one was more of a grower but it’s absolutely grown on me, I adore this track.

And that is Primus’ The Brown Album. Is it as good as the first three? No. But it definitely deserved more love than it got when it came out. But it’s definitely getting more attention as time goes on, and hell, Tom Waits points to this as his favorite Primus album. In his words, it sounds like it needs a washing, and that really is this album’s charm, it’s sort of the Hotter Than Hell Of Primus’ discography (albeit slightly better produced).

And there is my review, be sure to comment, subscribe, and you can suggest future artists and albums to cover on the show.