Bideodromage
The Lovin’ Spoonful, led by John Sebastian, and guitarist Zal Yanovsky, was formed in 1965, and produced a cavalcade of very distinctive hits until their 1969 breakup. Sebastian, though, carried on, and had more magic up his sleeve. A great composer, performer, and person.
Badfinger, a Welsh/English group primarily known for their early 70s work, were led by Pete Ham, and featured also Tom Evans and Joey Molland. A truly great, and too-oft-forgotten band that was to be plagued by tragedy.
Iconic singer-songwriter Emitt Rhodes died today. He left behind some of the most memorable music of his era, and on the recorded versions, he oft-times played every instrument. He will be missed.
Gifted with one of the most magnificent voices ever to be heard, Linda Ronstadt knew how to use it, as well. A vibrant performer with great presence, as is well-documented in the above vids. Can’t fault her material, either; she covered the likes of Emitt Rhodes, Warren Zevon, and Buddy Holly, to name just a few. A remarkable vocalist.
Featuring the great Kenny Rogers, and guitarist Terry Williams. Three distinctively different and inspired live performances of Just Dropped In, the Smothers Brothers appearance (w/studio version), a Reuben James video, and a lovely live Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town, coupled with a performance on Super Hit. Enjoy.
As a special addendum, we also include a gripping, masterful performance of Just Dropped In by the iconic song’s creator, Mr. Mickey Newbury.
The era of guitar great Terry Kath was tragically short-lived. Chicago was never quite the same after Kath’s accidental death. Even Jimi Hendrix lauded the guitarist. Check out his extraordinary solo on 25 or 6 to 4.
After Terry Kath’s death, Donnie Dacus assumed lead guitar duties, and performed admirably. He can be seen in action on I’ve Been Searching For So Long, a memorable Peter Cetera showpiece. The song was written by trombonist James Pankow.
The band encompasses many styles, and pieces from their body of work are often sublime. Cetera and keyboardist/vocalist Robert Lamm, along with Kath and drummer Danny Seraphine, were the core elements. In addition, their horn section is legendarily renowned. In short, they can get the job done for ya.
The hugely influential, and, if anything, also hugely underrated Kinks, featuring the brothers Ray and Dave Davies, on lead vocals and guitar, respectively. Ray Davies was the primary composer for this essential, and truly great, band.
Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees created some of the most mesmerizing music of their era. Generally described as Post-punk or Goth, they really defied such categorizations. Either that, or they *defined* them. But, let’s not argue. The “Revolver” video is from the Peter Cook show of the same name; the tune is Hong Kong Garden.
AC/DC has had a long reign, with many great moments. But, at their very best, they had perhaps the most charismatic front man/lead singer ever to draw breath: the great Bon Scott.
Bideodromage 