Listen to Hair Band Friday - 10/18/13

Rocktober Video #13: "Jolene" by The White Stripes

One of my favorite bands is The White Stripes.  One of my favorite songs by the band (and one of my favorite cover songs by any band) is their version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene."  It might not seem natural on paper for a male singer in a Detroit garage band to cover a female country artist begging some other woman taking her man, but Jack White's execution is hauntingly perfect.  This version is from the band's concert film and live album Under Great White Northern Lights, recorded as they toured Canada in 2007.

"One Man Died For All"

Thanks to Weez for the picture, which he apparently got from Caveman Circus.

Rocktober Video #12: "Shake" by Otis Redding

Before June 1967, Otis Redding had played primarily to black audiences.  At the behest of Atlantic Records co-founder Jerry Wexler, Redding -- backed by Booker T. & The MGs, of course -- headlined the second day of the now-legendary Monterey Pop Festival.  He absolutely killed it, starting out his set with with "Shake" and working the tens of thousands of audience members into a frenzy, before ripping through a set of his soul classics and some rock covers and making many new fans in the process.

Sadly, Redding wouldn't be able to fully capitalize on his new-found crossover success, as he died about six months later when a small plane he was riding in crashed into Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin -- a mere three days after recording "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," which went on to become the first posthumous #1 song in US history.  But anyway, here's "Shake."

Rocktober Video #11: "Barracuda" by Slash and Fergie

I was busy returning videotapes last night, so I didn't have time to post anything.  To make up for that, I will post two Rocktober videos today -- one now and one later.  The anticipation should be more than you can handle.  The first one is Slash featuring Fergie, covering what is, in my opinion, Heart's greatest song, "Barracuda."  This was filmed by someone in the crowd at the 2010 Sunset Strip Music Festival.  If anyone thinks Fergie is just a pop singer, watch and behold her pipes.  Fergie sings the hell out of this song.

The Only Reason You Should Ever Watch Dancing With The Stars

I'm so excited.  Thanks to Weez for the link.

Rocktober Video #10: "Cowboy Song" by Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy has to be one of the most underrated bands in rock history.  I really don't know how these guys weren't bigger outside of the UK and Ireland.  Instead of preaching, I'm just going to give you some vintage Thin Lizzy, playing one of my favorite songs by the group, "Cowboy Song."  It's a great example of the twin lead guitar sound that was the band's hallmark, and the song has not one, but two, phenomenal guitar solos.  I've been called a generous lover, and for good reason.  There are two live versions I really liked, so I'm giving you both.  The first is live at the Rainbow in London in 1978, and it is truer to the album version of the song.  The second is live at Rockpalast in Germany in 1981, and, while it takes some liberties compared to the album version, lead singer Phil Lynott has some good back and forth with the crowd.

Rocktober Videos #8-9: "Animal" by W.A.S.P. and "Live Wire" Mötley Crüe

Many apologies for not posting a Rocktober video yesterday.  Judging by the volume of emails and telegrams I have received, you were hurt, angry, and, in one case, unhealthily horny.  To make up for my misgivings, I'll post two videos today.  Given that it's Hair Band Friday, I'm flying to the epicenter of the hair band genre as we speak, and I may very well be on the Sunset Strip tonight, it seems extremely fitting that I post two videos by Sunset Strip bands.

The first is one of Tipper Gore's favorites, "Animal (F**k Like a Beast)" by W.A.S.P. from a 1984 show in London, which, coincidentally (but not ironically), was the name of the infamous revolving-door LA glam metal band for which W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless briefly played bass, before leaving to form W.A.S.P.  Coincidentally (but not ironically), the man Lawless replaced in London was Nikki Sixx, who, of course, left London to form Mötley Crüe, which, coincidentally (but not ironically), is the band featured in the second video.

It Was My Understanding That There Would Be No Math

Yesterday was Chevy Chase's 70th birthday.  He is one of my favorite actors, and probably one of the funniest people of the last 50 years.  There aren't too many people with better comedic timing than he had.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch Fletch.  Then watch it a few more times to catch everything he says.  Anyway, I came across an interesting article in honor of his birthday, with 70 facts about Chevy Chase.  My favorite fun fact is that, while in college, he quit playing drums and keyboards in what he describes as a "bad jazz band" that would go on to become Steely Dan.  God, I hate Steely Dan.

Rocktober Video #7: The Beatles Rooftop Concert

Today, John Lennon should have turned 73, so it seems like as good a time as any to post a Beatles live video.  Or three.  On January 30, 1969, the greatest rock band the world has every known was hurtling towards a break up.  Tensions in the band were high, as were the band members themselves.  They had come up with the idea to rehearse a new album of material and then play it live on record and film for the first time, so they had a film crew record what would become the Let It Be film and the making of the album of the same name.  After they couldn't agree on a location for the live performance, they finally settled on the roof of Apple Corps (their company) at 3 Savile Row in London.  It would be their first live performance in over three years (save for a couple live TV performances), and it would be the band's last ever live show together.

Let It Be (the film) is bittersweet because it's like watching your parents get a divorce right in front of your eyes, only you have four parents.  But the rooftop performance is like watching your parents get back (pun intended) together and then tell you Billy Preston is also coming to live with you.  The band looks happy and like they're having fun, probably because they were returning to their roots -- playing live rock and roll music for a crowd.  Imagine how cool it would have been to be walking in downtown London on a cold day and, all of a sudden, you hear some music, and you look up, and the biggest band in the world is playing on a roof.  Who does that?  The Beatles, that's who.

I've decided to go with three songs from that rooftop show.  There are two John songs -- "Don't Let Me Down" and "Dig a Pony" -- as well as one of my favorite Beatles songs, "I've Got a Feeling," which is one of the last true Lennon-McCartney collaborations.  Happy birthday, John.  And you, too, Mike Singletary.  And you, too, Scott Bakula.  And you, too, Tony.