“Do you try to listen to classical music but feel you don't ever really advance past knowing it's better than it sounds?”
- Padgett Powell
Lots of rock and roll birthdays today.
Jim Croce (1943-1973): Croce died in a plane crash at the age of 30. The wind was at his back, career-wise. What might have been, we'll never know. Small planes claim a lot of musician lives.
Rod Stewart (1945): Stewart has had a long, storied career. He's part of my music catalog for a couple of reasons. If aliens came to my door and asked me, “What is this rock and roll music you earthlings speak of?” I might offer up Stay With Me by Faces right off the top of my head. Stewart was in the British band in the early 70s, along with Ron Wood (later of the The Rolling Stones). Off their third album came the song that is a five-star banger. You can't rock harder. Simultaneously, Stewart began a solo career and in 1971 released Maggie May. It's a tune some consider one of the great songs of the 20th Century. I would be among them. Oh, and You Wear it Well is pretty good too.
Donald Fagen (1948): Along with Walter Becker, he formed Steely Dan. What hasn't been said about them? They're responsible for some of the most iconic songs of the 1970s. Is there a more recognizable guitar intro in history than Reelin' in the Years? Or solo for that matter (I know, I know, Stairway to Heaven). Steely Dan also blended in jazz elements with some of their music. For those of us who think most jazz sounds like five guys playing different songs on different instruments, it opened new doors.
Shawn Colvin (1956): I've always had a soft spot for girls with guitars. Nancy Wilson of Heart, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, The Bangles, and so on. The first time I heard Shawn Colvin was in the early 90s. I had one of those compilation cds like you used to buy at Starbucks up by the register. This one was of acoustic-leaning up and coming artists. Her song Shotgun Down the Avalanche was featured. Right off, you gotta admit, that's a pretty good title. I listened to it and was charmed, just a really good song and a great voice. She became a new favorite - splendid songwriter, unique singer, impressive guitar player. To date, I've seen her more times than any other artist, six.
Happy Birthday, all. Thanks for putting good things out into the universe.