10 Albums Influence 2-of-10

So, over on the Book of Face, I just did a challenge:  "Choose 10 albums that greatly influenced my taste in music.  post one album per day for 10 consecutive days.  No explanations, no reviews, just album covers."

Obviously, I had to do it.  But as hard as it was to pick 10 personally influential albums, it was harder yet to post with no explanations!!  Fortunately, I have no such restriction on my blog.  'Cause I make the rules!  So here we go, a reposting of the 10 albums I posted on Facebook, but now with a short explanation of each explain WHY I chose it as influential.

Note:  these are presented in the same random order I used over there....

Day 2 of 10

J.J. Cale - Troubadour - 1976

Sometime in the second 1/2 of 1977 (I think), I first heard J.J. Cale's (original) version of the song Cocaine, on the local Album-Oriented-Rock station.  I'm pretty sure it was before Clapton's version, but not by much.  (But I could be wrong, it was, after all over 40yrs ago). And it really grabbed my 17 year old spirit, a great rock song.  I knew that J.J. Cale had written two songs covered by Lynyrd Skynyd, and Eric Clapton's "After Midnight".  And now this!  So I had to pick up the album.

And as I listened to it the first time...  well, I didn't quite get it.  Because it's not head banging rock and roll.  And while his original of Cocaine sounds very much like Clapton's, Cale's original versions of After Midnight, Call Me The Breeze and I Got The Same Old Blues do NOT sound like the covers...   [Aside, none of those other songs are on Troubadour].

But as I gave it more listens, it drew me in, and before long had me totally hooked.  Totally hooked.  I like how one web site put it:  "Cale's signature laid back, bluesy style of country rock features rambling snapshots of love and life on the road that are unconventionally addicting. "   Before long I had his previous 3 albums, and I picked up his next 5 albums as soon as I knew about them (working through 1990). 

All these years later, J.J. Cale is still a staple on my iPod, still a favorite.  I own all but one of his albums, two if you include the posthumous collection of unreleased stuff.  I should probably get those two, just to be a completest, and prove the point...

International Jazz Day, 2020

So...  apparently today (4/30) is International Jazz Day.  According to wikipedia "International Jazz Day is an International Day declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2011 to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe."

Cool!  I guess.

Obviously, I've been listening to Jazz while I work this afternoon.  So far:

Weather Report - 8:30
Charles Mingus - The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
Thelonious Monk - Brilliant Corners
Marcus Miller Renaissance

I'll probably keep the Jazz thing going for a few days....  any good suggestions?

Stumped

We came across this weathered stump at Watershed Nature Center.  Really cool patterns.....

There's very minimal processing here, just a touch of levels, and a little tighter crop.

10 Albums Influence 1-of-10

So, over on the Book of Face, I just did a challenge:  "Choose 10 albums that greatly influenced my taste in music.  post one album per day for 10 consecutive days.  No explanations, no reviews, just album covers."

Obviously, I had to do it.  But as hard as it was to pick 10 personally influential albums, it was harder yet to post with no explanations!!  Fortunately, I have no such restriction on my blog.  'Cause I make the rules!  So here we go, a reposting of the 10 albums I posted on Facebook, but now with a short explanation of each explain WHY I chose it as influential.

Note:  these are presented in the same random order I used over there....

Day 1 of 10

The Band - Rock Of Ages - 1972

The first live album from The Band, released after their first 4 studio albums.  This is one of the early albums I owned, not when it was brand new, but certainly within a couple of years.  It was the fist album I owned by The Band, I picked it up as means to get the several songs I know from the radio (there was no Greatest Hits package at the time), but it was also a time when I especially liked live recordings.

So, this was, for all practical purposes, my introduction to the Band.  And one of my early exposures to "Americana". or whatever you want to call it.  Or as the Rolling Stone review says:  "It is a kind a summation of American music, if you will. A cultural mix unequaled in contemporary music".  This was really my introduction to that whole "scene".  And, nearing 50 years later, still my favorite Band album.  And still one of my favorite live albums.

One Subject, 30 Shots - Week 4

So, over at 365project, there's a new challenge going on for the month of April.  Specifically:  pick a subject, any subject, so long as it is something you will have access to every day during the month of April... and every day, think of a new and different way to take a picture of that subject.
I decided to do the oak tree(s) in my back yard.  It's close (with the whole "stay at home" thing), it is in transition (with spring)...  and I like trees.

We're in the home stretch now, only 4 days left.  Still hanging in there.  Anyway, the last 3 Sundays I've posted the previous week's entries, here's the fourth!

(click the title for the full size version)

20 of 30

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22 of 30

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24 of 30

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25 of 30

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26 of 30

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I'm actually rather pleased with at least 1/2 of the week, but it continues to get more challenging...    Only one made "Popular" and no "Trending".  But I don't mind (much)...

 All of my 30-Shots images can be seen here.

American Bittern

Spent some time at Watershed Nature Center today,and saw this American Bittern. I believe that's a new one for me! It was pretty well hidden in the reeds, I almost missed it. Sorry about the back-lighting and the reeds, but sometimes you have to take what you can get!

Another shot:

Apparently, they raise their heads so that the stripes on their neck blend with the reeds.  I know I barely saw this one, wasn't sure at first it was even a bird.  Fortunately my long lens helped a lot!

This or That?

So yesterday (Friday), I went out for a short explore, the first such excursion in a month of more.  Nothing fancy, ended up at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary.in West Alton, MO.  One of my "go" to places.  It was good to get out, do a little walking, take a few photos NOT from my yard.

For some reason I was really drawn to the bright yellow flowers and this pile of sticks.  Its probably not a natural pile, but I'm ok with it.

According to the internet, the flowers are butterweed.

Anyway, I can't make up my mind which photo I prefer.  Any thoughts / opinions / votes?

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Meanwhile, here's a closer shot of the butterweed flower:

Album Review: McKendree Spring - 3

"Sitting on McKenzie river... 

listening to McKendree Spring.

Trying to get into heaven... 

Trying to get into almost everything"

Pure Prairie League - You're Between Me

You're Between Me is one of my favorite PPL songs.  It is off their 1st album, which I've owned since the mid 70's. Somewhere way back then, I came to understand that McKendree Spring wasn't a nature feature, it was a band.  Which makes a lot more sense, because I can see listening to a waterfall, but a spring?

Anyway, I never had occasion to hear McKendree Spring back then, and for some reason it never really came to my mind in today's era of internet.  So...  not too long ago, I was at a used record store with my son, just browsing around on a rainy day, and flipping through the M's, I came across a McKendree Springs album.  Well, I just had to pick it up.

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Artist:  McKendree Spring
Album:  3
Released: 1972
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McKendree Spring is described on Wikipedia as "a progressive folk-rock band".  Their web site says: "Experimental and innovative, McKendree Spring mixed blues, folk and country with a progressive musical vision."

It's pretty cool, not really like Pure Prairie League, but that wasn't exactly expected.  Over 1/2 the album is covers, which is a little surprising for a band's 3rd album.  It's not stunning, and not really shocked it wasn't huge.  But it is solidly good, and I enjoy it..

It starts with a version of Neil Young's Down By The River...  Mostly acoustic guitar and fiddle, built over strings. With some electric guitar soloing...   Very different, but it works.

Fading Lady is a slow, sad song, which  reminds me of The Eagles' Lying Eyes, more in tone than style...  a song about a lady who marries for security, but ends up dissatisfied.  Without the whole aduktry thing the Eagles used....  Again, it works...

Flying Dutchman is probably my favorite song on the record.  A lot more "electric". Actually a fair bit more electric.  We're not talking Deep Purple though.

These are my favorite 3 songs on the album, but it is all good.  There's an interesting version of "Heart Like A Wheel", which was the Anna McGarrigle track better known by Linda Ronstadt's. And an Arlo Guthrie tune "Oh In The Morning".

The album closes with a 9 minute exposition, "God Bless The Conspiracy", which certainy fits the progrssive, experimental and innovative" category.  Unfortunately, it's also my least favorite song on the album.  To me, it seems a lot too random, incoherent.  But hey, that's just me.

All in all, a solid 3.5 or 4 stars out of 5.  Certainly worth picking up if you see it!

One Subject, 30 Shots - Week 3

So, over at 365project, there's a new challenge going on for the month of April.  Specifically:  pick a subject, any subject, so long as it is something you will have access to every day during the month of April... and every day, think of a new and different way to take a picture of that subject.
I decided to do the oak tree(s) in my back yard.  It's close (with the whole "stay at home" thing), it is in transition (with spring)...  and I like trees.

We're now almost 2/3 of the way  through the month, still hanging in there.  Anyway, the last 2 Sundays I've posted the previous week's entries, here's the third!

(click the title for the full size version)

13 of 30

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17 of 30

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19 of 30

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I'm pretty please with most of the week, but it is getting a little more challenging...  I actually dug out my old Nikon D3200, for the 60mm Macro lens.  I've generally been dissatisfied with my macro efforts, but I'm happy with these two.  I had 3 make "Popular" and 1 make "Trending".  Can't complain.

 All of my 30-Shots images can be seen here.

Fly Now

I'm sure I've posted several times about Brian Protheroe's Pinball, it has been one of my favorite albums for 40 years...  In fact I'm pretty surprised I've never done an album review.

Anyway, I'm listening to the album on a sunny (if cool) Saturday, and digging it as much as ever.

I would usually post "Pinball", but for a change of pace, I'll go with Fly Now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fa2xq_LQzI

Anyway, check it out.  The album is even on Spotify.

Flying Cloud

Beautiful spring day, with hints of the summer that's coming.

It made me think of the Doobie Brothers song "Flying Cloud....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKuf82co4c

Bored, Bored, Bored

Or maybe just lazy.

Speaking of lazy, this one has actually been languishing on my phone since 12/2019...  And I dug it out, processed and posted to 365 (and Instagram, even) over a week ago.

Oh well, it's here now, ENJOY!

April 1070

Fifty years ago this month, what what happening on the music charts?

Well, during the 4 weeks of April 1970, there were 52 songs that spent time in the Top 40. Lots of great stuff.

Three (3) songs made the Top spot: Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water finished it's 6 week run at #1, followed by The Beatle's Let It Be for 2 weeks.  The Jackson 5's ABC closed out the month at the top, the first on a 2 week stay.

Here's the top 10 songs of the month, ranked by average chart position over the 4 weeks:

• Let It Be - The Beatles - 1.5
• ABC - Jackson 5 - 2.3
• Instant Karma (We All Shine On) - John Ono Lennon - 3.5
• Spirit In The Sky - Norman Greenbaum - 4.0
• Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel - 5.3
• Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) - Edison Lighthouse - 5.5
• Come And Get It - Badfinger - 7.8
• House Of The Rising Sun - Frijid Pink - 10.5
• Easy Come, Easy Go - Bobby Sherman - 10.8
• American Woman/No Sugar Tonight - The Guess Who - 11.5

17 songs made their Top 40 debut, here they are (ranked by entering position)

• Reflections Of My Life - The Marmalade (31)
• What Is Truth - Johnny Cash (31)
• Turn Back The Hands Of Time - Tyrone Davis (32)
• Woodstock - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (35)
• Airport Love Theme (Gwen And Vern)  - Vincent Bell (35)
• Get Ready - Rare Earth (36)
• You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You) - Gladys Knight And The Pips (37)
• Everybody's Out Of Town - B.J. Thomas (37)
• Everything Is Beautiful - Ray Stevens (37)
• Vehicle - The Ides Of March (38)
• Cecilia - Simon & Garfunkel (38)
• Which Way You Goin' Billy? - The Poppy Family (Featuring Susan Jacks) (38)
• For The Love Of Him - Bobbi Martin (39)
• Come Running - Van Morrison (39)
• Little Green Bag - George Baker Selection (40)
• Love On A Two-Way Street - The Moments (40)
• Make Me Smile - Chicago (40)

One Subject, 30 Shots - Week 2

So, over at 365project, there's a new challenge going on for the month of April.  Specifically:  pick a subject, any subject, so long as it is something you will have access to every day during the month of April... and every day, think of a new and different way to take a picture of that subject.

I decided to do the oak tree(s) in my back yard.  It's close (with the whole "stay at home" thing), it is in transition (with spring)...  and I like trees.

We're now 40% through the month, hanging in there.  Anyway, Last Sunday I posted the first 5 photos, here's the next 7:


here's my 2nd week, shots 6-12 (click the title for the full size version)

6 of 30

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8 of 30

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9 of 30

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12 of 30

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Overall, I don't hate this past week.  I certainly like it better than the 1st week.  Three of thses made it to the Popular page, and one of those to the Trending.  So that's always cool.

 All of my 30-Shots images can be seen here.

Rhino 248

A stack of pallets...
Still filling in some stuff that's been hanging in my unprocessed "bucket" for a while...

I drooped my wife at one of the local quilt shops (this was before quarantine).  I didn't feel like going in that day, so I drove around the back of the plaza.  And found this stack of pallets.  bingo!

Ready And Waiting

The hummingbird feeder is ready for customers, just waiting... I checked a couple of web sites tracking the hummingbord migration, and it looks like a couple of sightings in the region, so hopefully it will be soon!

This is an older feeder, my wife picked it up at a yard sale a couple of years ago. But the birds don't seem to mind.

Coming in...

Do you still call it landing, if you're landing on water?? Hmmm...  Anyway, that's what this goose was doing (landing on water, that is).

Heads Up

Not sure what kind of bird this is... It was on top of the bush, right up until the time I had my camera ready. They it popped into the bush, periodically sticking it's head up to look around.

Paradise - RIP John Prine

Just a few days after Bill Withers, toady we lost John Prine.  I discovered John Prine in late High School and early college, from a couple of my guitar playing friends.  As wikipedia summed him up:  "John Prine (October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020) was an American country folk singer-songwriter. He was active as a composer, recording artist, and live performer from the early 1970s until his death, and was known for an often humorous style of country music that has elements of protest and social commentary."

Much sadness.

In celebration of his life, 5 of my favorite John Prine Songs:

• Angel From Montgomery (love the duet w/ Bonnie Raitt)
• Paradise
• Illegal Smile
• Yes I Guess They Oughta Name a Drink After You 
• Spanish Pipedream

Cardinal Couple

With coronavirus, this is as close as we get to baseball in St. Louis.  I saw a Bluejay yesterday, but he didn't come close enough for a photo...

These two were picking through the saffron below the bird feeder...

One Subject, 30 Shots - Week 1

So, over at 365project, there's a new challenge going on for the month of April.  Specifically:  pick a subject, any subject, so long as it is something you will have access to every day during the month of April... and every day, think of a new and different way to take a picture of that subject.

Well, I've been in a bit of a creative lull, so I figured to push myself into this one.  I decided to do the oak tree in my back yard.  It's close (with the whole "stay at home" thing), it is in transition (with spring)...  and I like trees.

We'll see if I can manage to take 30 different photos while maintaining a degree of interest.  Anyway, here's my 1st 5 photos (click the title for the full size version)

1 of 30

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2 of 30

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3 of 30

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4 of 30

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5 of 30

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I'm already thinking 30 shots might be a bit of a challenge...  16-20 should be fine, but 30??  All of my 30-Shots images can be seen here.

Ain't No Sunshine.... RIP Bill Withers

I just saw this morning that Bill Withers died.  Bummer.

Bill Withers is part of the music of my youth.  "Ain't No Sunshine" reached #3 about the time I started Middle School (6th grade), and "Lean On Me" reached #1 the following summer, just after my 12th birthday.  Both are iconic songs, from the era when I still got most of my music from "pop" radio.  Back when I was making my first "mix tapes" by propping the microphone from my portable cassette player the radio speaker. 

At the time, I didn't realize Bill Withers was from West Virginia, about 60 miles south of where I was born (and spent my first 10 years)...  A nice plus, IMHO, there's not too many famous artists / bands from WV...

Bill Withers was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

My 5 Favorite Bill Withers songs:

Lean On Me

Ain't No Sunshine

Use Me

Who Is He (And What Is He To You)

Just The Two Of Us