I was over at Blog-Bud Kris' place earlier today to listen to her Saturday Selections. Her mood is weather-driven, what with New England experiencing a cold and rainy sort of day, and her selections reflected that same mood... which is to say quiet and reflective. I dropped a comment saying we were on opposite ends of both the weather and music spectrum and I would probably choose something big and bouncy for today's Happy Hour.
Well... check that. Here's what we began with:
That's Jefferson Airplane, as you can plainly see from the title. Acoustic JA. Which, to my way of thinking, was their best stuff. I was quite taken with the young Grace Slick and her band, like most guys in my generation. The bloom came off the rose rather quickly for me, considering I thought their very early work was their best work. My love affair with JA ended with the release of "Volunteers," and their reincarnation as Jefferson Starship was nothing but a laughing matter. Pathetic. Still and even... I bought "Bark," from whence the above tune comes. It was arguably the best cut on the album and was penned by Jorma Kaukonen, which leads us to where we're really going... today's soundtrack.
We're listening to a couple of albums by Hot Tuna, an offshoot of the Airplane formed by Mr. Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady. Hot Tuna did both electric and acoustic work, and fine work it was (is!). All my Airplane stuff is on vinyl, as is most of my Hot Tuna. But I took the trouble to replace my vinyl Hot Tuna with CDs, and they still get a lot of airplay. Here's one such tune we're listening to this afternoon:
That would be Water Song, which is pretty reminiscent of "Third Week," innit? But... for me, personally... one of the best reasons Hot Tuna had it all over the Airplane was their dedication to roots music, which is to say... blues. And here's one of their best:
So. We have the first album and "Burgers" queued up in the CD player this afternoon. The weather is warm, the beer cool, and life is GOOD, Gentle Reader.
Hmmm...I like this J.A. cut. Not what you usually expect from them, which isn't to say it's a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteJefferson Starship was a crime against music. I do have to say that I respect Grace Slick's choice to just remove herself from that horrible idea and retire. I recall an interview with her several years ago, saying something about how she hated aging rockers who wouldn't give up the limelight when they really should.
Envy you the weather today Buck; the stormy nature of our weather here has only gotten worse as the day has progressed. Which, as I said at my place, suits my overall mood anyway.
It was a fine day here in OK - a bit windy at times, but not gusting like it has been doing this week.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the Tuna.
Forgive if I've told this story before, but it's a true one: Once upon a few years ago Grace Slick was coming to town to sell her drawings and paintings. The wife and I decided to go, and brought a copy of Slick's autobiography for her to autograph.
ReplyDeleteWhen we arrived at the gallery, there was a large sign telling us that Slick would not sign anything but the art, so fuggetabout anything else. Once inside, Slick was seatead at a a table off to the side, with two security types to protect her from the public. She would not speak to nor acknowledge anyone who didn't pony up for some art.
We checked out the art, which was of the "no one would pay money for this without her name on it" variety. A bit later we were walking down a hallway, and from the other direction come Slick with her bodyguard, carefully avoiding eye contact.
My wife said, in a voice loud enough to carry, "So what if she's an obnoxious snob? It's still cool to be this close to someone who fucked Jim Morrison."
We had the pleasure of seeing Slick's eyes get big at the former, then convulse with laughter at the latter.
Kris: Agree with you about Starship. And I see all y'all literally got your butts kicked out there in NE. One hella storm... I hope you're OK.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the Tuna.
Heh. That made me think IMMEDIATELY of tuna casserole. Dunno why... ;-)
Gordon: Nope, you've not told that story here. And it's a GREAT one, as well! I can see why GS would think she needed bodyguards, tho. She said some way-stupid shit back in the day... and some people hold grudges.
Buck - thank you we are fine. The wind hasn't really stopped howling since yesterday afternoon. Last night it was like being in the middle of a hurricane. Thankfully we only lost power once and it didn't stay out for too long.
ReplyDeleteHunkered down today. The flooding round us is bad; we are on a high point in the area but I know the CT River will cause much havoc.
Yeah, I've been watching the storm fallout in bits and pieces this "morning." It looks pretty bad. We're glad you're well!
ReplyDeleteCasady was one of the great underrated bass players. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI met Marty Balin at the Albuquerque balloon fiesta one year. Real nice fella.
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