Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs

Subject: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From:
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 02:58 PM

Lately I have seen several mentions about James Taylor. I know I'll catch hell for this, but I can think of absolutely no reason for him to have been given recording contracts, let alone having achieved any sort of popularity. He turned some great rock tunes (e.g. Handyman)into dirges, and he has a vocal range from A to (maybe) B. I'm proud to say no, repeat no, JT, graces my record collections. I'm taking on all comers here...or maybe you have your own extremely orverated performer---John (not jon)

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: The Shambles
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 03:32 PM

This is a good subject, though I like James Taylor myself. We all know of wonderful performers who deserve to be better known (and paid) and it is indeed a little annoying to see some performers praised way above their talents.

My nomination for one of these'sacred cows', at the risk of being shot down in flames, is Christy Moore.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Margo
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 04:50 PM

I might be alone here, but I never really liked rock and roll. I like lyric singing of songs with good enough diction to where you can understand the words. No wonder there are so many "Mondegreens" : It is hard to understand rock and roll.

James Taylor has never rated high on my list either.

Margarita

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 05:21 PM

Yes John, you may have noticed a few of mine where I suggest you can sing "Fire and Rain" to ANY JT song. Works more often than not, but I still can enjoy a little more of him than you can!!!

There is for me my favorite whipping boy, Neil Young. The dude has just reached the point of complete weirdness to the nth degree. Happily and hopefully he is safely ensconced at the "Neil Young Center for the Terminally Screwed" in Montana. Katlaughing craftily discovered that the supposed radioactive waste being transported to Montana is in fact tiples. This adds up since the Neil Young Center is run by the CIA and is in the process of training crazed tiple bands to be used in place of killing squads in a plot for world domination and National takeover by that agency. Cletus is also there and that is obviously the one who triggered the certain knowledge that the CIA was planning to takeover the US government here too, as the only song he knows is the Oscar Mayer wiener song. Therefore his tiple band could be used to totally discredit Libby Dole. Bob Dole could be cured of his E.D. that he talks about on his commercial by a crazed tiple band playing the Oscar Mayer ditty. Unfortunately his resultant actions, mainly running through Rock Creek Park without pants and screaming "I got Wood...It's a Woody" would create such a stir on the evening news that Libby would be totally discredited. Other candidates and political figures can be placed at risk in a similar way. Clete's buddy 'Paw, distressed after Cletus' committment from watching 3 days of hamsterdance, is no longer wandering the wastewater plant mumbling something about pants pressers, but has met up with Fielding's brothers (Reg, Reg, and Reg) and are headed for Montana. Please watch out for them along the way as they might try their hands at fly fishing and in the case of all these boys, far more than their bamboo rods is split!!! If they arrive at the Young Center, they could be formed into another crazed tiple band to do away with Al Gore. 'Paw could teach this group "Rocky Top" and the sound of their beloved song on a tiple at a Gore rally would cause Tennesseans to rise up and slay the current V.P.

Oh gawd.....even I can't take it. There must be stuff from 20 threads in the above paragraph!!! I gotta' get off and call the airlines. I think I need a ticket to Montana..........send help..

catspaw

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 05:51 PM

My nomination for someone who deserves to be better known than JT is his brother, Livingston, composer of "I don't want to mow the lawn."

"Fire and Rain" still brings a lump to my throat, but that may be because the subject has played a role in my life.

I do have to second Neil young's nomination; always thought he had a voice like a chipmunk, God bless him. He's got to have some kind of crowd control skill to pull off the hype, you must admit.

Mary Ann

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From:
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 06:00 PM

We worry about such things, when hip hop is to be heard blasting from every car stereo.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Dr John
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 06:34 PM

The Beatles - I grew up in Liverpool, and they were everywhere, records, books, photos,magazines, cardboard cutouts, silly suits and haircuts. All the songs were love me this or she loves you that but you couldn't hear them anyway because of screaming girls. Nobody has been hyped as much until the spice girls, but at least I can watch them on tv with the sound turned off.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Sam
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 02:32 PM

I think that some of the best performers are those who tend not to be taken seriously when in fact they have probably inputted more ideas then the performers who just keep flooting on a happy medium with their audience, making no attempt to challenge their ears. By challenegeing you audiences ears you are often educating them by showing them the other things that exist in the world. An example may be Paul Simons Gracelands Cd in which he educated many people to the sounds of cajun and african singing. If our ears are not challenged we would end up listening to supermarket music.

Bye, Sam

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Mike Billo
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 04:59 PM

Neil Young tops my list too(that was a terrrific rant catspaw), but in a solid second place is Van Morrison. He cant sing, he can't compose,he can't play an instrument to speak of,and his blackface minstrel vocal inflections although very nasal, or at least always out of tune. And his "musical career" has been going strong for over 30 years!! He makes James Taylor seem a musical genius by comparison.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Den
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 05:04 PM

I'm taking this as a jibe to get us going here Shambles. You can't touch Christy. He is a national institution one of the most important singer/songwriters to come out of Ireland ever. Now that he has officially retired who will fill that void. How about Foster and Allen. "nough said.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: rich r
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 05:47 PM

catspaw, I came periously close to falling into the hampsterdance trance myself. After only 5 minutes I realized that those cute little fuzzies were really a powerful hyponotic probably issuing either from deep within the CIA or from the Chinese to lull us into thinking that they really do have missles that work. It took a supreme effort to extract myself from theri grasp. And that tune! Is it traditional? Are their words? I need words.

rich r

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: RWilhelm
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 05:51 PM

This is great. I go to a lot of open-mikes and it's amazing to hear people in their twenties pull out these completely spent Taylor/Young/Morrison songs. Now, to raise the ante, I could die happy if I never heard "Mary Ellen Carter" again.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 05:59 PM

Another good selection there Mike!!! And thanks to all for the comments. And rich...good question??? The tune is Roger Miller used in Disney's animated Robin Hood but the only words I know are

"TA ka dee do dop, ta ka dee do dop
Ta ka wom ba soo dee doo

etc.

So how the hell do you post for lyrics???

LYRICS REQ: Ta ka dee do dop

or

LYRICS REQ: HAMSTERDANCE

catspaw

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: rich r
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 06:12 PM

You mean it's the same tune the rooster struts to? No wonder it slid into my brain so easily. It should have been used more in the film (along with more verses to "Oo-da-lolly"). Of couse you left out the maniacal giggle. Me thinks that if a lyric request for "Ta ka dee do bop" were posted, someone one would suggest that what was really being sought was "zip a dee do dah" and next thing you know the thread would be mired in a tar baby.

rich r

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From:
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 06:46 PM

The only version of Mary Ellen Carter that I like is the original on Between The Breaks Live. I've never heard a cover of a Stan Rogers song, live or recorded, that was as good as the original. (I detest the two "Tribute" CD's -- gave them both away, in fact.) I think that it is because so many of the people who cover him have such whiny whingey voices, and he had a deep booming voice.

But you're right. The pub acts always seem to cover that one, and Barrett's Privateers.

James Taylor seems to be a favourite with street buskers. I don't consider him a folk singer. More soft pop, and if we are going to get into that realm then the list of annoying artists is a long one. Fire and Rain isn't a bad song, though, nor is the one about going to Carolina. Just played too much.

We are agreed on Neil Young. I have a friend who worships him and it is torture to my ears to listen to any of Young's recordings.

An act I could never stomach was the Clancys, but I realize that I am in the minority there. The Clancys have a lot to answer for, because it was them who inspired the singing of such songs in pubs.

Nor have I ever liked Great Big Sea.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: McMusic
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 08:41 PM

Almost anything that passes for rock these days--esp. the strupy, cliche-ridden works of "art" produced by people like Babyface; will add 99.99999% of rap, most MODERN Country-Western (everything sound like the same song sung by the same person), and such delightful tunes like "Don't Worry; Be Happy" (how many Grammys did that thing win?), "Rubber Ducky", "Feelings"..... God! I'm starting to rave!!! I'm also getting tired Of Alanis Morrisette and Jewel. Morrisette changes the words and the tunes, but so much of the subject matter seems to be a rehash of her last song--and I'm really kinda bored with Jewel's breathlessness. Maybe I'm wrong?

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Arkie
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 11:08 PM

Do any of jewel's and morrisette's offerings have tunes? Maybe I haven't listened enough.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Ronn
Date: 21 Mar 99 - 11:55 PM

Cat Stevens. Rod McKuen. John Tesh. Yanni. Tracy Chapman. Most of the current "swing" bands. Every recording ever made of "Fire and Rain", "So Far Away", "You've Got A Friend", "Helpless", "Old Man", "Dust In The Wind", almost all Christmas novelty songs, especially "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer", "Heart Of Gold", any song that uses "4" instead of "for" or "U" instead of "you".

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: alison
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 12:23 AM

Hi,

so that's where the hamster tune came from.. I knew I had heard it before.. must get the kids to watch Robin Hood tonight.

put my vote in for Foster and Allen, and the Furey's.... and Daniel O'Donnell.....

Slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Bob Jovi
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 12:45 AM

Has to be Neil Young, all the more embarrasing to me considering the number of his tunes that were once a staple of my rep. Hard to say which is more annoying, his singing or his guitar playing.

But James Taylor?? This is the guy that Miles Davis says "he sings like a blind man". Granted, he's been recycling for years, but at least he had his moments. Why not go after someone like Jewel? Does she really think that she is a folkie, or has talent?

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: McMusic
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 03:14 AM

Would like to add to my previous list--any and all versions of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling", "Mother Macree" and "MacNamara's Band".

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 05:08 AM

Oi, just leave Van Morrisson out of it. The man is an intermittent genius.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 05:16 AM

Oh my what a wonderful thread!

The Beatles (total shit) John Lennon (utter shit) Paul McCartney (Pathetic shit) Ringo Starr (forgettable shit) The Stones stopped doing anything decent from about 1969 until the present day. Tom Waits only ever made two really good albums Heart of Saturday Night and the other one the name I forget at the moment...after that he went pseudo Captain Beefheart(who is crap shit anyway) Anything by Bon Jovi.

my God! I could be here forever...

The stone Roses (pretentious shit) Fairport (after Sandy Denny) Pink Floyd (after Sid Barret)

I have to stop

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: The Shambles
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 08:26 AM

Sam said. I think that some of the best performers are those who tend not to be taken seriously when in fact they have probably inputted more ideas then the performers who just keep floating on a happy medium with their audience, making no attempt to challenge their ears.

Well said indeed. I think a good example of this is Robin Williamson, ex Incredible String Band. Since the demise of the group, who I used to see fill venues like The Royal Festival and the Royal Albert Halls, I have seen him solo, performing in some rather smaller and less well attended places. This is due to no lessening of his talent, more to the fact that he always had the courage to attempt new things and in truth they didn't and still don't always come off. To his eternal credit he continues to try new things and not take the easy option..

The band were always viewed a little suspiciously by the 'folk' establishment and never found great acceptance there, except significantly by other performers. We do seem to have a tendency like our music to be safe and familiar, don't we?

This seems very strange in his case as now he clearly represents the modern day equivalent of the travelling harper, storyteller, minstrel, and troubadour. At a time when we seem to look back and value this stereotype so much, it seems strange to me that we do not recognise this great original talent and continue to over praise less adventurous individuals.

On another point, I feel sadly that if Robin Williamson, like poor Nick Drake had died young and we could neatly parcel him up and label him, he would have reached god-like status now. As it is, he and others continue to produce more wonderful and challenging music than Nick Drake, Tim Buckley and others ever produced in their short, but seemingly more valued careers. It appears that by continuing to try new things, they make it difficult for us to appreciate their true worth in their lifetimes. In this respect, It would seem that "the young die good".

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 08:33 AM

Shambles...this is true, I saw Robin at one of my last folk gigs in Northampton(UK) about 7 years ago when he was (I think) just starting on his storytelling, troubadour schtick. He was brilliant..I had only ever heard his Glint in The Kindling album and never did get around to listening to the ISB when I was at home.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From:
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 10:51 AM

ANY irish band -can't wait for this fad in BAD music to be over!

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 11:32 AM

I see you remained anonymous obviously don't have the courage of your convictions.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: marlor
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 11:35 AM

Hi Margarita: No, you're not alone. I' not nuts about Rock 'n Roll either. I prefer a good ballad with, as you say, words one can understand. could someone tell me what was so great about Ernest tubb? Flame if you must, but I dont' like the guy.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: marlor
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 11:42 AM

Hi tim" Maybe you can file this under the "you-know-you're-getting-when" file. I dont' care for aht kind of"music." It's a good example of a colossal wasteot tape.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: marlor
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 11:47 AM

Have to disagree here. I like Van Morrisson. "Moondance" is a particular fave. To each their own.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Dr John
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 01:28 PM

Well said AlistairUK! From what I've read I guess it's hype, overexposure or overadulation that turns us off rather than the artist themselves.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 02:07 PM

Some interesting comments here. The Beatles? Van Morrison? And those Neil Young comments, here in Canada slurring Neil is one of the few things that can get you poked in the nose.

It's a little off track, but in the late seventies I was given a copy of the biggest waste of vinyl ever. Lou Reed must have owed an album to his record company when he released "Metal Machine Music". This classic was a double LP with the fourth side blank. Sides 1-3 were identical in length, only because they were identical in content. Each side was approximately 18 1/2 minutes of feedback with someone (a really wasted Lou?) slowly turning knobs to change the tone and pitch. The album cover listed all equipment that was on the record. There was not one insrument listed, only a collection of mixers, amps etc.

Regardless of your musical taste, I believe in credit where credit is due. I can't imagine anything being a bigger waste of vinyl, Spice Girls included.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 02:17 PM

anything done by John Cage, Hindemith, et alia of the avant garde, so-called serious music genre!

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Bob Jovi
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 02:29 PM

I remember Metal Machine Music, in fact I enjoyed it, as far as ambient sound goes. I believe that there were four sides to the album, each with the running time printed on the label. The fourth side had ethe symbol for infinity, and the final track was "locked". That is the final groove was recorded to be endlessly repeated. I considered it a signifigant loss when a friend used it for a lampshade.

About the same time, Johnny Winter released a pretty good album (with an excelent cover of Highway 61) that was recorded on three sides only. I believe the title was "Second Winter".

I'm wondering, James Taylor, Beatles, Van Morrison. Not folk or blues, but by most peoples estimations, not trash either. Are mudcatters truly this far removed from the mainstream, or is it a need to shock? Does anyone despise the Smithsonian field recordings or anything from Folkway Records?

And AlistairUK, I was shocked to hear you mention my brother.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 03:30 PM

I actually bought Metal Machine music on reissue *duh* didn't he just set up the feedback loop, walk out and lock the studio and go for a beer?

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Pete M
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 03:47 PM

In addition to most of the above, Clannad and bloody whatsername Enya. Oh hell go for broke, anything marketed as "celtic".

Pete M

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Dr John
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 04:08 PM

This thread is the best laugh I've had all day. The S/F field recordings! Some may not be musically that great in the strictest sense but they are all of interest in one way or another. But at least they are honest and there is no hype. What's wrong with being outside the mainstream anyway. I think Bob Dylan is pretty grim too but then I'm an ardent Guthrie fan.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 04:13 PM

Bob, you must have had access to a very good pharmacist if you enjoyed Metal Machine Music. I'd love to see the lampshade. I seem to recall the loop feature.

I also owned (and enjoyed) Second Winter. Does this make us the only people to own the entire three sided album collection? I often though that The Beatles White Album should have been three sided as I felt that there was enough good material for three sides and they could have done away with Reveolution #9 etc. I'm sorry, did you enjoy that as ambient sound too?

I am surprised at the number of people taking broad shots at The Beatles, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Neil Young etc. I liked a lot of material from all of them. To dismiss it all is mistake.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 04:39 PM

well the Beatles were really taking the piss with Obladi Obladah on that album. Mind you anything by them is bloody tedious anyway. plus Martin Carthy really gets on my tits sometimes.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 04:43 PM

Nobody better take MY Beatles away! Their music defines a whole era for me. My first "boyfriend" in 7th grade gave me a 45 of "I wanna hold your hand", which at the time I hated. We broke up really fast! Still have the 45 though.

I love their later stuff, esp. Rocky Raccoon, Blackbird, etc.

I have a girlfriend I hesitate to visit much at her house because she is always blasting Van Morrison at full volume!

How 'bout the Chipmunks, guys!? Hate 'em or love 'em?! Hehehe

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From:
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 04:50 PM

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 04:50 PM

Hey me and a bottle of helium, i do the chipmunks at parties.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 04:56 PM

Katlaughing

The Chipmunks couldn't hold a candle to the Archies, the Banana Splits are the most underated band of the era.

Seriously, why has Tiny Tim been missed in this thread?

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 05:09 PM

Nah the Bubbaloos they were cool...as was Hr Puffinstuff.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 05:44 PM

What about Rockin' Freddie Flintsone doing "Listen to the Mockingbird?" A classic. And what was the name of the band on Get Smart who did Thrill, Thrill, Thrill, Kill, Kill, Kill? The Electric Cows or something. Were they an influence on Black Sabbath and Marilyn Manson?

Alistair, I think we're starting to take this thread down the wrong road.

steve

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 22 Mar 99 - 05:48 PM

Oh No we're not

Spider man Spider Man

Does whatever a spider can.

Spins a web any size

Catches thieves just like flies

Look out here comes the Spider man

In the still of night

At the scene of a crime

Like a streak Of light he arrives just in time

Spider man Spider man

friendly neighbourhood Spider Man

Is he strong?

Listen Bud,

He's got radioactive blood

Look out there goes the Spider Maaaaaan.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Ronn
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 12:17 AM

In the giving credit where it's due dept: I have disliked James Taylor intensly ever since hearing "Carolina On My Mind" the very first time. But his version of "It's Only A Paper Moon" from the soundtrack of "A League Of Their Own", and "Second Star To The Right" from the "Stay Awake" collection are bith quite good.

And say what you will about Tiny Tim's recorded legacy, I have never met anyone with a greater knowledge of American Popular Song from 1890-1920.

I still cant find anything positive to say about Neil Young's music though.

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: Bob Jovi
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 12:24 AM

Hey katlaughing, Whats the deal on dissing John Cage, or worse yet, lumping him in with Hindimith. Next you'll be dumping on Ruth Crawford-Seegar, and pissing off her children (you know who).

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From:
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 01:00 AM

I'd rather listen to the spice girls on the wrong speed AND the Chipmunks than any Celtic Crap---actually any music on a tv comercial is better -- oh hell the white noise after the staion has gone off the air is better than any Celtic band/song recorded!

Subject: RE: Biggest waste of Vinyl, Tape or CDs
From: AlistairUK
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 05:25 AM

See you did it again. If you are not willing to put a name to yourself then your comments hold no weight. And it just goes to show sort of person you are if you would rather listen to the spice girls. I think you are still throwing the baby out with the bathwater here.Plus celtic band would mean 99 persent of the best ones that existed ( Bothy Band, Planxty, Moving Hearts etc.)