Eternally Wild With The Power

Michael Kelland John Hutchence January 22, 1960 - November 22, 1997

Many of us grew up listening to INXS. The songs are our youth. My first INXS memory came with listening to the cassette of The Swing. For about six months, I thought it was Dancing on Jelly. So I was like ten and we didn't have jetty's in western Pennsylvania. The sounds were new, fluid, and KICK is a soundtrack of many wonderful memories. When we hear those strings from Never Tear Us Apart, we are reminded of those nervous moments at school dances. Devil Inside was the song that meant fun was going to be had. And New Sensation was an anthem of experimentation. Moving along, X was the more mature anthem. Come on, who didn't get overwhelmed at By Your Side or relate to the symbolism in The Stairs.  

While we all love Kirk, Gary, Andrew, Jon, and Tim, it was Michael that lead the band with his charismatic persona, golden good looks, and sultry soft yet powerful voice. He was vulnerable and powerful. Our Michael was an enigma wrapped up in a devilish grin and tight pants. However, with our love and fandom of him also came our sadness for the troubles and trials we had to endure. His music made him a video star. And media killed our video star. Tabloid fodder brought down our shining star.

Each passing year, we reminisce and pay homage to Michael Kelland John Hutchence. In our memories he will always be the young, warm, energetic, soft spoken heart throb lead singer.In our hearts, he will always be our youth.

In Michael's words ... Love and Peace.

The nature of your tragedy
Is chained around your neck
Do you lead or are you lead
Are you sure that you don't care
There are reasons here to give your life
And follow in your way
The passion lives to keep your faith
Though all are different, all are great
Climbing as we fall
We dare to hold on to our fate
And steal away our destiny
To catch ourselves
With quiet grace

 PMCarlson 2000 Sydney

Eternal Life - The Annual NYC Tribute to Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley’s spirit was definitely hovering around Arlene’s Grocery for his Annual Tribute concert but together by Robert Urban. Each year I am both astonished and selfish about the growth of Jeff’s fan base. On the verge of  what would have been Jeff’s 49^th birthday, I met a 22 year old drummer from the UK who discovered Jeff only four years ago. He, like most of us, quickly fell in love with Jeff.

There were new faces that sang the songs Jeff wrote as well as songs both by musicians who inspired him and musicians he inspired. The early highlights include Adam Cohen, Edwin Blas with Cesar Presa, and Matt DeBenedetti of Toy Cars. From Hallelujah to Radiohead’s High and Dry, the night kicked off with some great music fit for Jeff.

Now if people weren’t already moved when French musician Michael DeFleur hit the stage after being in New York City while his country was tragically attacked last week, he finished with a song that a handful understood. Jeff Buckley’s Eternal Life on the Live at Sin-é opened with the following monologue:  

This is a song about, it's an angry song. Life is too short and too complicated for people behind desks and people behind masks to be ruining other people’s lives, initiating force against other people’s lives on the basis of their income, their color, their class, their religious beliefs, their whatever.

But Michael did not recite that … he only sang the following before leaving the stage and it was a statement so raw that it was hauntingly beautifully framed because it was Jeff’s words:

There's no time for hatred, only questions
Where is love, where is happiness, what is Life,
where is peace?

And what’s a Jeff Buckley Tribute without a cabaret? Honestly, one of the most beautiful moments was Tracey Stark, Kathleen Stuart, Gretchen Reinhagen and Beau Howard singing a beautiful and soul filled rendition of Hallelujah. It’s moments like those that make the annual tribute so special. And more moments were promised as Robert Urban joined the Jenny’s and Mike Linkens almost the most Buckley-esque performance of the evening … almost.

Gary Lucas, guitar master, a mentee of Captain Beefheart, song writer, and co-writer with Jeff himself...broke a guitar string when he started to play Mojo Pin with Tara Lynne. 

 But meanwhile as the guitar was re-strung, Mike Linkens joined Gary after a masterful acoustic solo. It was as if Jeff walked onto the stage and we were taken back to the days of Gods and Monsters. A snapshot in time given to us as gift to the Buckley faithful. See you all again for Jeff's 50th birthday next year.

Eternal Life is now on my trail
Got my red glitter coffin, man, just need one last nail
While all these ugly gentlemen play out their foolish games
there's a flaming red horizon that screams our names
And as your fantasies are broken in two
Did you really think this bloody road
would pave the way for you?
You better turn around
and blow your kiss hello to life eternal, angel
Racist every man, what have you done?
Man, you've made a killer of your unborn son...
Crown my fear your king at the point of a gun
All I want to do is love everyone...
And as your fantasies are broken in two
did you really think this bloody road
would pave the way for you?
You better turn around
and blow your kiss hello to life eternal
Oh...
There's no time for hatred, only questions
Where is love, where is happiness, what is Life,
where is peace?
When will I find the strength to bring me release?
And tell me where is the love in what your prophet has said?
Man, It sounds to me just like a prison for the walking dead
And I've got a message for you and your twisted hell
You better turn around and blow your kiss goodbye
to life eternal angel...
Angel...

 

"They want to shut us up. They want to silence us. And we won’t let them"

U2 at memorial outside of Paris  venue Bataclan

 

These are our people,  said Bono. This could be me at a show, you at a show…It’s a very recognizable situation.

 

 

Friday's attack in the City of Love hit the heart and soul of many music fans. People out enjoying a carefree Friday night out in Paris became the target of anger and hate. The goal is to make us live in fear. Targeted because it was a mass gathering, or because it was a venue recently sold by its Jewish owners, or just a random, nonsensical act of barbarity, there are more questions than answers. Families, lovers, friends, lost on a night where others dined, and watched a football match, all completely unaware that they would not see another Paris sunrise.

 

What lessons can be learned? Love. Strength. No Fear. Acknowledgement that the hate will not simply vanish because we want it to. It is our love, determination, and our unwavering spirit of freedom that cannot be silenced. All we can do is continue to moving forward. We cannot cower and hide. We must live our lives,  for when we stop enjoying it is then that hate truly will win.

 

 

 

 

 



 

I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss, and, in their struggles to be truly free, in their triumphs and defeats, through long years to come, I see the evil of this time and of the previous time of which this is the natural birth, gradually making expiation for itself and wearing out...
Charles Dickens  A Tale of Two Cities

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats: Something Old Something New

Rateliff, who looks like a cross between a barista and a backwoods preacher, has greeted his success with a mix of excitement and trepidation." ... "It's a lot easier if the crowd is on its feet and clapping and putting their phones away. Rolling Stone

Missouri born and self-taught musician Nathaniel Rateliff and his hard hitting band, The Nightsweats are the "it band" and for good reason. Their sound is a mix of rock nostalgia with whiffs of The Band, Otis Redding, Van Morrison,  and even the Big Bopper with a nice blend of The Wall of Sound. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats are refreshing in our world of TV talent shows. While Rateliff had several songs prior to the Nightsweats breakout album, it was his musical inspirations that seem to knock him on the head and say "hey, we can do this!"

The thirteen song, thirty-eight minute album is full of songs you think you've heard before. They're familiar but new at the same time. Their hit song, SOB woke everyone up. A song about giving up and then giving into the drink is driving and almost a church revival. Howling at Nothing is a good swing song with soul. And Thank You, well just says it all. The songs are simple but so full of harmony, thought, and musical history. 

Live, you cannot go wrong with seeing Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats live. Nathaniel got his wish. At The Bowery Ballroom on November 4th, every single person in the crowd was singing, dancing, and stomping. Their performance is powerful but not overpowering. Each band member exudes their own gifted talent that blends into one musical gift. 

We can only hope that we get more from Nathaniel and the Nightsweats. We need to be refreshed and reminded why we love music so much.

Nathaniel Ratefliff and the Nightsweats:  Joseph Pope III, Mark Shusterman, Patrick Meese, Luke Mossman, Wesley Watkins, and Andy Wild

PMCarlson 2015

What You Need: INXS Listen Like Thieves at 30

October 14, 1985 was the release date of INXS's fifth album, Listen Like Thieves. It was the final album of their worldwide obscurity. While in Australia, they were already sensational superstars, songs like What You Need would finally begin to trickle over to the US. Let's take a look at what made Thieves a classic.

What You Need
This song was made famous in the US because of its groundbreaking and award winning video. The rotoscope animation technique gave What You Need a new wave feel and added the pop animation that 80's music fans were feeling entitled to. Kirk Pengilly's sax riff and Michael Hutchence's sultry voice was a glimpse at what the future INXS would give us.

Listen Like Thieves
Sadly, not many know this gorgeous cinematic video, Mad Maxian video. And strangely enough, the apocalyptic montage fits the song well. Again, the future and static INXS sound is solidified in this song.

You are all you need
So don't hesitate
There's no time to waste
You just do it for yourself

Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)
The video for this song should be an Australian travel commercial. The red sand desert, the blazing sun, and the gigantic fire the backlights the band are the perfect backdrop for the Australian proud band. It's a song about love, getting hurt, and doing it all over again.

 

Shine Like it Does
If there is one thing about INXS lyrics, it is that they are very simple, but hard hitting and true. Shine Like It Does is no exception. Made up of not even twenty lines, its message is simple: do your best.

Good Times + Bad Times
This one is more reminiscent of the bands previous album, The Swing. While not a huge hit, it was resurrected with Australian singer, Jimmy Barnes.


Biting Bullets
Another hidden gem in the lyric library of INXS. This song is full of symbolism and metaphors set to a toe tapping 80's rhythm.

I loose myself like anybody else
But I'm not so strong to make it in the end
I need some answers when
The day comes crashing down
But it's all over when there's
No one to be found



 

This Time
Lots of love songs on this album. A song about love, loss, and finding each other again.

We are hoping - yes we are praying

This time will be the last time

That we will fight like this

 

Same Direction
Love, love, love. This love song has the beat of a march off to the war of love.

One + One
Lots of saxophone and more love, and promises to be there through the night, if you know what I mean. Michael's troubadour is definitely in full swing in this song.

Red Sun
A fitting final song of the album. It's an amalgam of the old and the new and a perfect segue into KICK.

 

 

I Had The Time Of My Life

 

 
We all have that one soundtrack that we can listen to over and over. The movie might be so so but the music is what makes the film -- and the television show. Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, was the first commercially released soundtrack. And soundtracks can be both made from your favorite songs, or from arranged scores.
 
Let's take a look at some of our favorite movie and television soundtracks. There are so many not mentioned - maybe it will be a sequel posting.

Pulp Fiction
This song gave us some memorable and unforgettable music and movie moments. Face it, anytime you hear Chuck Berry's You Can Never Tell, you start to twist and you do the eye thing. Neil Diamond's Girl You'll be a Woman Soon is made eerily modern by Urge Overkill, old time hits by Rickie Nelson, The Statler Brothers, and Dusty Springfield fit this timeless hit as accurately as Vincent stabs the syringe into Mia's chest.


Top Gun
1986's hit  had some wonderful music moments - and some songs didn't make the first cut of the soundtrack. Subsequent releases included songs such as Great Balls of Fire and the classic, You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling.
 
 

Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins

Mighty Wings by Cheap Trick
Playing with the Boys by Kenny Loggins
Lead Me On by Teena Marie
Take My Breath Away by Berlin
Hot Summer Nights by Miami Sound Machine
Heaven in Your Eyes by Loverboy
Through the Fire by Larry Greene
Destination Unknown by Marietta
Top Gun Anthem by Harold Faltermeyer & Steve Stevens
 

Dirty Dancing 

(I've Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes 
Be My Baby by The Ronettes
She's Like the Wind by Patrick Swayze 
Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen
Stay by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs
Yes by Merry Clayton
You Don't Own Me by Blow Monkeys
Hey! Baby by Bruce Channel
Overload by Alfie Zappacosta
Love Is Strange by Mickey & Sylvia
Where Are You Tonight? by Tom Johnston
In the Still of the Night by The Five Satins
 
Singles
THIS film is my generation. If you weren't already into grunge, by the time this film came out, you were. Mudhoney, Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains

Would? by Alice in Chains

Breath by Pearl Jam  
Seasons by Chris Cornell
Dyslexic Heart by Paul Westerberg
The Battle of Evermore  (live Led Zeppelin cover) by The Lovemongers
Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns  by  Mother Love Bone
Birth Ritual by Soundgarden
State of Love and Trust by Pearl Jam
Overblown by   Mudhoney  
Waiting for Somebody by  Paul Westerberg  
May This Be Love by  The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Nearly Lost You by  Screaming Trees  
Drown  by The Smashing Pumpkins


Goodfellas
This soundtrack is only a glimpse of all of the songs used in the movie. It is a treasure trove of musical gifts and surprises. Forty seven songs can be heard throughout the film as they relate to the action and directly to the characters.

Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett
Sincerely by The Moonglows
Speedoo by The Cadillacs
Stardust by Billy Ward and His Dominoes
Look in My Eyes by The Chantels
Life Is but a Dream by The Harptones
Remember (Walking in the Sand) by The Shangri-Las
Baby, I Love You by Aretha Franklin
Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin
Sunshine of Your Love by Cream
Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters
Layla (Piano Exit) by Derek and the Dominos

Cocktail
The 1988 film had the starpower but it also had the musical power and produced many hits of the day.

Wild Again by Starship
Powerful Stuff by The Fabulour Thunderbirds
Since When by Robbie Nevil
Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
Hippy Hippy Shake by The Georgie Satellites
Kokomo by The Beach Boys
Rave On by John Cougar Mellencamp
All Shook Up by Ry Cooder
Oh, I Love You So by Preston Smith
Tutti Frutti by Little Richard


Trainspotting
The songs are gritty and grinding just like this classic Scottish film. It put Iggy Pop back on the charts

Lust for Life by Iggy Pop
Carmen Suite No.2 by Georges Bizet
Deep Blue Day by Brian Eno
Trainspotting by Primal Scream
Temptation by Heaven 17
Atomic by  Sleeper
Temptation by New Order
Nightclubbing by Iggy Pop
Sing by Blur
Perfect Day by Lou Reed
Dark and Long (Dark Train) by Underworld
Think About the Way by Ice MC
Mile End by Pulp
For What You Dream Of by (Full-on Renaissance Mix) by Bedrock featuring KYO
2:1 by Elastica
Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen by Gabor Lehotka
A Final Hit by Leftfield
Statuesque by Sleeper
Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld
Closet Romantic by Damon Albarn



American Graffiti
The 1973 soundtrack gave us over 40 songs of our beloved youth. These were songs from times of innocence and exploration of the post WWII generation. This film and its music is a time capsule of the era.

 

 

 

Saturday Night Fever

The 1977 film made us want to dance the night away, eat our pizza the Brooklyn way, and strut down the street like John Travolta. With Bee Gee's hits like Stayin' Alive, Jive Talkin', You Should be Dancing, and Night Fever, this soundtrack is the 1970's disco era.



The Departed
This 2006 remake of a Japanese crime drama brought Boston Southie gangs back to the big screen with a soundtrack that contains classic songs by The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys.

Comfortably Numb by Roger Waters / Van Morrison and The Band
Sail On Sailor by The Beach Boys
Let It Loose by The Rolling Stones
Sweet Dreams by Roy Buchanan
One Way Out by The Allman Brothers
Baby Blue by Bad Finger
I'm Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphy's
Nobody But Me by The Human Beinz
Tweedle Dee by LaVern Baker
Sweet Dreams (of you) by Patsy Cline
The Departed Tango
Beacon Hill
 

 

The Big Chill

 
I Heard it Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
My Girl by The Temptations
Good Lovin'  by The Young Rascals
The Tracks of My Tears by The Miracles
Joy to the World by Three Dog Night
Ain't Too Proud to Beg The Tempation
Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
I Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum
                                      Tell Him by The Exciters
 
Rocky IV
It might not by the best Rocky but this soundtrack has inspired more stair climbs and fist-pumping than any other.

 
 
Burning Heart by Survivor
Heart's on Fire by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
Double or Nothing by Kenny Loggins & Gladys Knight
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
War by Vince DiCola
Living in America by James Brown
No Easy Way Out by Robert Tepper
One Way Street by Go West
The Sweetest Victory by Touch
Training Montage by Vince DiCola
 
 
Blues Brothers
 

 

She Caught the Katy

Peter Gunn Theme

Gimme Some Lovin'

Shake a Tail Feather

Everybody Needs Somebody to Love 

The Old Landmark

Think (Teddy White, Aretha Franklin)

Theme from Rawhide

Minnie the Moocher

Sweet Home Chicago

Jailhouse Rock

Pump Up the Volume
This 1990 movie starring Christian Slater introduced my to Leonard Cohen and Concrete Blonde.

Everybody Knows (Leonard Cohen) by Concrete Blonde
Why Can't I Fall in Love? by Ivan Neville
Stand (Sly and the Family Stone) by Liquid Jesus
Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf) by Pixies
I've Got a Miniature Secret Camera by Peter Murphy
Kick Out the Jams (MC5) by Bad Brains with Henry Rollins
Freedom of Speech by Above the Law
Heretic by Soundgarden
Titanium Exposé by Sonic Youth
Me and the Devil Blues (Robert Johnson) by Cowboy Junkies
Tale O' The Twister by Chagall Guevara

 

Until the End of the World
Most of you have never heard of this 1991 film. It's artsy, it's in two parts, and it's by Wim Wenders.
 
Opening Title by Graeme Revell
Sax And Violins byTalking Heads
Summer Kisses, Winter Tears by Julee Cruise
Move with Me (Dub) by Neneh Cherry
The Adversary by Crime & the City Solution
What's Good by Lou Reed
Last Night Sleep by Can
Fretless by  R.E.M.
Days by Elvis Costello
Claire's Theme by Graeme Revell
(I'll Love You) Till The End Of The World by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
It Takes Time by Patti Smith (With Fred Smith)
Death's Door by Depeche Mode
Love Theme by Graeme Revell
Calling All Angels  by Jane Siberry with k.d. lang
Humans from Earth by T-Bone Burnett
Sleeping in the Devil's Bed by Daniel Lanois
Until the End of the World by U2
Finale by Graeme Revell


Purple Rain

I am guessing I was not supposed to be listening to the Purple Rain soundtrack. Looking back, I shouldn't have been listening to the Purple Rain Soundtrack. It's stood the test of time and almost all songs (that are playable on the radio) are still Prince and the Revolution Classics.

Let's Go Crazy by Prince and the Revolution

Jungle Love by The Time

Take Me with U by Prince and the Revolution featuring Apollonia

Modernaire  by  Dez Dickerson and the Modernaires

The Beautiful Ones by Prince and the Revolution

When Doves Cry by Prince

Computer Blue by Prince and the Revolution

Darling Nikki by Prince and the Revolution

Sex Shooter by Apollonia 6

The Bird by The Time

Purple Rain by Prince and the Revolution

I Would Die 4 U by Prince and the Revolution

Baby I'm a Star by Prince and the Revolution

HELP!

This is a classic from 1965 and a fun film. Each song is it's own video, whether it's solemn John, a beach scene with Paul playing a girl guitar, or having fun on a ski slope while being chased by thugs.






Help!
You're Going to Lose That Girl
You've Got to Hide Your Love Away
Ticket to Ride
I Need You
The Night Before
Another Girl
She's a Woman
A Hard Day's Night
I'm Happy Just to Dance with You
You Can't Do That 



Miami Vice

 
For five seasons in the 1980's Crocket and Tubbs always got into mischief while saving Miami from prostitutes and drug lords. They also introduced us each week to some of the hottest songs on the radio. In the September 16th edition of Time Magazine, in a article called Cool Cops, Hot Show, it was stated that upwards of $10,000 was set aside to get popular songs into the show. U2, Sheena Easton, Phil Collins, El Debarge, Bryan Adams, and numerous other superstars were rocketed to instant stardom when their songs were heard on the show.
 
Original Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer
Smuggler's Blues by Glenn Frey
Own the Night by Chaka Khan
You Belong to the City by Glenn Frey
In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Miami Vice Instrumental by Jan Hammer
Vice by Melle Mel
You Better Be Good To Me by Tina Turner
Flashback by Jan Hammer
Chase by Jan Hammer
Evan  by Jan Hammer
 
 

 
Northern Exposure
This is one of my favorite shows. It was known for its quirks and for me the music. While the DVD didn't deliver the music, the show will always have those wonderful music moments in my memory. Come one, a funeral fling for a former biker to Procol Harum's Whiter Shade of Pale?


Theme from Northern Exposure   by David Schwartz (Pilot, Kodiak)

Jolie Louise   by Daniel Lanois (Pilot, The Body in Question, Old Tree)

Hip Hug Her   by Booker T. and the MG's (Animals R Us; My Mother, My Sister)

At Last   by Etta James [Slow Dance]

Everybody Be Yoself   by Chic Street Man (Spring Break)

Alaskan Nights   by David Schwartz (It Happened in Juneau, Our Tribe)

Don Quichotte   by Magazine 60 (Jules et Joel)

When I Grow Too Old to Dream   by Nat 'King' Cole and His Trio (The Big Kiss)

Emabhaceni   by Miriam Makeba (Roots)

Gimme Three Steps   by Lynyrd Skynyrd (My Mother, My Sister)

Bailero  from Chants d'Auvergne  by F. VonStade, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra