I Won’t Hide It

I don’t know about you, but when I listen to Cheap Trick’s If You Want My Love I hear The Beatles.

Got Live If You Want It

As the introduction to Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Live Albums of All Time says, it’s impossible to capture the frenzy (and I would add joy) of a great live show on record.  But as the list shows, there have been some awesome live recordings.

Confession:  in general, I have always preferred studio albums, because the sound quality is better, there’s less self-indulgence from the band, and the mistakes land on the cutting room floor.  But I still enjoy a good performance, and I love going to concerts.

The list has something to satisfy just about every musical taste, and it includes some career-establishing performances.  But for me, its main virtue is that it serves as a healthy reminder that music is meant to be enjoyed live.

Almost Fab

Speaking of songs that shoulda been recorded by The Beatles, there have been quite a few down through the years that engendered a “that’s a Beatles tune” reaction.  For me, anyway.

Sometimes it’s the melody, sometimes the chords, or the overall feel, or the sound of the singer’s voice.  It can vary.  It happened a lot in 70-71 when I was, like many (most?) people, still ticked about their breakup.

Examples include:

Cheap Trick’s If You Want My Love You Got It

Argent’s Hold Your Head Up

Gerry Rafferty’s Baker Street, and his Steeler’s Wheel’s Stuck In The Middle With You

America’s Goldenhair – guess that was the George Martin production?

Yes’s Love Will Find A Way

Pretty much everything by Badfinger

Then of course, you had the solo work by the four fabs.  On the stronger songs, you couldn’t help but wish for a better backup band.  Well, I couldn’t anyway.

Blitzkrieg Pop

Funny how I do a piece on Power Pop (not liking it so much) and then Gibson goes and puts out a 10 Greatest-Ever Power Pop Bands list.

According to Gibson, Pete Townshend coined the term (I didn't know that; thanks, Gibson), and the definition is "infectious melodies, airtight arrangements, soaring vocal harmonies and unforgettable guitar riffs." Similar to Wikipedia's, so I'm outvoted here, 'cause I still think of Power Pop as soppy ballads with furry guitar.

At least that's what I remember the DJ's spinning those lame Foreigner, Journey, REO Speedwagon and Styx tunes calling it.

Anyway, I'm happier with Gibson's definition, 'cause it yields a great list, which is:
1. Cheap Trick - yes!
2. The Who - OK, Pete coined the term, and the band kinda defies pigeon-holing, but I still dunno.
3. Big Star
4. Teenage Fanclub
5. The Raspberries
6. Slade
7. Fountains Of Wayne
8. The Posies
9. Badfinger - awesome! Very under-rated band
10. The Sweet - cool! OK, sweet!

Not sure if I would add anyone else. Maybe ELO? Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks's, not Peter Green's)? Anyway, it's all just only rock and roll - and I like it.