Skip to main content

The Lemonheads - Hannah And Gabi

Just got back from an evening walk. It's 29º and the sidewalks have been half plowed and salted lazily. One wrong step and you're done for. Tomorrow's the winter solstice. It's one of those Lemonheads kind of nights. Evan Dando's indolent, frayed voice has a way of connecting with the fatigue of a Wednesday evening in mid-December. This tune, Hannah And Gabi, from the Lemonheads '92 breakthrough, It's A Shame About Ray is one of my favorite deep cuts. The opening lyrics meander effortlessly:

 Got me watching your eyes watching things go by outside
Out the window of a train
Easy sipping them just seeing it fly left to right
Pour the milk and I'll say when

 Apparently, Dando was hoping for Sneaky Pete Kleinow from the Flying Burrito Brothers to lay down the lap steel part. Gram Parsons' influence has always orbited Dando's work. However, the record company could only arrange for Jeff Skunk Baxter from the Doobie Brothers to do a session. For me, it's one of the defining parts of the tune. When that lap steel enters with the drums it gives me butterflies.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Tracks

The Alarm - Marching On (Live)

Never underestimate the power of corporeal politics. Today, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of American cities demanding political action on gun control. In downtown Portland, ME thousands streamed down Congress St. and gathered at City Hall. I was there. It was powerful. When you are united with others in your community, marching, there is an energy -- a sense of unstoppable momentum. It is also reassuring. We are not alone in standing up to the insanity. We are one. I am inspired by the Americans (especially the women and young people) who have once again discovered the power of peaceful, non-violent protest. If we continue to march in these numbers, politicians will hear us. The continuing volume of our chants and rhythm of our marching feet, knocking at their door, will remind them to legislate on behalf of us -- the people. All of the money in the world can't pay back the moral deficit and heal the wounded conscience of NRA-backed legislators...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jules & the Polar Bears - Good Reason

Jules & The Polar Bears is one of those bands that you want to like, but continue to remain on the fence about even after a decade of failed listens. Recently, I've been sampling bands from the late 70s and early 80s who released fake new wave albums -- major label acts who played middle of the road rock, but disguised it in skinny ties, brightly colored sweaters and catchy, Cars-y keyboard riffs. Jules & The Polar Bears are a good example. Their first record, 1978's Got No Breeding, was compared to Dylan, The Kinks and Springsteen. Personally, I hear a quirky Jackson Browne in the songwriting. Everything sounds bearded and mid-tempo, except Jules Shear, the singer. He gives the band a distinct sound with his "singing at the top of my range" yelp. But even with Shears' interesting squelch, the songs never break out of 70s rock conformity. The guitarist's resemblance to a member of Orleans or Doobie Brothers is telling. Enter 1979's "Fenêt...
Post a Comment
Read more