So Drunk In the August Sun and You're The Kind of Girl I Like

'Sup peoples. Another scorching, sticky hot day here in B-lo. No rain as promised. What does the area need? How about a breeze? The next in the series...

IDEOLOGICAL CUDDLE BREEZY SUMMER MIX 2010
1. Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - "Mondo Bongo" - What could be better than one of music history's most enduring voices backed by gentle acoustic guitars, fiddle, and percussion in a bossa nova vibe. I truly feel that The Mescaleros albums that Strummer made didn't get nearly enough attention. The records celebrate a global sound, blending Caribbean sounds, Aboriginal rhythms, Indian ragas, and street music, all baked together with the crust of Strummer's punk roots. Each of the albums is recommended, but, for the summer vibe, Global A Go-Go is the way to go.
2. Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin - "Naima" - OK, I'm sure many of you out there had no idea that this album existed. Here's the back story - Santana and McLaughlin, two of history's greatest guitarists, and devotees of Sri Chinmoy and his teachings decide to make an album together called Love Devotion Surrender. They decide to lean more toward McLaughlin's jazz roots, but celebrate Santana's furious rock sound as well. The songs are a combination of Coltrane covers ("A Love Supreme" must not be missed; the above song we'll discuss more in a bit), devotional songs, and originals. Upon its initial release, the album pleased critics, but alienated Santana's fans, being too "jazzy" for many. Further inspection over the years has revealed the album to be a genius amalgam of Santana's love of Miles Davis fusion while adding his own touches. While most of the album is loud and electric, "Naima" is quiet, sedate, and an acoustic guitar duet. It is positively beautiful.
3. Gary Louris - "Angelyne (Live, Solo, Acoustic)" - The original version of this song appeared on The Jayhawk's near-perfect 2003 album Rainy Day Music. Louris and his buddies in the oft-imitated, never-duplicated Alt-Country kings came strolling out of the Minneapolis region in the late 80s and put out a string of beautiful albums that touch on country rock, Byrdsian folk, and straight country, presented with Louris and Mark Olson's beautiful harmonies. This track, taken from a solo acoustic performance earlier this year, is a beautiful performance of a true classic. It includes a gorgeous harmonica part and the entire show is worth hunting down from Cuddle favorite, nyctaper.
4. Imperial Teen - "Ivanka" - A perfect example of indie power pop and another great band from the Merge stable, Imperial Teen struck gold with this track from 2002's On. It is the album's lead track and starts with a classic "1, 2, 3, go..." count-up. This is the soundtrack to heading to the beach, head full of ideas of what's to come. Compelling stuff.
5. Robyn Hitchcock - "I'm Only You (live at the Drake Hotel, Toronto, 6/12/10)" - As outlined in a previous post, I was lucky enough to be present at this show, an intimate affair, during which, Hitchcock presented his considerable songwriting and guitar playing talents. The original version of the above track can be found on Fegmania!, one of Hitchock's excellent 80s albums with The Egyptians. "I'm Only You" showcases Hitchcock's guitar skills and is a perfect example of his sometimes bizarre but always affecting lyrics. Just let the ascending/descending guitar line burrow into your brain and let it live there for a while...
6. Neko Case - "In California" - There are so many choices from Neko Case's catalogue that would be appropriate for this mix, but this song seemed to grab me, not just for its gentle pace and powerful vocal, but feeling of reminiscence that it creates. Sometimes summer isn't just fun and games. Sometimes it's tears and loss. What better way to celebrate that element of summer than swimming around in Neko's voice for 3 minutes?
7. The Magnetic Fields - "Come Back From San Francisco" - A short little ditty from The Magnetic Fields' classic 3 disc monster, 69 Love Songs, "Come Back From San Francisco" is a song of longing - the kind of song that Stephin Merritt was born to write. The song is sung by Claudia Gonson, The Fields's drummer, who is able to bring a special touch to the song.

8. The Faces - "Glad & Sorry" - Easily one of the best songs in The Faces catalogue, "Glad & Sorry" is a Ronnie Lane composition, not one of Ron Wood or Rod Stewart's efforts. The gentle piano line is what snags the listener and the lyrics express regret and thanks. The song is breezy and quiet, pushing Stewart to the background, and Lane to the fore. It's been covered many times, most notably by Billy Bragg, Golden Smog, and The Black Crowes.
9. Josh Ritter - "Lark" - One of contemporary music's greatest songwriters and most talented lyricists, Ritter returned to the fold this year with So Runs the World Away, a typically strong set of tunes. "Lark" wouldn't have sounded out of place on a Paul Simon record (such as Rhythm of the Saints or Graceland). "The Curse" might be the album's best track, but it doesn't fit this mix's goal very well (waltzes + mummies NOT breezy summer).

10. She & Him - "Thieves" - Those who know me, know of my love for all things Deschanel (except her marriage to that dweeb, Ben Gibbard). Her collaborations with M. Ward - 2008's Volume One and this year's Volume Two - are studies in throwback 60s AM radio pop, with Deschanel's beautiful, summery voice front and center. Ward's gentle guitar playing and careful arrangements suit her voice perfectly. "Thieves", the clear stand-out on Volume Two, wouldn't have sounded out of place on a Roy Orbison Sun side from the 50s. The song rolls along on a shuffling, classic pop guitar line, augmented by gentle strings and Zooey's beautiful voice. Ward's backing vocals are barely there, but wonderfully furtive. Perfect for swaying along with your favorite girl, watching the sun set.

11. Pavement - "Gold Soundz" - The prototypical breezy Californian indie band with their prototypical breezy summer song. It needs no further introduction, as it's as perfect as indie rock gets.
12. Tallest Man On Earth - "Graceland" - For those who haven't experienced Kristian Matsson's voice, by all means, click on the above link. You'll find two things. First, his voice hits you like a brick - something akin to Dylan circa Nashville Skyline while inhaling helium, his achy croak is an experience unto itself. Two, his stripped down version of the Paul Simon classic opens the listener up to lyrics that may not have grabbed your attention on the original. The mix puts his voice right in your ear, and primes the listener for a close inspection of Simon's prose - here's a news flash, the subject material isn't as sunny as you'd think.

13. The New Pornographers - "Silver Jenny Dollar" - A Dan Bejar-penned song from The Porno's latest piece of power pop perfection, this year's Together, "Silver Jenny Dollar" is the story of a female rocker who is the singer's unattainable love interest (well, I think that's what it's about... can we ever be sure with a Dan Bejar song?). The outstanding feature of this gem is the insistent "Whoa whoa whoa whoa-wa-wa-wa"s that punctuate the chorus behind Bejar's lead vocal. You really can't go wrong with any New Pornographers records - quintessential summer music.
14. Richard Hawley - "Remorse Code" - Ah, Ideological favorite Richard Hawley. Our love for all things Hawley was professed in THIS post from September, 2009. At that time, Truelove's Gutter was released to rave reviews. One of the centerpieces of that album, "Remorse Code", was re-released as the lead single on the False Lights From the Land EP (on 10" vinyl) which was available from Amazon.co.uk as recently as last week (when I picked up my copy), but seems to be sold out now. Secondary market will have to be the way the rest of you pick it up, and it's well worth seeking out. The EP is a collection of songs that revolve around the theme of the sea, with "Remorse Code" spelling out the addiction of the singer's friend in an allegory of being lost in a shipwreck. Heavy subject material, but the 9+ minute epic rolls along on a gentle acoustic guitar line punctuated by Hawley's trademark Gretsch solos. As with all of his best tracks, Hawley's barritone carries the day.
15. George Harrison - "Any Road" - Our favorite Beatle, George Harrison was taken from us much too soon. His post-Beatles output is deeper, more soulful, and more joyful than any of his colleagues. Last year's greatest hits compilation, Let It Roll: Songs By George Harrison compiles a generous collection of his best. "Any Road", from Harrison's swan song, 2002's Brainwashed, is a perfect amalgam of what summer is all about - "Any road can take you there"...
16. Camera Obscura - "French Navy" - I know that their subject matter seems unfit for a breezy summer mix (with album titles like My Maudlin Career and Underachievers Please Try Harder and enough songs about lost love to fill any depressive's play list), but Scotland's Camera Obscura, much like their countrymen Teenage Fanclub, are a summer band. "French Navy" is purely addictive summer bliss.
17. Fleet Foxes - "Drops In The River (Live on Daytrotter)" - Fleet Foxes are an easy choice for this mix, as all of their songs evoke a Summer/Fall natural vibe. Their acoustic sound is the perfect soundtrack for sitting on a porch in the hot sun with friends and a cold beverage. "Drops in the River" starts with beautiful harmonies, but explodes with sound after its opening salvo. This Daytrotter session was recorded prior to the band's ascent to indie folk darlings.
18. Wilco - "The Thanks I Get" - A legendary "bonus track" from Sky Blue Sky (and famous for its inclusion in a Volkswagen commercial), "The Thanks I Get" is a swaying, rollicking tune, and typical for Jeff Tweedy's propulsive songwriting. Many Wilco tunes could fit on this mix, but this one feels just right.
19. Blitzen Trapper - "Lady On The Water" - A song that can only be compared to the best of 1970s Laurel Canyon/Neil Young/AM Radio soft rock (and that's a good thing!). A Blitzen Trapper record is always guaranteed to surprise with every track - psych-rock on one, gentle finger-picked country-rock the next.
20. Big Star - "Thirteen" - We have to end this mix with a total classic. Alex Chilton's ode to teenage love is chill-inducing every time I listen to it. It's a perfect way to end a date... or a breezy summer mix.

Until next time, spend some time with friends out in the summer sun, cool off with this breezy mix... and listen.

UPDATE - LINKS REMOVED DUE TO COMPLAINTS... sorry, you'll have to seek these songs out for yourself... trust me, it's worth the work...

For Someone Half As Smart, You'd Be a Work of Art

Good Evening, dear friends and faithful readers.  Tonight, I reflect upon one of my favorite artists and just how much he has in common with my city.  The panoramic view of the gorgeous-looking skyline above is none other than down-on-its-luck Buffalo, taken by yours truly from the deck of the Miss Buffalo cruise ship as it ferried myself and 70 other friends up and down the shores of Lake Erie this past Friday.  Gazing out on my city made me realize, again, how beautiful it can be, yet made me sorrowful for all of the architectural beauty that our city has lost - by neglect or plain ignorance.  A similar neglect and ignorance plagues the memory of Elliott Smith.
On a gloomy October evening, nearly seven years ago, I was hard at work at a busy shift in the emergency room of the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo when word began to trickle down of "another depressed junkie musician suicide".  My co-workers that evening derided and mocked this "sad-sack" musician who had apparently stabbed himself with a knife, close to the heart.  Only after some of the initial hub-bub had settled down did I find out that the identity of that musician who died by his own hand that night was Elliott Smith.  It was very difficult for me to finish my shift, as Smith's music had kept such a special place in my consciousness.  I knew he was fragile - his depression and drug abuse were somewhat legendary - but his music constantly seemed like a cry for help; a narrative to a deeply scarred man's life.  He was also deeply shy - one look at his live performance of his Oscar-nominated "Miss Misery" on the Academy Awards ceremony in 1998 drives this point home strongly - and was famous for shyly and rarely interacting with his audiences at live shows.  It might have been that shyness or that fragility that led him not to seek further help in the dark days leading up to his suicide.  He has left a recorded legacy that seems to parallel that of another deeply flawed and internally wounded singer/songwriter - legendary British folk troubadour, Nick Drake.
Although our city isn't dead, Buffalo has been on life support for decades, now.  Like Smith, our city has wonderful potential, yet it somehow gets flitted away year after year - each capable of great beauty, yet always seeming sad and downtrodden to those who consider it/him.  Fortunately, our city has hope (just as Elliott did prior to plunging that dirty knife deep into his chest) - there are signs that the "brain drain" that so famously takes our doctors, lawyers, and professionals tutored at the University at Buffalo away from us is slowing.  Our housing market hasn't taken the plunge as so many cities' markets across the country have, and our downtown area, slowly but surely, makes a little more of a comeback every year.
As years have passed, it seems as though the memory of Elliott Smith has faded slightly, as has the memory of Buffalo's storied past.  His songs are as powerful as any in the last 20 years - for their message of loss, addiction, hope, and struggle.  The photographer Autumn de Wilde released a beautiful posthumous photograph book entitled Elliott Smith in 2007.  Some photos from the book are available for viewing at de Wilde's website - HERE.  The book is an intimate photographic look into an artist who constantly tried to avoid intimacy.  I encourage each of you to check it out (a copy proudly lives in the Ideological Cuddle's archives). 
It would truly be a shame for those of us who care so deeply about music to allow his legend to disappear.  Although each of his albums are wonderful, the most affecting songs Elliott Smith ever committed to tape tend to be those that are stark and spare - just his wounded voice and a guitar.  Below, you'll find a collection of solo acoustic songs that Elliott recorded in February of 1999 live in studio for broadcast.  It contains two of Smith's most heartfelt and affecting songs - "Baby Britain" and "Waltz #2 (XO)", each found in studio form on his breakthrough record, XO.  I truthfully had no idea I owned this music, but I'm proud to share it with all of you out there.  The songs are bleak on the surface, but give them a chance - Smith's light will shine through (and one day, so will Buffalo's).

Elliott Smith - Live at Glen Sound Studios, Seattle, WA - February, 22, 1999 :
"Happiness" (please excuse the annoying radio host at the outset of the track)
"Son of Sam"
"Baby Britain"
"Everything Reminds Me Of Her"
"Rose Parade"
"Waltz #2 (XO)"

Until next time, remember the good things about The City of Good Neighbors, find some Elliott Smith, and listen...

If I Make It Through Today, I Know Tomorrow Not To Leave My Feelings Out On Display

Greetings Ideological Readers... Today's post has a somber, yet celebratory tone.  We here at the Cuddle found out that the Ideological Sister-In-Law was admitted to a local hospital for ongoing evaluation of of GI issues.  Our thoughts and best wishes are, of course, with her for a speedy recovery.  At the same time, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the life-saving transplant that sustains me today.
Thinking about the anniversary of my transplant always reminds me of when I was diagnosed with renal disease in February of 1993.  At that time, as referenced in previous posts, Evan Dando's honey-drenched voice carried me through the roughest 2 weeks of my life.  During that time, laid up in a bed at the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, I listened to The Lemonheads' It's A Shame About Ray seemingly one hundred times.  To this day, I can hear each of the tracks of that record top to bottom when I close my eyes.  Each of Dando's lyrics is gospel to me.  In retrospect, it's interesting that a musician with such a checkered history of drug use and ill health, should bring such hope to an infirmed 15 year old.
As time has passed, some have discounted The Lemonheads' standing in the pantheon of 90s indie pop, but I haven't, nor will I ever.  It's A Shame About Ray will always remind me of a time and place that I had no control over, nor did I understand.  Each of the album's 13 tracks (yes, I had the later pressing of the cassette that had "Mrs. Robinson" tacked on to sell more records) were and are pitch perfect.  Their brand of sunny rock was perfect then, as it's perfect now.  Their music fits well with today's events and with the recent Summer Mix themes of the Cuddle posts.  Below are just a few of the gorgeous tunes on the record, presented in live form from a show recorded at The Lemonhead's heyday in 1994.  I hope you enjoy them, and wish nothing but good health to all of you loyal readers out there...

The Lemonheads - Recorded Live in Concert - 3/20/1994 At Kiamesha Lake, NY
"Confetti"
"It's A Shame About Ray"
"Rockin' Stroll"
"Rudderless"

Until next time, give thanks to good health, family, and friends, get well Katie, and listen...

Here Is A Sunrise, Ain't That Enough?

Good early morning, y'all. Sometimes late evening coffee can have effects other than insomnia, namely, the spark of inspiration for a blog post. Deviating just slightly from the theme set out by the last post, we here at The Cuddle would like to bend your ear about a band that is bending our ears lately, and will continue to all summer long.
The band that we've decided will provide the soundtrack to the summer of 2010 is none other than those long-forgotten progenitors of indie power pop, mantle-carriers of tuneful, timelessly crafted melodies, forefathers of the Glaswegian twee movement, Teenage Fanclub. Their sound is perfect for lounging in the sun, throwing back a few cold ones, chilling with friends, and taking in the slow pace that summer offers.
Morphing from just another fuzzed-out grungy rock band into a power-pop juggernaut in the early 90s, the Fannies faced stiff competition in 1991 when they released their undisputed masterpiece, Bandwagonesque. The record showcased the band's clear strength, namely, three very strong songwriters, well-versed in the lineage of power pop from the Beatles, to the Kinks, to Badfinger, to Big Star. The equal strength of each of the writers in the band make Norman Blake, Gerard Love, and Raymond McGinley as formidable a trio of writers as any band in recent music history has been blessed with. As grunge was coming to the forefront, it seemed easy to dismiss what this four-piece was doing as mere fluff. A closer inspection of that record reveals timeless melodies that hold up amazingly well to this day, almost 20 years later. Rock critics have said that those who haven't heard Bandwagonesque's opening track, "The Concept" are lucky, in that those who worship the song would like to go back and experience it for the first time again. The song is a perfectly addicting 6 minute mini-epic that rolls at a languid pace as Norman Blake recounts (what else) a story about a girl who, inevitably, is gone. At the 3:10 mark, it seems as though the song has ended, but a short drum fill ushers in an initially inexplicable coda that finishes the song's 6:06 length. Wordless harmonizing, bowed electric guitars, a gently lilting baseline, and gentle strumming swell and fall through something that resembles ironic wankery, but comes off as essential, much like "Layla"'s epic coda. The guitar solo at 4:30 even echoes "November Rain" by Guns N Roses. For those who haven't experienced the song, please keep reading, as it waits for you at the end of this post. The rest of Bandwagonesque is just as beautiful, with "Alcoholiday" and "What You Do To Me" providing two other very memorable moments.
While many argue that Teenage Fanclub never was able to hit the heights that they reached with Bandwagonesque, the rest of their catalogue is remarkably consistent. 1993's Thirteen was hailed by many as an utter failure, but the benefit of time and reassessment, shows otherwise. This album merely showed a band willing to look backward to their original sound (more harsh, layered guitars and faster songs a la A Catholic Education, the band's first album) while pushing forward and setting the groundwork for the rest of their catalogue by showcasing sunny harmonies. "Radio" and "Norman 3" are the album's stand-outs.
Grand Prix followed in 1995 and picked up where Bandwagonesque left off, offering a more consistent slower pace, insistent melodies, and power pop bliss through songs such as "Sparky's Dream", "Mellow Doubt", and "Don't Look Back".
1997s Songs From Northern Britain is the album where the Fannies clearly let their Alex Chilton worship fly. The album is a top to bottom stunner, but is not quite as immediate a classic as Bandwagonesque. This album was criticized for being "too mellow" and having too much of a "Laurel Canyon sound", but listening through the record multiple times reveals it to be a love letter to their Scottish homeland and life in general. "Ain't That Enough" is as sweet a song as you'll find in the band's catalogue.
The 2000s brought three new albums from the band - Howdy!, Words of Wisdom and Hope, and Man-Made - each furthering the band's honey-drenched harmonies and debt to Big Star and the Beatles, but none as good as their previous efforts. Five years would pass between the release of Man-Made and the next Teenage Fanclub record. In that time, many forgot about the band, as more recent bands who claim the Fannies as a touchstone and source of inspiration (Belle & Sebastian, Nada Surf, Travis, and the New Pornographers) rose to prominence.
With the dawn of 2010 came the promise of a new release by the band. US distributor Merge Records did a fantastic job of giving the album some press and exposure stateside, and when Shadows was released last month, the world seemed primed for a Teenage Fanclub comeback. They wouldn't be disappointed. Showcasing a more mature sound, stemming from years of experience, the album is their strongest since Bandwagonesque. As with each great Teenage Fanclub record, Shadows is loaded with songs that get stuck in your brain and roll around all day. Just try not to hum along with "Baby Lee", "Into The City", and "Sometimes I Don't Need To Believe In Anything". The album will clearly be a contender for year-end "Best Of 2010" lists, and seems to have a timeless quality to it. The band doesn't rush any of the songs, but everyone should really rush out to hear it.

Without further ado, a Teenage Fanclub primer. You know there's only one song that could kick off this list...

"The Concept" from Bandwagonesque
"Alcoholiday" from Bandwagonesque
"Star Sign" recorded live at The Paradiso, 11.20.95 - original version on Bandwagonesque
"What You Do To Me" recorded live at The Paradiso, 11.20.95 - original version on Bandwagonesque
"Radio" recorded live at The Paradiso, 11.20.95 - original version on Thirteen
"Sparky's Dream" recorded live at The Paradiso, 11.20.95 - original version on Grand Prix
"Ain't That Enough" from Songs From Northern Britain
"Baby Lee" from Shadows

Until our next Summer Mix Tape, sit back, relax, and listen to the gorgeous harmonies and addicting melodies of Teenage Fanclub...

I Don't Think I'm Gonna Last Very Much Longer

After another long break, the Cuddle is back, sweltering in some of the hottest weather we've seen here in Buffalo in July in ages. The entire East Coast seems mired in this heat wave, and what better way to celebrate sweating to death just breathing than an Ideological Cuddle Mix Tape. This means to be a series of mixes based on Summer themes. What better way to start than...

The Ideological Cuddle Sticky, Steamy Summer Mix

1. "Ten Cent Pistol" - The Black Keys - from Brothers
2. "Chest Fever" - The Band - from Music From Big Pink
3. "Evil" - Howlin' Wolf - from His Best: Chess 50th Anniversary
4. ""You've Got A Killer Scene There, Man"" - Queens of the Stone Age - from Lullabies To Paralyze
5. "And Then (The Hexx) (extended version) - Pavement - from Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Edition
6. "Ventilator Blues" - The Rolling Stones - from Exile on Main Street
7. "Shade (I Know You, Pt. 4)" - Morphine - from At Your Service
8. "Red Clay" - Freddie Hubbard - from Red Clay
9. "Too Much Sorrow" - The Greenhornes - from Dual Mono
10. "The Lure Would Prove Too Much" - The Twilight Singers - from A Stitch in Time EP
11. "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues" - The White Stripes - from Icky Thump
12. "Prison Girls" - Neko Case - from Middle Cyclone
13. "Root Down (And Get It)" - Jimmy Smith - from Root Down
14. "Angels and Fuselage" - Drive-By Truckers - from Southern Rock Opera
15. "What Needs Must Be" - Dead Meadow - from Old Growth
16. "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down" - Miles Davis - from Bitches Brew
17. "Ogeechee Hymnal" - Baroness - from Blue Record
18. "Sunstroke" - Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - from Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
19. "I Still Want To Be Your Baby (Take Me Like I Am) - Bettye LaVette - from The Scene of the Crime
20. "Neglekted" - The Afghan Whigs - from 1965
21. "Run Thru" - My Morning Jacket - from Okonokos

Until next time, chill. And listen.