Police & Thieves, pt. 6

The Clash – “Police & Thieves” from The Clash [UK] (1976)
To wrap up a week of Police & Thieves, here’s Strummer & Co.’s timeless take on Junior Murvin’s classic. What’s interesting is that The Clash were covering a popular song of just one year prior. Imagine if these “radical” bands of today (whoever those are) [...]

Police & Thieves, pt. 5

Junior Murvin – “Bad Weed” (1976)
Here’s Junior Murvin with another song on the “Police & Thieves” riddim. Listen for Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s trademark mumbles in the background–sounds like a ‘Super Ape’ indeed. I think I might like this even better that Junior’s original “Police & Thieves.” Maybe that is sacrilege.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the version [...]

Police & Thieves, pt. 4

Jah Lion – “Soldier & Police War” (1976)
Here’s a dub toast of Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves” by Jah Lion. I like how this version emphasizes the weird marimba-type sound in the beginning of the track. Not sure exactly what that is. Here’s what the Lion has to say for himself:
“It’s like when I did [...]

Police & Thieves, pt. 3

The Upsetters – “Grumblin’ Dub” (1976)
This is basically a concerto for reggae bass, with hi-hat and weird organ sounds for accompaniment. Please listen with a good set of cans, or a nice big stereo. That bass! This is one of the better dub tracks out there. The choices are inspired: what instruments to fade in [...]

Police & Thieves pt. 2

Glen LaCosta – “Magic Touch” (1976)
Saxophonist (I guess; just try Googling this guy) Glen LaCosta adds his magic touch to this dub version of Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves” (featured on SWR yesterday, in a weekend-long series). This version ups the treble on the hi-hat, makes the guitar echo a bunch, and takes out some [...]

“All the peacemaker-turn-war-officer/hear what I say”

Junior Murvin – “Police & Thieves” from Police & Thieves (1976)
At Jordy’s behest, I will celebrate my return to regular posting with a veritable cavalcade of cops and robbers. That is, a number of versions of Junior Murvin’s 1976 rocksteady classic “Police & Thieves.”  I hope to post a number of dub versions of the [...]

“Some say they shall and some say they shan’t”

Procol Harum – “A Salty Dog” and “Boredom” from A Salty Dog (1969)
This band was so much more than “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” ASD is a terrific set of songs characterized by rich instrumentation (not just organs) and varied styles. It’s a real joy to listen to. I’m perplexed as to [...]

“If not for the rain”

Scout Niblett – “Kiss” from This Fool Can Die Now (2007)
This one’s been lolling about on my palate for a while. I thought it was destined for greatness the first time I heard it so I cautiously gave it some time. I have been validated. It confirms my suspicion that everything Bonnie [...]

“Turn me up, won’t turn you away”

Pearl Jam – “Spin the Black Circle” from Vitalogy (1994) [Buy it online, if you must]
Today is Record Store Day.  Instead of leeching music off the internets, stop in and patronize your local music purveyor.
Even though I work at PDQ Records in Tucson, my favorite store will always be Vertigo Records in Grand Rapids, [...]

Assurances

Pink Floyd – “The Show Must Go On” from The Wall (1979)
Sorry that we’ve been a little sluggish lately here at So Well Remembered.
We are still committed to the blog and would like to thank our loyal readers as well as those blogs that have grown up with us.

Finding Frank

Frank Zappa – “Son of Mr. Green Genes” from Hot Rats (1969)
Much fuss is made by weirdos about Frank Zappa. You know the kind of guys (and let’s face it, it’s always guys) with poor hygiene and Monty Python screensavers on their computers that run Linux? Those guys are the guys I’m talking [...]

“Come on honey let’s go outside/you disrupt the world’s disorder just by virtue of your grace, you know”

Destroyer – “Rubies” from Destroyer’s Rubies (2006)
Though I’m a little underwhelmed by Dan Bejar & Co.’s latest, Trouble in Dreams, the 2006 Destroyer outing sounds like a modern classic to these ears. If you only know Bejar’s work with the New Pornographers, you should really check out Destroyer’s Rubies. The lyrics are evocative, Bejar’s delivery [...]

“You’ve got to be trusted by the people that you lied to.”

Pink Floyd – “Dogs” from Animals (1977)
I am among those who believe that punk saved rock and roll. It took on the creative, energetic mantle of its dying father. Indeed, a lot of classic-era rock artists had trouble coping with punk. Most of them were growing tired and could no longer [...]