Rest In Peace- Levon Helm

Blog entry- star date 27-04-12, Supplemental

Regrettably, I am saddened to learn of the passing of The Band's drummer Levon Helm this past Friday. According to official reports, Levon died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 71.

Natrually, I am now reflecting back to the film, which I saw in 1978 and remember him very well. Not only was he a great drummer, he also sang lead on such famous songs as "Up on Cripple Creek" and "The Shape I'm In," both hits for The Band. Tributes have already been pouring in from all over the music world, including Bob Dylan and I am expressing my deepest condolences for Levon's family.

Rest in Peace Levon Helm

Great Rock Albums of the 70s: Kansas- Point of Know Return

 Have you seen the episode of Family Guy where Brian advices Peter to walk through the streets in deep contemplation with the song "Dust in the Wind" playing in the background? Better yet, whenever you needed a walk to think things over have this song come to mind or listen to it on a MP3 or walkman? I have. "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas from the album "Point of Know Return" is one of the greatest accoustic ballads of all time. The funny thing is that it was only written when Kerry Livgren's wife suggested he add lyrics to a piece he had written as a finger excercise and he wasn't sure whether or not the band would like it as Kansas was not known for accoustic ballads. Needless to say, the song was written and recorded and you could say, the rest is history.

 However, "Dust in the Wind" isn't the only good song on this album. There are some great rock tunes like "Lightning's Hand" and song cool instrumental solos like "Paradox." Furthermore, the title track is also a very good track. These are all reasons why this album proved to be an excellent follow up to the previous Kansas album, "Leftoverture." The album also helped to establish Kansas as a great live act.

Track Listing:

1. Point of Know Return

2. Paradox

3. The Spider

4. Portrait (He Knew)

5. Closet Chronicles

6. Lightning's Hand

7. Dust in the Wind

8. Sparks of the Tempest

9. Nobody's Home

10. Hopelessly Human

 

Kansas

Kerry Livgren- guitar, keyboards

Phild Ehart- drums

David Hope- bass

Robby Steinhardt- violin, vocals

Steve Walsh- keyboards, vocals

Rick Williams- electric and accoustic guitars

"Point of Know Return" was released in late 1977 and helped the waters of rock along its way to overflowing its banks a year later. This I have no doubt.

Great Rock Albums of the 70s: Foghat- Live

I had never heard of Foghat before until I saw them advertised as the headliner at the Philadelphia Spectrum one evening in June 1978. I didn't go to the concert as I was heading across the street to Veterans Stadium to watch the Phillies play the Dodgers. Obviously, I missed what probably was a memorable concert, but the band's name stuck in my mind. Fast forward a few months later when my cousin took out this live album and played it to me. After hearing this great live album, I can say that things changed for the better for me in a musical sense.

As I said before and will probably say many times more, there are many good album and show opening tunes out there, but there are smaller number of those which are truly great. These songs are the ones that grab you by the throat and say, "You're going to listen to us and like it!" Two posts ago, I included "Back in the Saddle" by Aerosmith and on this album, the opening track, "Fool for the City," is also one of those songs. Whenever I hear it, I can't stop to quicken my step and headbang away. "Fool for the City" sets the tone for the rest of the album. There are other great tracks which carry on the good vibe of Foghat "Live" from where "Fool for the City" leaves off. Two tracks that definitely stand out are "Slow Ride" and their version of "I Just Want to Make Love to You." Both are great party songs and I'm speaking from first hand experience here. The rest of the album supports these and it is what makes this album one of the best live albums of all time.

Track listing:

1. Fool for the City

 2. Home in My Mind

3. I Just Want To Make Love To You

4. Road Fever

 5. Honey Hush

6. Slow Ride

Foghat

Dave Peverett - rhythm guitar, vocals

 Rod Price - lead guitar, slide guitar

 Craig MacGregor - bass

Roger Earl - drums

I realise that I am in great danger of calling every live album I visit, one of the greatest live albums of all time. However, for Foghat- "Live," I can say that the shoe definitely fits on this one.

 Next Post: Kansas- Point of Know Return

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