Monday, June 04, 2007

July 2007 Top 45 + 2 sneak previews...

Welcome to Joe Vig's TOP 40 PLUS for July, 2007.



to contact Joe Viglione: linernotes@varulven.com
P.O. Box 2392, Woburn, MA 01888





Reviews of concerts like JEFFERSON STARSHIP, IGGY POP and BLUE CHEER will be found on a companion site:

http://rockjournalistjoevig.blogspot.com/

You can support Var Records by checking out:
This site sponsored by Var International Records on eBay

http://stores.ebay.com/Var-International-Records



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1)Ian Hunter SHRUNKEN HEADS
Another brilliant album from Ian Hunter who gets better like fine wine, at the peak of his powers with song structure more solid than what he gave us on "Mott", "The Hoople", "All American Alien Boy", "Overnight Angels" and other middle-period albums.

The interesting thing is that the four early Mott The Hoople albums had so much great material, especially "Brain Capers". After the initial fame much of Mott The Hoople and Ian Hunter's material seemed forced - "Crash Street Kids" couldn't touch "Wheel Of The Quivering Meat Conception" or "Death May Be Your Santa Claus" just as
the material on Rant and "Shrunken Heads is superior to the early days of Ian's solo career. The two DVDs Ian gave us during the time between Rant and Shrunken Heads certainly were gifts while the musings here further cement his place in the rock firmament.

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2)Angel Air Ten Years Old! THE BOOK!

Angel Air Records is one of the best reissue labels on the planet. This book collects information on the first Ten Years quoting yours truly in the process.
Check out the reviews on Steve Holley, Spencer Davis, Maggie Bell and others...




Angel Air Ten Years Old! THE BOOK!
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3)Barbara Streisand

http://www.shoutfactorystore.com/prod.aspx?pfid=3170406


Very classy package from Babs. You have now entered the world of DVD where artists are going to explore the medium...check out Liza With A Z to see what I mean, tremendous entertainment which we expect from these veterans

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4)A Classic Album Under Review
Pink Floyd MEDDLE



OK, now ususally I have a problem with "tributes" that don't go the extra mile.
This DVD does go that extra mile and is really quite valuable and informative.
High marks. (My AMG reviews are, of course, linked here. Check out the full review)


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gpfyxzy5ld6e

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5)An Interview With John Mayall / Review of IN THE PALACE OF THE KING

Mr. Mayall was kind enough to chat with us on Visual Radio July 2, 2007, right before he took off for the European tour. We talk about Mick Taylor, David Maxwell, the new CD and the tour...some of that interview will be posted here...




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6)John Batdorf HOME AGAIN
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gzfqxzq5ldte


Superb disc from the reunited Batdorf & Rodney, though it is listed as a John Batdorf release.






Though an essential songwriter/singer behind the scenes in the music and film industry, John Batdorf deserves equal time on the radio and "Home Again"
provides solid evidence for that argument. A reunion of sorts with 70's partner Mark Rodney, the title track is a re-make of a Batdorf tune from their second release as a duo, 1972's eponymous "Batdorf & Rodney" release. As with Ian Hunter, Buzzy Linhart, the group Epitaph and a notable list of other veteran artists, the music they are generating in the new millennium is in many ways superior to their previous efforts, and better than what radio and what's left of the industry is attempting to force on
the masses. Mark Rodney writes the liner notes here inside this elegant package which includes over a dozen photo images of the players and he references the sound of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Yes, the title track could fit nicely into that trio's repertoire, though John Batdorf takes this disc through his own personal journey. "Me and You" is one of seven co-writes with Michael McLean and it would be a
nugget on any Paul McCartney album. Vocally sounding like a cross between John Anderson from Yes and Seals & Croft (both of them; and yes, Batdorf & Rodney have been compared to that duo in the past), John Batdorf generates a striking album
with help from his colleagues, a master craftsman delivering the goods without resting on past laurels or going through the motions. Though there is nothing ground-breaking here, that isn't the objective for it is refreshing to hear an artist do what he does best and do it without concern for Top 40 airplay or
commercial success, though this album is oh so very radio friendly. Drifting through folk/pop and the blues of "Solitude" Batdorf communicates his ideas
superbly, backing vocals cascading in a spacious production that is minimal yet still big. "I Don't Always Win" evokes that minstrel in the gallery feel Ian Anderson spoke of, the voices matching the guitar sounds with amazing effect. The ten titles
clock in at under forty-five minutes but it is great playing and well considered production that makes this a very special project. The final track, {&"Where Are
You Now?, is an old Batdorf & Rodney number which previously only showed up on their Live At McCabes release. Perhaps collaborations with Jonathan Richman and other quirky originals could take this music to an even different path and audience in the
future but for right now the sounds on "Home Again" are warm, eloquent and very enjoyable.
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7)Epitaph Remember The Daze

Review by Joe Viglione

Epitaph roll out the melodies on this excellent disc with "East of the Moon," styled after Roxy Music's opening track/anthem to their 1979 epic Manifesto -- and it's just as effective. It's quickly followed by a stylistic change, folk guitar, keyboards and heavy vocals which make "Evermore" a solid hard pop outing in the vein of the Sutherland Brothers & Quiver.

read the full review here:
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jcfwxz85ldae




Very impressive outing from the reformed Epitaph. Very impressive.

the group website http://www.epitaph-band.de/

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8)Jazz Shots From The West Coast Vol. 1



http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gjfuxqesldfe


Buzzy Linhart and Ken Stuart (he of MacMillan publishing who worked on the Art Pepper book) helped me with this review...we worked on it over a period of a few months, our schedules being what they are...Buzzy & I may tackle the Jazz from The East Coast series of 3 DVDs next...


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9)Landmarq
"Turbulence: Live In Poland"

Review by Joe Viglione

Hitchings could be a latter day Jinx Dawson of Coven fame with a voice that cuts through the thick layer of keyboard and guitar. The drums of Dave Wagstaffe are rock-solid (Wagstaffe is the drummer in three Landmarq lineups, and Pendragon's Fudge Smith shows up on bonus material included here), while guitarist Uwe DRöse and bassist Steve Gee hold down the fort nicely. The band's newest member, Mike Varty, plays keyboards that have the tonal quality Tom Scholz put on the group Boston's "Foreplay/Long Time," though he can mellow it out and proves it nicely on the ballad "Prayer (Coming Home)." "Calm Before the Storm" is not the fabulous song by '70s rocker the Phantom -- the short-lived Jim Morrison imitation, though it is what this exceptional music from Landmarq could use -- a jolt of good old-fashioned pop structure. That's all that's needed to drive this fine ensemble into the mainstream. Lots of bonus tracks here and plenty of information in the four-page booklet. It's a classy package which should please the fan base and attract new listeners.

Complete review here:


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0pfpxqtdld6e


Very cool, prog rock goes pop.

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10)Janis Joplin PIECE OF MY HEART
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=33:hpfpxqqdldae


Here I get to discuss one of the all time great rock performances on AllMusic.com

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11)Sounds Orchestral
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gifixqu0ldje




I love Sounds Orchestral...they are the "undiscovered country" of Space Age Bachelor Pad Music. Their piano sound so pivotal and so eternal.

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12)Mick Taylor Stranger In This Town

Mick Taylor's Stranger in This Town was recorded mostly in Sweden in the summer of 1989, except for "Little Red Rooster," recorded in Germany, and "You Gotta Move," the traditional blues number found on the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers, recorded in Philadelphia in December of 1989. This is a blues album, make no doubt about it, and it is one of Taylor's finest. Co-produced by the guitarist and Phil Colella, the performances feature former Jeff Beck sideman Max Middleton on keyboards, Shane Fontayne on guitar, Wilbur Bascomb on bass, and Eric Parker on drums. Only "You Gotta Move" has different musicians, Joel Diamond on keys and Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin on guitar. Keith Richard producer Rob Fraboni re-mixed the title track, as well as the almost six minute version of one of Taylor's favorite Stones tunes, "Jumpin' Jack Flash." It's the most rock & roll song here, Taylor's voice lending itself well to the song. Carol Bernson's photographs of the rock legend are something to behold; Taylor under a blue light performing with his shadow reflecting on the floor adorns the back of the CD, as well as the inside four-page booklet.

Complete review here:

http://www.mmguide.musicmatch.com/album/album.cgi?ALBUMID=838015&AMGLENGTH=full


http://www.icebergradio.com/album/19743


I put together the record release party for this at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston,
1989. Mick was fantastic at the gig.

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13)Lisa Burns 1st Solo album
Willie Loco's Boom Boom Band back up Sal Maida's wife

Lisa Burns
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=CASS70310091935&sql=Arm6atr3lkl7x

(Maida played in Roxy Music, Milk 'n Cookies, Velveteen)

When Craig Leon produced the second and final MCA album for Willie Loco Alexander and the Boom Booms he also produced a disc for Lisa Burns. Here's my review.
Send her an e mail on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/lisabburns

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14)PETER CALO

http://artsmediamag.blogspot.com/2006/01/peter-calo-article.html


Currently interviewing Peter for an international guitar magazine; here's an earlier story I wrote on him.


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15)LIFEBOAT Sutherland Brothers & Quiver



Review by Joe Viglione

This album should have been the big breakthrough disc for the Sutherland Brothers & Quiver, chock-full of catchy adult pop songs like the fantastic leadoff single, "(I Don't Want to Love You But) You Got Me Anyway," followed by what became a minor hit for Rod Stewart, the second track, "Sailing."

full review here:


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fcfwxq95ldse


Related disc:

Peter Noone's "One Of The Glory Boys"

Review by Joe Viglione

Peter Noone's One of the Glory Boys has become a highly collectable vinyl recording fetching honorable numbers on e-Bay. If ever there was a great lost album by an artist that has sold in the tens of millions, this is the one. It is brilliant, and what's amazing is that none of this material shows up in Noone's live show. The album boasts great song selection, a cavalcade of stars, and sterling production from Spencer Proffer a year before he took Quiet Riot to the Top Ten with the Metal Health phenomenon. "(I Don't Want to Love You But)You Got Me Anyway" is one of the greatest radio songs of all time that never got to ride to the top of the charts. Sutherland Brothers & Quiver had a minor hit with it from their Lifeboat album, but Peter Noone gives it an entirely different flavor, a wonderful arrangement with Matt Andes from Jo Jo Gunne on guitar along with Lou Reed/Alice Cooper guitarist Steve Hunter and Randy Bishop on keyboards.

full review here:


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wxftxqr5ldde

Check out Peter Noone's version of their timeless classic "(I Don't Want to Love You But) You Got Me Anyway" on his solo disc


http://www.mp3.com/albums/37830/summary.html



Sandra Kay writes on

http://www.peternoone.com/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=382


http://www.peternoone.com

I think of all the biographys that have been written about Peter I feel that Joe Viglione wrote the best one. I remember reading this also Judy but its nice to read it again thank you Judy. Sandra Kay

PETER NOONE BIOGRAPHY:

http://www.louieonline.com/iplaylist/artist/19618/bio.html

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16)Dream Kid The Sutherland Brothers & Quiver
Review by Joe Viglione
An artists conception of The Dream Kid looking out into a blue universe, standing in a clear cube with clouds and seagulls in his line of sight, is a colorful and good visual equivalent to the music inside this team-up of two musical forces. Songwriters Ian Sutherland and his brother Gavin Sutherland recruit three members of the Warner Bros. group Quiver -- drummer Willie Wilson, guitarist Tim Renwick, and bassist Bruce Thomas -- and come up with a smooth and very satisfying product. Gone is Quiver songwriter vocalist Cal Batchelor, and it is a unique transition concept. Where Chris Thomas produced 1972's Gone in the Morning album for Quiver, Muff Winwood is enlisted to guide the rhythm section and guitarist behind the singing and playing Sutherland Brothers.

full review here:


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gcfwxq95ldse


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17)Gone In The Morning Quiver
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wxfexqy5ld0e


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18)Quiver

http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wxfexqy5ld0e


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19)Quoted on Page 85 of this book -

MUSIC OF THE COUNTERCULTURE - American History Through Music:
Music of the Counterculture Era By James E. Perone
http://books.google.com/books?id=6dw1soxFdm8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22allmusic+com%22+viglione#PPP1,M1


This quotes my review of Helen Reddy's song "I Am Woman"


Fri, 25 Oct 2002

The Ray Burton/Helen Reddy co-write first appeared on Helen Reddy's 1971 debut lp along with that album's first hit and title track, I Don't Know
How To Love Him. Produced by {$Larry Marks}, the original has jazz influences, pronounced horns, a cool backbeat and wonderful modulation on the second verse. Helen's voice is far more tongue-in-cheek and listener friendly here without the backing vocalists chiming in with their "strong" - "invicible" lines on
producer Tom Catalano's hit version. The horns and cascading strings make this original track one that really should have made the rounds as an
alternative to the chart version. It works on many levels. 17 months later the song would come back re-worked for her third album, titled after this anthem. It would be Helen's first #1 smash clocking in at three minutes and thirty-four seconds,
a minute nineteen more than the original two-minute and fifteen second version.

Capitol single #3350, I Am Woman, was a heaping helping of unbridled feminism, an Amazonian declaration almost better suited to The Plasmatics' Wendy O. Williams
in its lyrically overstated angst. Where Alice Cooper told the world the
problems with being "18" the year before in this same type of song format, only Helen Reddy's everywoman's voice could pull off this boldly arrogant call-to-arms. Sexist beyond anything feminist pioneer and founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker
Eddy could have envisioned in the 19th century, Reddy agrees with Eddy in the invincibility of womankind.

The music is pleasant and laid back adult contemporary accompaniment and the singer, along with former husband Jeff Wald, definitely had a plan, despite the alleged lack of interest from their record label, Capitol. The song, indeed, was her break-through
hit and signature tune which opened the floodgates to Helen's reign on the pop charts in the '70's. A kind of warped answer to The Yardbirds by way of Bo
Diddley's 1965 Top 20 hit, I'm A Man, as well as the clever Jimmy Miller/Spencer Davis/Steve Winwood nugget from 1967, those different songs with the same title turned out to be affirmations. Not so here, in I Am Woman Helen is through figuring out if she knows how to love him or not, there is no bartering with lines like "until I make my brother(s) understand." It's all out war, and the final fade of "I am woman, I am invicible, I am strong" is so annoying on the hit that one only wishes
the original Larry Marks gem had beat it to the punch. The song was included in the 1972 Jacqueline Bisset women's lib film Stand Up And Be Counted.






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20)Arthur Fiedler Up Up And Away
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3iftxq8gldhe


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21)Asa Brebner

http://www.emusic.com/artist/Asa-Brebner-MP3-Download/11669672.html


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22)Johnny Tillotson / Johnny Tillotson


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:avfwxzu5ldhe


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23)U2 Collector's Box


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gcfuxzu5ldte



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24)JOHNNY ACTION FIGURE biography

http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:0cfwxqlaldae~T1


Their significant fan base is expanding beyond Pennsylvania into New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and wherever the internet brings them that touring does not. With the songs "Lose Our Face" and "Fortune" entrenched on You Tube the band was the featured musical guest on CN8's Backstage with Barry Nolan and has appeared on Havoc (on demand), the ManiaTV! Network, RnR TV and have a quote from Kurt Orzeck on MTV.com.




http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:0cfwxqlaldae


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25)Meat Beat Manifesto Travelogue Live 05

http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gcfyxq8dld6e


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26)And Now...Everybody to the Stage Pendragon

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fcfyxq8dld6e&writer=1


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27)Chef's Salad: The Sound Of Boston From Studio B
Various Artists (1975)
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3zfyxqy0ldae

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28)Live At The Rat



Review by Joe Viglione

In 2001 the legendary building that housed Boston's infamous Rat was demolished, but this recording (catalog #528, same as the address for the establishment on Commonwealth Avenue in the heart of Boston) remains as evidence of what transpired in that "cellar full of noise." Inspired by Hilly Kristal's Live at CBGB's, this is truly the companion double LP to that disc on Atlantic, though the Boston compilation came close but failed to obtain major-label release. Recorded September 27, 28, and 29th, 1976, at the dawn of the "new wave," important and historic live recordings of some of the scenemakers live on within these grooves. Far from a definitive document --

http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gcfpxqe0ldae

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29)Rick Berlin Live At Jacques
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gbfyxqukld6e


Boston has had a number of notorious nightclubs, like Jacques, and historic nightclubs like Jacks and Jumpin' Jack Flash. I never got a chance to review LIVE AT JACKS but we'll have to transfer it to CDR and do just that...

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30)Michael Fremer I Can Take A Joke






Review by Joe Viglione
Comedian Michael Fremer was a staple in Boston on the radio airwaves and in the club scene. Those who were fans of radio stars Charles Laquidara and Little Walter DeVenne no doubt heard these insightful and ridiculous skits when their popular programs aired on a once alternative Boston station, 104.1 FM. The re-enactment of Mayor Kevin White's "My City's In Flames" Speech is hilarious. This writer was at the oston Garden in 1972 when The Rolling Stones were arrested in Rhode Island and when then Mayor White had to appease the fans who were on the verge of rioting. The parody on this disc - along with the tape of that show Stones fans have traded over the years - are evidence of a magic moment in rock and make this classic collection all the more special.

Complete review here:


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jxftxqt0ldke




Give a listen to Michael Fremer today

http://www.tonepublications.com/tone-audio.htm


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31)WCOZ Rock Album Vol. 2

Review by Joe Viglione

Radio stations sponsoring compilations of local recording groups was the rage in the '80s, and some important musical time capsules were created. When acts hit from those discs, those time capsules turned into collectors' items. The first volume of now-defunct radio station WCOZ's The Best of the Boston Beat (named after DJ Lesley Palmiter's excellent Sunday night local music program) was issued on WCOZ Records, manufactured by Infinity Records,

Full review here:



http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A3v831vfozzza


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32)Didi Stewart One True Heart





One True Heart is considered the legitimate sequel to Didi Stewart's brilliant but under-produced Kirshner/CBS debut with her group, the Amplifiers, Begin Here; people must be somehow forgetting the important work she did with the band Girls Night Out, whom she founded and who rocked Boston to the core during the '80s. The singer of New England's most influential and popular female group, a cross between the power pop of the Go Go's with classy frontwoman/power vocalist Didi Stewart, who resembledJanis Joplin with all the sweetness and none of the growl. There is a Girls Night Out standard here, "When You Were Mine," concluding the album (actually performed better than the band did it), but this project is more than a souvenir from that act's founder and lead singer, something much more. It is Didi Stewart out to prove a point with a vengeance. 1982's Begin Here contained 11 strong...

Complete review here:


http://www.fye.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=8411411&extid=df00033



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33)Didi Stewart Begin Here



The urban legend has it that Didi Stewart walked into Don Kirshner's office with a demo tape in hand and got herself a record deal. A Boston delight with her band, the Amplifiers, this brilliant and underrated songwriter/vocalist might have been better off releasing some of the original demos here, since producer Stephan Galfas was unable to bring a hit record out of a woman who is full of potential million-sellers. But isn't that one of the major traumas of the record industry: incredible talents getting lost in the translation? Begin Here has a beautiful cover photo of Didi Stewart...

Complete review here:

http://www.answers.com/topic/begin-here?cat=entertainment


formerly on SamGoody:
http://www.samgoody.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/MusicProductPage?searchId=pop&merchantNum=8546&titleId=78324560&amgId=R%20%20%20562921

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THE GOLDFINGER RADIO FORMAT! An essay by Joe Viglione


Hearing Shirley Bassey's essential GOLDFINGER on WJIB on July 2, 2007 made it clear that both Oldies 103 and WZLX could add popular titles no matter what year they were made (or became popular) as they have elements that work for all these stations:

a)They have a popularity that spans the ages (Goldfinger being among the most recognizable Bond themes/titles)

b)They have a hipness about them (a la Space Age Bachelor Pad music which has renewed interest in Ferrante & Teicher, Esquivel and other cool instrumentalists and 50s/60's vocalists

Just as songs like "Cast Your Fate To The Wind" sound marvelous on Oldies stations (though you might have to tune in to Northshore 104 to hear such a great song), they can also beef up stations like WZLX which need to pull out a nugget every once in awhile to make people pay attention. Goldfinger would make people stand up and take notice - it's just so awesome - thank you Bob Bittner for playing such a superb tune (sing MOON RIVER to the melody as one local label president reminded me...)

Thus I propose the GOLDFINGER FORMAT and have some evidence from my research.
Play songs that are timeless on Oldies, Talk, Classic Rock, Jazz, songs that span the genres, the ages, and remain popular - or just sound so good that it doesn't matter what age or audience is listening.



The Goldfinger Format - Music as Timeless as The Beatles

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34)Shirley Bassey THIS IS MY LIFE
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3nftxqykldse


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35)And I Love You So
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kpfixqe5ld0e

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36)Esquivel See It In Sound

Review by Joe Viglione

Sam Wick's dense four pages of liner notes to Esquivel's See It in Sound album provide a window to this fascinating kaleidoscope of intonation which, shockingly, RCA Records refused to release after it was recorded in Hollywood in May of 1960. In order to be objective one has to take oneself away from the cult who adore Esquivel's work and just hear this magical adventure away from the rhetoric and judge it on its own merits. The verdict: See It in Sound is a vibrant and tremendously creative artistic achievement. Keep in mind, just five years prior to this, RCA Records released Don Charles' the Singing Dogs -- and went Top 25 with "Oh! Susanna." Understand?

full review here:

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:dxftxqwkldfe



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37)Ferrante & Teicher Getting Together
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:avfexqt5ldse

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38)The Mason Williams Phonograph Record


Review by Joe Viglione

Producer Mike Post and composer Mason Williams packed all sorts of experiments into this half-hour listening experience called The Mason Williams Phonograph Record, and though there are some interesting moments from the clever singer, it is the instrumental masterpiece "Classical Gas" that displays the highest level of creativity. The 45 rpm was a number one adult contemporary hit in the summer of 1968 while the award-winning artist was writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. It became so successful that Williams has a separate website with everything one could want to know about the tune linked to his own http://www.masonwilliams-online.com. It won Grammys in 1968 for composition, performance, and Mike Post's arrangement, and maybe because of its huge popularity...

full review here:


http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:dcfyxqw5ldke




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39)The Mason Williams Ear Show
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fcfyxqw5ldke


Check out Mason Williams page devoted to the classic hit: http://classicalgas.com/
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40)The Guess Who FRIENDS OF MINE

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:gzfwxc8rldte

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and bubbling under the Top 40 - watch for chart action in August...

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BONUS STUFF / BONUS TRACKS

41)Joe Vig takes on Ted Nugent


http://www.wacotrib.com/opin/content/news/opinion/stories/nugent/06172007_wac_nugent.html


Joe Vig's Response to Ted Nugent

Ted Nugent's only real masterpiece was with The Amboy Dukes. You might be able to hear "Journey To The Center Of The Mind" on Little Steven's Underground Garage, but continuous nutty rambling by the guitar player is only going to make the song go deeper into the underground. Let's see, Paul McCartney has a new album out and is getting a ton of TV exposure, Ted Nugent needs to get in the news and can only do so by going after McCartney's beliefs. Paul McCartney is a peaceful man who cares about God's creatures. Ted Nugent's image is one of destruction, violence and acting like a neanderthal. Do you really think Ozzy bit the head of a Dove off at a CBS Board meeting or - more likely - they came up with the idea while sitting around the table at a CBS Board meeting. Ted's an excellent artist - it is time he shut his mouth and put out a few instrumental albums.


Hugo Chavez is doing more for the world, Ted, than George W. Bush. You should watch more Keith Olbermann. We need to send Hugo a batch of anti-Americans - Karl Rove, Cheney, Rummy, all your pals that invaded our White House. The War Crimes Trial for the Republicans that stole our White House should be held in a remote part of South America and should be as secretive as Guantanamo! Maybe President Hillary Clinton will make that all nice and legal and will make it happen!


Ted Nugent's only real masterpiece was with The Amboy Dukes. You might be able to hear "Journey To The Center Of The Mind" on Little Steven's Underground Garage, but continuous nutty rambling by the guitar player is only going to make the song go deeper into the underground. Let's see, Paul McCartney has a new album out and is getting a ton of TV exposure, Ted Nugent needs to get in the news and can only do so by going after McCartney's beliefs. Paul McCartney is a peaceful man who cares about God's creatures. Ted Nugent's image is one of destruction, violence and acting like a neanderthal. Do you really think Ozzy bit the head of a Dove off at a CBS Board meeting or - more likely - they came up with the idea while sitting around the table at a CBS Board meeting. Ted's an excellent artist - it is time he shut his mouth and put out a few instrumental albums.
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42)Point Of Ares
Enemy Glory Darkly Blessed
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=CASS70310091935&sql=Amu3ibks9aak9



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43)The Guess Who "These Eyes"

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:hiftxx9aldfe

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44)
Broken Arrows - Rabbit

http://www.mp3.com/albums/39272/reviews.html

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45)The Tremblers with Peter Noone "Twice Nightly"

Review by Joe Viglione

When Peter Noone, a top-selling artist who is and was Herman's Hermits released this disc in 1980 on Beach Boy Bruce Johnston's CBS distributed label and toured behind it, the five-piece band had to live in the shadow of the successful pop band that the lead singer was known for. Noone has said that Boston was one of the best stops on the tour -- perhaps because the fans in that city were hip to what Peter was doing: rocking out. There is an Elvis Costello cover, "Green Shirt," but it is the tunes written or co-written by Peter Noone that are strking. "She Was Something Else" is a modern-day Herman Hermits tune -- with a hook that won't quit.

full review here


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0cfwxql5ld0e




For more information:

http://myspace.com/joeviglione


DISCS TO WATCH NEXT MONTH

MASS CRACK OF DAWN

This might be the best MASS album yet. It's phenomenal. Production by Michael Kronlund and Mass is topnotch. "It's You" kicks the album off with solid hooks and an immediate blast that makes you stand at attention. This is a group that has matured with time and have mastered the art of hard rock. They should be on tour with Ozzy and Black Sabbath as the ONLY opener. It's that good. I am so tired of a lot of stuff being passed off as rock & roll music or hard rock or heavy metal.
CRACK OF DAWN is the real deal. If Louis, Lou, Gene and Joey missed the mark I'd be the first to say it. Gene D'Itria's guitarwork is monstrous. Check it out on their MySpace if you don't believe me:

http://www.myspace.com/masstheband








SYD

Syd is managed by James Kenly who handles BRADDIGAN from Dispatch.
These are the two CDs to watch for the August Top 40 - new arrivals worthy of your time.

http://myspace.com/syd






48)The Grass Roots Move Along

http://www.mp3.com/albums/32214/summary.html

Saturday, June 02, 2007

June 2007 Top 40 - Just A Few Reasons Why Joe Vig is one of the most prolific writers in New England.

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Photo of Little Walter DeVenne, DJ featured in our story on radio this week (June 1) in the North Shore Sunday.
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Joe Vig's Top 40 for June, 2007

Welcome! Enclosed are some of my reviews and stories appearing in other publications as well as goodies that we have written (me and my alter ego) specifically for this blog.

Enjoy!

1)Shock and Awe Jocks from the North Shore Sunday, June 1, 2007
http://www.townonline.com/northshoresunday/homepage/x317119233


2)Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:avfexzy5ldfe


3)Tim Giovanniello review forthcoming, it's in the CD player now 6/2/07



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4)Barry Goudreau on Barnes & Noble.com

http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&EAN=793018210423&itm=2

5)God Lives Underwater "Up Off The Floor"
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:39frxqlsldfe


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6)BRADDIGAN LIVE AT GOUCHER COLLEGE (Review to follow)


http://braddigan.com/newsletter/06December.html






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7) "Queen Tribute" by Valensia

http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:axfexqyald0e


Not to be confused with last month's #12 record (May Joe Vig Top 40)
Northey Valenzuela (self-titled CD)

Review by Joe Viglione
The pairing of guitarist/vocalist Craig Northey with vocalist/guitarist Jesse Valenzuela works very well on Northey Valenzuela's eponymous album, though the cover photo leaves a lot to be desired and doesn't give a glimpse of the great sounds within. The disc opens with a laid-back semi-driving "Talk to Yourself," a very appealing slice of pop drawing from Dwight Twilley and perhaps R.E.M. doing the Eagles' "Already Gone" at half speed. "Counting on You" borrows liberally from George Harrison's "Paperback Writer" riff, and that's a good thing on this bright and shiny music, sounds on that song representative of what you'll find here. "You gotta be cruel to be kind" is a line from track seven, "Let It Go," a little hint that Nick Lowe is an influence, and a positive one at that.

full review:

http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fpftxqydld6e


















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8)Blues Caravan The New Generation
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=E1B2E2E2651DC44CAC776BD8CB651099EE22A349FF6E&sql=10:jzfrxqqrld6e


9)Home and Garden review
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hxfrxq95ldfe



10)Stop The War Coalition: Benefit Concert Featuring Brian Eno
ALLMUSIC.COM
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0cfyxqedldhe


ALLMOVIE.COM
http://allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:357199

11)South of Delia / Richard Shindell


http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:3vftxzu5ldhe






12)The Best of the Joe Perry Project: The Music Still Does the Talking
Well, Billie Montgomery Hirsch Alexander Perry may have pushed her husband on to American Idol....maybe she did, maybe she didn't; the new Mrs. Perry might have also told Steve Tyler to take a hike and leave Aerosmith so she could front the band?
Only her hairdresser and plastic surgeon know for sure... but we have the
Barnes & Noble posting of my review of THE BEST OF THE JOE PERRY PROJECT...this is the stuff he did before Billie left Willie Loco to get her hands on Mr. Perry:

http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&EAN=612657009826&itm=2


The moral of the story? Joe Perry - let the music do the talking, not the second wife! (Disclaimer: We are Joe Perry fans! It's the 2nd wife we have a problem with!!!)

13)P.J. Shapiro article in Medford Mercury by Joe Vig
http://www.pjshapiro.com/IKWYMO_Reviews.html

14)Bette Midler THE ROSE (CD Soundtrack)
http://www.betteontheboards.com/boards/album-10.htm


15)Lynn Anderson LIVE AT THE RENAISSANCE THEATER

http://shopping.msn.com/Reviews/shp/?itemId=95886486


16)Butterfly Joe on Artist Direct.com
http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,957264,00.html




17)Bill Janovitz on Visual Radio 2007

http://varulven.com/video.html



18)Charlie Farren's WORLD GONE WILD
http://www.charliefarren.com/Charlie%20Farren%20Reviews%20-%20AMG%20-%20Joe%20Vig.htm


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19)Compilation: Atom Records The First Five Years (2001-2006)

http://cdbaby.com/cd/atomrec

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20)IN DEFENSE OF OUR AMERICA - Book by Anthony D. Romero and Tina Temple-Raston






23)Piper - Billy Squier's PIPER CD on MP3.com Review by Joe Vig
http://www.mp3.com/albums/60842/reviews.html


OK, I couldn't find the PIPER cover so here's the sequel, "Can't Wait" photo






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24)707 GREATEST HITS LIVE
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:difuxqedldse



25)Ken Elkinson "Revelry"
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fifexqy0ldse


26)BLACKALICIOUS
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kvfyxqydldte

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27)Blacktop Mourning


Review forthcoming
http://music.download.com/blacktopmourning/3600-8691_32-101039971.html

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28)John R. Phillips - REVIVAL TIME

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gbfixqukldje

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29) Calling All Angels - Jack's Waterfall

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:axfrxq90ldfe


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30)Adverbs by Daniel Handler



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31)Bob Dylan after the ... 97.3 E.Z. Rock site

http://www.ezrock.com/album/857853/review

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32)Lawrence Donegan on Barnes & Noble
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/artistbio.asp?CTR=120911


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33)He's a Rebel: Phil Spector Rock and Rolls Legendary Producer (Paperback)
by Mark Ribowsky (Author)






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34)Kerry Kearney's "Welcome To The Pyschedelta"

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fxfwxqr0ldfe


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35) For the First Time
Nick Bukuvalas


http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=10:34:00|PM&sql=Adcfuxqu0ldse

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36) How To Create A Rumba or {Como se forma una Rumba)
http://allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:289396


(Review should post in a week or so on Allmovie.com)

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37)The Heebie-jeebies at Cbgb's: A Secret History of Jewish Punk By Steven Lee Beeber


http://books.google.com/books?id=Loulao8hWM8C&dq=heebee+jeebies+cbgb's&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=X38wNHtqsB&sig=2LaxdSH1aVc_NoM5UxK3uga49dU#PPP1,M1



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38)Eden's Children Part of the Bosstown Sound
http://www.mmguide.musicmatch.com/album/album.cgi?ALBUMID=1044213&AMGLENGTH=full#review



39)Chris Pureka's DRYLAND as reviewed for Inside Out Magazine, Hudson Valley, NY

March Issue


Artist: Chris Pureka
Title: Dryland
Label: Sad Rabbit Music
Year: 2006
Catalog # 329112

Dryland is an impressive follow up to Chris Pureka's first full-length disc, Driving North. Pureka's distinctive voice takes the listener to the places
explored by Elton John and Bernie Taupin back in the days of their Tumbleweed Connection album. It's pop music for the old west, a perfect soundtrack for a
sequel to Brokeback Mountain, perhaps Brokeback Mountain from the female perspective. This Dryland speaks with authority, a youthful voice chock full of
wisdom articulating the moods that swing from disappointment to want, expressed effectively in songs like "Come Back Home" and the title track. "The last
time I saw it I was heading north to the mountain-lands and here I am" she sings in the song "Dryland", perhaps referencing the earlier work while
continuing the theme of missing, waiting and wanting. Pureka has that same drive Janis Ian displayed post "Society's Child" and before her "At Seventeen" phase
with the songs building upon each other, unstated connections that form a cohesive whole, like chapters of the same book. Dryland is a finely textured
fabric, the soaring "Momentary Thief" continuing the requests, the singer putting her private meditations out for public inspection. Co-producer/engineer Marc
Alan Miller helps create a sparse environment for the variety of instruments, and that allows them to slip in and out of the melodic passages without intruding
on the words. The combination of the upright bass from Andy Rice mixed with Sebastian Renfield's ambient electric guitar and violins mark the first song, These
Pages, with an eloquence that reflects the singer's intent. These aren't simple Top 40 poems put to music, they read like pages from a diary with the
songwriter changing the melodies and chords to fit her unique story-telling form. Yes, each title has the ability to work separately from this setting as album
tracks or even a potential Triple A radio single, think Tracy Chapman being low-key and telling her stories in a different framework. It is complex music,
but the complexities don't take away from Chris Pureka's ability to entertain while getting so many issues off her mind.

A different review of Chris Pureka by Joe Vig on Allmusic.com
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3vfoxqudldse


40)Real Estate Debt Can Make You Rich: What You Owe Today Is What You Will Be Worth Tomorrow (Paperback) by Steve Dexter

Interview on Visual Radio will be posted soon.



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Our last entry May 20, 2007.
This entry 7:21 PM June 2, 2007

Coming Soon:
Russell Welch with Steve Holley (CD)
The Atlantics
Three Colors

Gary Sohmers Roar's Back March 8 with Collectibles Show, To Jah Nature Ellis, Tom Hambridge New CD, Keith Richards Waiting for the Man, Sean Walshe American Son, Clive Davis with Anthony DeCurtis

Top 10 1)Gary Sohmers 2)Tom Hambridge 3)Nature Ellis  4)Keith Richards "Waiting for the Man" Lou Reed's Birthday 5)Sean Walshe...