Music of the '80s that Matters: The Cure's "Just Like Heaven"

Robert Smith was the David Bowie (Ziggy-era) for young women of the 1980's.

His band The Cure cut across so many, dare I say tragically hip, elements of youth culture at that time. Moreover, their influence persists, long after the Goth fad that deified them.

They make the cut. You are a keystroke away from seeing the video of The Cure's iconic "Just Like Heaven". This band, because of Robert Smith, will still matter in 30 years and as usual, it is the timeless nature of their best music that sustains their importance.

If you are over 45, hitting the video link below is something important. For those who want to relive this moment, follow this video link and check it out.

Not only is it just like heaven, but "Every Little Thing ..." The Cure do here "... Is Magic".

Dancing To Echoes in The Wind

Two absolute gems, with details in post and comments thereon, over at Echoes in the Wind (clips from YouTube contributors):

Originally Posted January 08, 2009

Dee Dee Sharp & Sly and the Family Stone

George Harrison: "Got My Mind Set on You"

Let's stick with this Beatles theme for one more clip -- this a great video and song by a mature George.

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George Harrison: "Got My Mind Set on You"

On the Roof of Number 3 Savile Road, St. John's Wood, Westminster, London

The Beatles, The Roof of Abbey Road Studios, "Don't Let Me Down"
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Listen to the soul in John's voice as he, as no one else ever will, pleads "Don't Let Me Down". This is why rock 'n' roll is important -- this is the real stuff dudes and dudettes. Taste is not an option with this one, it's good by definition.

Following Threads: Patty Griffin; Buddy & Julie Miller

Patty Griffin

By reading Emmylou Harris liner notes, I picked up the name of singer/songwriter Patty Griffin. Then, recently, MusicChoice Americana cable radio put a song of hers, Useless Desires, in heavy rotation. It's Christmas time so I dumped the rest of my CD wish list and moved her 2004 album Impossible Dream to number one on my wish list. This is a record with a track list of great merit. It's diverse, deep -- expanding in the, let's call it the "wow" factor each time I listen and discover a new gem.

That said, Useless Desires is still (so far) the album's stand-out performance; When It Don't Come Easy is rising fast. So, for your listening pleasure, two alternatives: Patty Griffin singing, on a flawed live recording, Useless Desires. Or for the studio version of this song (the cut I am making all this fuss about), may be found in the Number 4 slot in my black jukebox in the column to the right:

Patti Griffin Useless Desires (live, 1996, Fort Worth, Texas Arts Festival)

Do not hesitate to pick this album up. Its deep, luminescent harmony would make Joni and Emmylou tip their hats.
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Another thread of Emmylou's tapestry I followed left in the hands of her guitar player Buddy Miller, his wife fellow musician Julie, and their 8 minute parable that will rock your Cosmic American Musical heart: Buddy and Julie Miller: Dirty Water, Number 8 on the black jukebox at right. You got more soul on this track than two white people could, but clearly do, deserve. Julie's voice aches and shimmers in perfect compliment to the groove Buddy lays down. It's is like big wave with a strong cross breeze, the ride will bonce you around and you'll love it.

Shining a Light on Your Silver and Your Gold

During 1968, and concentratedly in 1969, the Stones -- while moving Brian Jones out and Mick Taylor in -- while adding a taste of Gram Parsons' influence on Keith -- laid down the tracks for the album Let it Bleed (1969).
Once this album was presumptively completed, (i.e. "was in the can"), with Jagger on vocals for "You've Got the Silver" (and Keith on acoustic slide), Jagger left for an acting gig in the film Ned Kelly, to be shot in Australia. A problem arose with this track and Keith was forced to overdub the vocals for "You Got the Silver", the album track. (Note: the original Jagger on vocals versions -- I've heard it on a bootleg, is also quite good.)

Flash forward to 2006: Martin Scorsese filming the Stones in Shine a Light. Keith at a microphone and no guitar in his hands ("Wadda I do wid my hands?") and Ronnie on acoustic slide, and a twist of fate puts Mick in the locker, Keith and Ronnie out front and, well check out this new take on a classic:

Rolling Stones - You Got The Silver (live in NYC, 2006)
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