2006: Of Ancients and Ghosts

Took a vacation to Chicago this fall. The city is my version of a Keith
Richard's blood transfusion. Normal Chicago weather, being slapped by the
wind, headed to the Palmer House, envisioning the tall, cool Samoan Fog
Cutter awaiting at Trader Vic's, my preference over the infamous Pina Colada
of Warren Zevon. Finally spin through the doors only to find Trader Vic's
shuttered, relegating another piece of my life to the dark confines of
memory.

2006, the year of the ancients and ghosts living and gone singing haunted
songscapes infused with the past, scarred by the present.

1. Bob Dylan: Modern Times
Easy choice, fully capturing the moment of age, fusing decades of music into
a wholly contemporary statement. The wisdom of time from a master artist.

2. Dion: Bronx in Blue
Dion and an acoustic guitar, attacking the blues as if in possession of the
Holy Grail. Age has bought ownership of this music, and the power of the
blues is best conveyed when you carry the scars.

3. Vince Gill: These Days
What, a contemporary and at times vapid country "star" in the midst? Well
those days are long gone and Gill has had an epiphany of the true meaning of
country music. So much so that through four discs we are given an
impassioned history lesson of country style played impeccably, honestly and
mostly with a lot of fun.

4. Jeremy Spencer: Precious Little
It seems a lifetime ago that Spencer's Elmore James style guitar work was an
integral part of Fleetwood Mac making them one of the finer British
exponents of American blues. What a pleasure it is to hear it anew. While
many years older, still adhering to his faith, nobody said you couldn't
still play the blues. The guitar still stings and slides with ease.

5. Andy Fairweather Low: Sweet Soulful Music
Sideman, musical partner of Clapton, survivor. The title is accurate.
Low-key, bluesy, and entirely entertaining. As with Jeremy Spencer, the
British grow into their age with grace and style.

6. Kris Kristofferson: This Old Road
Nobody could ever say that Kristofferson has a great voice, what he does
have is great songs, filled with mortality, reality and memories, delivered
with a well-worn weariness. The candle bearer for Cash, Jennings and Owens.

7. John Stewart: Day the River Sang
Speaking of voices or lack thereof, one of America's great folk singers.
Sometimes the voice fits the material and the material fits the times. Such
is the case here. Includes a wonderful homage to New Orleans.

8. J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton: Road to Escondido
Seems such an obvious pairing that you wonder why it took so long. This is a
back porch affair, melding common approaches into a single voice.

9. Bob Seger: Face the Promise
This shouldn't be this good. Missing in action for a number of years
following a couple of disappointing half-hearted attempts, Seger seems to
have found his voice, desire and most of all material. Might be overrated
but the surprise factor has moved this up.

10. Jerry Lee Lewis: Last Man Standing
Can't tell you how happy this makes me. Top ten? Who cares. There is only
one Jerry Lee Lewis and it is great to hear him own the proceedings once
again regardless of the high caliber associates. The redefinition of Led
Zeppelin's "Rock 'n Roll" leaves no doubt. Something to be thankful for.

Re-issues:

1. Bruce Springsteen: Live at Hammersmith Odeon '75.
Jon Landau once stated "I've seen the future of Rock 'n Roll and his name is
Bruce Springsteen". This is why. Absolutely the best band in the land and
why Springsteen's Pete Seeger Sessions didn't make the top ten. This is
truly what it's all about.

2. George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Still missed. Harrison's attacks on the music business, the Beatles and his
devotion to his faith remind us that life is much more important than fame
and money.

3. Bob Dylan: The Times They Are A-Changin'
Okay not really a 2006 reissue but new to my collection. How utterly
relevant after 42 years, even when you wish it wasn't. Seems appropriate to
end this list the same way I started it. Same voice, still talking, hope
somebody is listening.

2006, saw the demise of Tower Records, a symbolic end to the record store as
we knew it. We are back to the days of department store record aisles,
devoid of catalog, devoid of talent, and full of .... The resurgence of the
single is possible in the 'I' world of I-Pods, and I-Tunes, so maybe things
really do go full circle. We'll see what 2007 brings.

2006 also saw James Brown exit the stage for the last time. An original, an
innovator and the ultimate showman. He'll be missed, but he left an enduring
legacy.

In the meantime, the voices above still show that music can be made for
music's sake for those that want to hear it. Ancients and ghosts, long may
they be heard. And in a nod to Warren Zevon, Werewolves of London, beware.

Randy