Y’all,

Much like the rest of the store, the music section has seen a recent influx of great books.  I think everyone already knows about the new James Brown biography The One and Gregg Allman’s new memoir My Cross to Bear, but here are a few you might not have heard about.  

With Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday just around the corner (July 14), daughter Nora Guthrie with the Woody Guthrie Archives have  published My Name is New York: Ramblin’ Around Woody Guthrie’s Town.  “Highlighting 19 significant locations with historic photos, lyrics, artwork, documents, and diaries – including a day-to-day chronological listing of song titles – this little guide provides an expansive yet intimate portrait of Woody Guthrie’s NYC life.”  My Name is New York is the perfect book for the Woody Guthrie fan about to jet set to the Big Apple, or someone who needs a little more geographical information on the famed folk singer. ($12.95 powerHouse Books)

For an indie rock fan looking for a historical guide, their day has arrived.  From journalist Jesse Jarnow comes Big Day Coming: Yo La Tengo and the Rise of Indie Rock, a biography not just on the band but on the movement and world they came from.  “Their story winds through rock history, from guitarist Ira Kaplan’s days as a rock-obsessive teen through his start as a twenty-year-old columnist reporting on the mid-1970s New York punk scene; from Yo La Tengo’s patient early 1980s gestation in slightly off-the-map Hoboken to the birth of a new kind that was actually deserving of the name indie.  As the music industry changed, Yo La Tengo and their associates consistently questioned and reclaimed the notions of independence, even as the meaning of indie continued to mutate.” ($18.00 Gotham Books)

Another cool book recently released is the new Jimi Hendrix biography written by his brother Leon aptly titled Jimi Hendrix: A Brother’s Story.  “Leon Hendrix takes us back to the days before Jimi’s amazing rise to fame, beginning with their tough childhood in Seattle, when their fascination with science fiction and UFOs helped them escape a difficult family life.  The author reveals Jimi’s early fascination with sound, from his experiments with plucking wires attached to bedposts to the time he got in trouble for taking about the family radio (‘I was looking for the music,’ he explained).”  Jimi Hendrix: A Brother’s Story is the perfect book for the Hendrix fan attempting to understand the origins of his genius. ($25.99 Thomas Dunne Books, St. Martin’s Press)

One last reminder.  If you didn’t pick up Preston Lauterbach’s The Chitlin’ Circuit and the Road to Rock’n’Roll fear not!  We recently received a shipment of the book in the newly published paperback.  If you’re interested in reading the new James Brown biography The One by R.J. Smith this book is a perfect companion.  ($16.95 W.W. Norton)

by Simon

For James Brown the magic of the One was a trade secret. The One had mystique and that was good for business. The One was the way to find yourself in music. In Africa, the One was means for drummers to come together. For James Brown, the powerful One was his heart, soul and strength. The One was up beat, putting him in touch with his past and then who he became. Also, it put him in charge of a culture for which he was king.

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The upbeat is rich and powerful, and the downbeat weak. By stepping up proud and becoming The One, you didn’t follow the passive. Power was the music as it was in life, the One.

R. J. Smith has given Soul Brothers and Funksters a fascinating look into the Godfather’s Life. James Brown’s amazing story is one through his trials, abuse and at times a celebration. The One is a masterful story of the most important musician during my growing up. R. J.’s book has given me a clearer understanding of Brown’s life which is the tool to understand the music in full and grasp to some degree how it was created.

The One is so well researched and expertly written the reader feels how close this book and JB became a part of R. J.’s inner being. A book that seems composed and driven not just by the subjects powerful force but one guided b y an inner spirit, a passion. R. J.’s passion is rewarded. It’s a wonderful biography where James Brown’s mystique is brought forth into reality. Hey, I’m glowing about The One. This book is born from will power and fire and smoke it is not.

Personally, my James Brown attraction began in my mid-teens. Driven by the great AM radion station WOKJ, my love for Soul Brother #1 grew. The recently built Jackson coliseum became my fortress for the southern post-chiltlin acts, largely out of Memphis. At fourteen, before I could drive, I maneuvered myself to a tag-a-long to catch Mr. What I Say Ray Charles and the Rayletts. During the Soul hey-day, Jackson exploded with black music. The likes of Sam and Dave, Joe Tex, Bobby Blue Bland, Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding and others. This was the era when white audience began to really open up to to black music. However, without question, the king pen appearances I experienced were of The One.

I believe it was the summer of 67 and 68 that the Godfather blessed his children. Both shows were marvelous and there was a time for cold sweat and we received the blessing. I welcome any comments or memories of these concert times. Give me a shout out if you attended either.

Lemuria is having a James Brown throw back as we celebrate R. J.’s The One. Please join us at 5:00 on Friday. Bring your stories and memorbilia. R. J. will share his take on our king as we spin vinyl and add our localism to honor Soul Brother #1.

Soon after I started reading The One, R. J. Smith’s fine new biography of “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown, I realized I didn’t know many of his funk albums. I didn’t even know what made an album funky or soul except by listening to the beats. I grew up on soul music, but as funk goes, I was inclined to spend my hard earned on World, Jazz and Blues. Growing up with the soul sounds of black music that baptized me in my junior high and high school years. And for me, the Godfather was my Soul King.

As I journeyed through The One, I became more curious about Brown’s funk period on vinyl, of which I own none but have listened to extensively since the CD era. While reading The One, I have enjoyed to its fullest Joaquim Paulo’s fine and extensive study, Funk & Soul Covers. I even found a few vinyl gems in my collection that are among the main stays of my musical listening experience.

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In 1969, when I was forced to go to summer school to beat the draft, I was late and cut a must-be attended class that must be passed or go to 1A. (For you youngsters, 1A was a quick ticket to Vietnam.) The reason for being late was Issac Hayes Hot Buttered Soul in full album (both sides) was being played on the radio and I heard for the first time his version of Walk on By. Long songs made this record and I couldn’t stop listening. Hot Buttered Soul soon became part of my record collection. I flunked that class but squeaked by the second semester and did not have to visit the jungle.

In 1979, We Are Family by Sister Sledge played constantly in Lemuria as the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates wives danced on top of the dugout at Three Rivers Stadium.

In 1974, my second most influential Soul and Funk Album is Oluntunji’s Soul Makossa, my first Baba Olatunji discovery. I found this gem in a small record shop in Washington, D.C. Before the Internet, young folks, record hunting was truly like prospecting.

Without question, my favorite, most listened to, most partied to, most drummed with, and a record that says it all about my choice of funk is the brilliant 1974 Wild Magnolias with the New Orleans Project which includes the great New Orleans hand drummer Alfred “Uganda” Roberts. Occasionally a record can change lives and for me and my pals, this masterpiece did just that.

Back to James Brown. Funk and Soul includes three James Brown covers. One is Mother Popcorn featured above. The other two featured are Get on the Good Foot and Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.  I ‘m not sure I have ever seen or listened to these albums.

If you have either of these three records bring them to share at our James Brown party Friday June 29 at 5:00 for a couple of beers. It’s vinyl time for James Brown as we celebrate R. J. Smith’s fine biography The One: The Life and Music of James Brown.

From Funk and Soul Covers, I have many CDs of the included, from which I have enjoyed countless hours of listening pleasure. However, many of the albums just passed me by. I don’t know if these are any good except for their cover art.

However, one album cover caught my eye and it has no accompanying description. I feel certain I would have bought it based just on the cover alone. In 1974, I guess I didn’t flip it by while I was browsing: Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky by O’Donel Levy. If you own this one, you would most likely remember the album art. It’s outrageous!

If anyone knows this record, please burn me a disc, bring it Friday night and I will give you a beer. If you have never seen this cover, check it out in Funk and Soul Covers.

It’s time to pull out your old vinyl (78s, 45s or 33s) and bring them to Lemuria.

Lemuria is very excited to celebrate James Brown Friday, June 29th at 5:00 at our Dot Com Building. We want to encourage all fans and especially James Brown friends to attend. We welcome any stories or tall tales you want to share.

R. J. Smith has written the definitive biography of James Brown, and we want to celebrate The One. I have been working for six months against ridiculous odds to bring R. J. to Jackson. I’ve never met R. J. but for an author to write such a good book, he must be fun. Here’s a little insight into his journey while writing The One:

“During the three years of researching and writing this book, I crawled around a South Carolina cemetery as it sank into the swamps, reading tombstones in the dark with my hands. I got run off the road by an eighteen wheeler near Macon, caught pneumonia twice, and lost my job.”

-R. J. Smith

R. J.’s research is extensive and his work is presented with great care and insight.

Lemuria is taking this opportunity to put together an afternoon of God Father celebration. We want to hear your stories as we hear R. J.’s and we want to see your old vinyl. I’ve gone through my collection and found a few.

And of course bring your old vinyl and receive free beer.

Not only would it be fun to share records but we’d also love to hear your stories. We know a few folks in Jackson who have known James Brown personally and we can’t wait to hear your tales of encounter. We welcome any personalizations and autographs, old photos with the King of Soul or just anything you want to throw in the pot for fun.

It’s rumored that Lee “of Jackson Royalty” King will show up with his first hand accounts and his own style of soul. Lee is welcome to be the evening’s MC and DJ.

Darden, of BeBop Fame, won the prize with his “Bobby Keys event” collection, at Bobby’s party. I wonder what spins Darden will bring? The oldest record gets two beers.

Is there a James Brown impersonator out there that’s willing to show up? We welcome all ideas for fun. Tell your friends and I suggest reading The One in advance if you can.

Dig out your old vinyl, start listening to your King again and plan to show up for a fun Friday afternoon for James Brown with R. J. Smith.

The One: The Life and Music of James Brown by R. J. Smith

(Gotham Books, March 2012)

The One is also our First Editions Club Pick for July.

Ernie K-Doe: The R & B Emperor of New Orleans

by Ben Sandmel with a foreword by Peter Guralnick

(The Historic New Orleans Collection, 2012)

One Friday afternoon after Ernie K-Doe’s death, but before Katrina, I drove to New Orleans and landed at the Mother-In-Law Lounge for a party. I had no idea what I was getting into or what pleasure the evening would bring about.

The outside of the lounge with its decorative walls really doesn’t prepare you for the experience inside. Within the K-Doe museum you’ll find a life size statue of the Emperor himself just like he is still alive–which inside the Mother-In-Law Lounge he is still alive.

In May 1961, Ernie K-Doe had a monster-sized hit with “Mother-In-Law”. This tune rose to the top of both the R & B and pop charts. “Mother-In-Law” was played constantly on black and white air waves. Being eleven years old at the time, I remember singing along with “Mother-In-Law”, as a chatter-box kid. Didn’t we all?

“The worst person I know, Mother-In-Law”

. . . and Satan should be her name”

There ain’t but two songs that will stand the test of time, until the end of the world. One of them is “The Star Spangled Banner. The other one is “Mother-In-Law”. -Ernie K-Doe

There have been five great singers of Rhythm and Blues–Ernie K-Doe, James Brown and Ernie K-Doe. -Ernie K-Doe

I met Ben Sandmel, a New Orleans-based journalist, a few years ago. I’ve developed respect for his work and efforts in helping musicians and encouraging their music. His beautifully bound and illustrated  shows an extensive effort. Ben’s book is a must for K-Doe fans and for all who love New Orleans music.

Over the years I saw the R & B Emperor of New Orleans at Jazz Fest. For those who share those memories, Ben’s K-Doe is a treat. For those who need to learn about the majesty of K-Doe, the bible is here. You just never know–A trip to the “Mother-In-Law” Lounge could just make it all just right.

Dear Listener,

I hope you guys aren’t tired of reading about the 33 1/3 series, because I sure ain’t done talking about it.  In a burst of excitement, we have ordered twenty four different 33 1/3 books.  Here is the list.  Get excited.

• the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds by Jim Fusilli

• the Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutiqueby Dan Le Roy

• the Beatles’ Let It Be by Sam Matteo

• Big Star’s Radio City by Bruce Eaton

• Jeff Buckley’s Grace by Daphne Brooks

• Dinosaur Jr.’s You’re Living All Over Me by Nick Attfield

• Guided by Voices’ Bee Thousand by Marc Woodworth

• the Magnetic Fields’ 69 Love Songs by LD Beghtol

• the Minutemen’s Double Nickels on the Dime by Michael T. Fournier

• Nas’ Illmatic by Matthew Gasteier

• Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Kim Cooper

• Nirvan’s In Utero by Gillian G. Gaar

• Pavement’s Wowee Zowee by Bryan Charles

• Prince’s Sign O the Times by Michaelangelo Matos

• Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Christopher R. Weingarten

• Radiohead’s Kid A by Marvin Lin

• Radiohead’s OK Computer by Dai Griffiths

• the Replacements’ Let It Be by Colin Meloy

• the Rolling Stones’ Some Girls by Cyrus Patell

• Elliott Smith’s XO by Matthew Lemay

• Patti Smith’s Horses by Philip Shaw

• Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation by Matthew Steams

• Television’s Marquee Moon by Bryan Waterman

• Neil Young’s Harvest by Sam Inglis

A couple of other blogs on 33 1/3:

Reading 33 1/3

Master of Reality by Black Sabbath

For your enjoyment, below is the song “Friction” from Television’s debut album Marquee Moon (1977)

by Simon

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwrCUEMl76U?rel=0&w=420&h=315]

Bring your old vinyl to share and Lemuria will give you a free beer.

Bobby is bringing his horn and we hope he’ll blow. Lemuria is encouraging all fans to bring old records he has played on to share. Bobby said he would be glad to sign them.

Last Sunday, I hunted through my records and found two with Bobby playing. Both are gems to me.

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Just a kid in elementary school in 1961, I purchased a 45 by Dion which I’m sure juiced up my “need to be cool” fantasies at the time. “. . . Tear open my shirt I got Rosie on my chest . . .” sure lit me up at eleven-years-old. Listening to this 45 now, it still sounds good. Fifty-one years later this record seems in better shape than me.

Here’s some fun trivia from Bobby in Every Night’s a Saturday Night:

” . . . I ended up recording the sax part, solo and everything, for “The Wanderer.” Now here’s the kicker: Unbeknownst to me until very recently, during my take of “The Wanderer” I was slightly out of tune, so they had somebody come in after me and copy what I’d done, but in tune. Well, I always thought that it was me because the solo on the record was exactly what I’d remembered playing. The licks were exactly the same. And it sounded really good. But it wasn’t really me playing. After forty-five goddamn years, I found out it was somebody else playin’ my solo. . . And no one thought to tell me I’d hit the cutting room floor.”

The other gem I found is from 1970: Delaney & Bonnie & Friends on Tour with Eric Clapton. At that time on the west coast, Delaney, who was born in Mississippi, led the only band playing original music with a very Southern Stax Record-like sound. Bobby fit in just right.

It was a helluva band backed with the great chic vocal power of Bonnie and Rita Coolidge. Clapton, Delaney and Dave Mason on guitar. Bobby and Jim Price blowing horns driven by a strong rhythm section, this record still screams.

The cover art with two feet sticking out the window? Bob Dylan’s.

Bring your vinyl, meet Bobby and share memories you’ve had listening to Bobby play.

JX//RX

More details about the event here.

See our other blog on Bobby Keys here.

Every Night’s a Saturday Night: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Life of Legendary Sax Man Bobby Keys

by Bobby Keys and Bill Ditenhafer

(Counterpoint, 2012)

Keith Richards introduces his pal’s book:

Bobby Keys is a master of blowing hot air thru a brass tube by manipulating a series of valves. This must be true because I have played along side him for over 40 years. He has also told me that a Rico reed has something to do with it. In other words he is the hottest sax (not to be confused with sex) player on the planet. My most treasured friend , this beloved maestro is going to take you on a rock ‘n’ roll journey that will leave the reader gasping. We have been thru thick & thin together, and I’ve always found his love of music and people to be an antidote for the blues. Bobs: I love you

Bobby Keys’ passion for his horn started early. In his teens, he hung out in Buddy Holly’s garage. He chose sax as his high school band instrument. He dropped out of high school to go on the road to rock n’ roll. In 1964, he hit the road with Dick Clark Caravan of Stars. By 1969, he was playing out west with Delaney and Bonnie and Eric Clapton. Joe Cocker got wind of Bobby and in 1970 he became a mad dog and Englishman. In England, he befriended Lennon and George Harrison.

In 1970, he found his soul touring with The Rolling Stones for the first time. Since then he has been a Stones “The World’s Greatest Rock Band” fixture. With the Stones Bobby found his musical soul mate in Keith Richards, either on stage dueting or off stage partying like hell-raising demigods.

Bobby’s Every Night relates his ride all over the world with the great musicians of the Rock era. It’s amazing how many records he was on and how many friends he blew for. This is not just his story but the story of an era’s moods and how partying defined the culture.

Out of all of Bobby’s great stories I want to share two of my favorites:

Bobby’s mom’s first trip to see Paris and hear her Bobby play with the Stones. The other standout was about when Keith and Bobby were hanging with Hugh Heffner at the Chicago Playboy Mansion. What a blast that must have been!

The strength of every night for me was the way Bobby related the chemistry of the bands and the quirks of the musicians. The problems of the music business crosses with the excessive partying distraction. Grovelling work loads and routines seem to over shadow the fun of just playing the music. Rock became a huge business as Bobby migrated from Buddy’s garage to its top as the industry exploded. His story is a unique part of this history.

Those who know my interest in music know I’m not a big rock guy. So with that said, Please listen! I enjoyed Bobby’s ride from Lubbock to London immensely. If you like Rock and/or follow the Stones, the book is a must read. The words flow out just like the music from Bobby’s horn.

Please join us to welcome and celebrate Bobby at 3:00 Saturday March 24th.

Bring any of your old vinyl with Bobby playing. He has agreed to sign album covers. Adding to the fun of sharing old vinyl art, anyone who brings an old record gets a free beer or beverage.

Charlie Winton, my publishing/music pal will be hanging around and said Bobby will bring his horn. As we all know, anything can happen when we rock ‘n’ roll on a Saturday.

JX//RX

Click here for more info on the event.

Read “Bring your Vinyl” here.

Every Night’s a Saturday Night: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Life of Legendary Sax Man Bobby Keys

by Bobby Keys and Bill Ditenhafer

(Counterpoint, 2011)

Dear Listener,

I’ve never been a fan of Black Sabbath.  I’ve never hated them, either.  They’re just one of those bands that came and went before my time. On the subject of my last blog (which can be viewed here), a 33 1/3 book that really stuck out for me was the fifty-sixth in the series covering Master of Reality by Black Sabbath written by John Darnielle.  There are two things that make this book special to me, and neither of them have to do with Ozzy Osbourne.

1.  John Darnielle is a name that was familiar to me before discovering this book.  Darnielle is the only continuing member of the band The Mountain Goats.  Being quite literary, Darnielle frequently writes albums of fiction.  Stories that continue from song to song.  Sometimes fictional, sometimes non.  As a proponent for literature, I have always been fond of John Darnielle.

2.  Unlike nearly every other book in the 33 1/3 series, Darnielle wrote his as a work of fiction.  Amazingly he still manages to discuss every song on the album, including background information on the musicians, all while developing his characters.  If it weren’t about Black Sabbath, it may very well have been the perfect merger of music and fiction.

Below is Darnielle under his moniker The Mountain Goats performing his song “Color in Your Cheeks” from his 2002 album All Hail West Texas.  For more on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert click here.

by Simon