I've not read any of the Ronnie Spector obituaries, but I imagine they'll all centre on Be My Baby, her turbulent marriage to Phil, her battle with alcoholism, and maybe that Christmas album.
I'm not sure how many of them will call her the Godmother of New York punk, but I reckon there's a very strong argument for that case. There's a reason the Ramones wanted to work with Phil Spector, and I don't think it had anything to do with the Wall of Sound (which was largely absent from their collaboration anyway). I reckon it's because of the Noo Yawk attitude Ronnie brought to those early discs, and that had very little to do with Phil. You can hear it on her solo stuff too, and though a collaboration with the E Street Band on a Billy Joel song is far more New Jersey than New York... well, it's only across the river.
Billy wrote this as a Ronnie Spector tribute, so he must have been made up when she recorded it.
I think we'll call this week pretty much unanimous, shall we, and just spend the rest of the morning sat out in the garden?
With apologies to The Connells, who were cheated out of a place on the countdown for the second week running, and Mott The Hoople who had a great lyrical offering with Saturday Gigs... although, as Charity Chic pointed out, they can enter this song again for the next five weeks.
C was the first to suggest this week's winner, but she soon found support from Lynchie, Charity Chic, Rigid Digit and Alyson. I don't think any song has ever received so many votes on this feature, and while that wouldn't always sway the judge... I have to admit, Teenage Lament '74 may well be my favourite Alice Cooper song (although I do also have a soft spot for his cheesy 80s output).
Here's something you might not know about Teenage Lament '74. (I didn't, until now.) Who sings backing vocals?
Only Ronnie Spector, Labelle, the Pointer Sisters... and Liza Minnelli. No, I'm not making that up.
I ran into my room And I fell down on my knees Well, I thought that fifteen Was gonna be a breeze I picked up my guitar To blast away the clouds But somebody in the next room yelled "You gotta turn that damned thing down!"
Will '73 be as easy to call? I doubt it. Your suggestions welcome...
Brett
Anderson's songwriting has always combined glitter and grubbiness, so
an ode to the capital city of both seemed inevitable.
9. Kasey Chambers - Hollywood
Kasey laments the fact that real life ain't like the movies. A cliche, perhaps... but that voice!
One of the more interesting new records I've discovered this year comes from ex-Fleet Fox J. Tillman aka Father John Misty. This is a standout track from his debut album (as FJM), Fear Fun.
Comic book fan David Gedge obviously didn't think Hollywood's version of Spider-Man measured up to the one he read as a kid. And of course, he turns that into a metaphor for disappointing relationships.
Look, if you don't like Billy Joel... you don't like music. The Phil Spector-esque production on this BJ classic proved irresistible to Phil's ex, lead Ronette Ronnie Spector who went on to record her own version... with a little help from the legendary E Street Band.
Sometimes side projects prove more exciting than an artist's day job. Codeine Velvet Club was the brainchild of lead Fratelli Jon Lawler and Glasgow club singer Lou Hickey. The male/female harmonies and big 60s production numbers they created on the band's 2009 debut album promised great things... though sadly, it doesn't seem they're destined to work together again.
1. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - Hollywood Nights
One of beardy-Bob's bristling best.
In those Hollywood nights
In those Hollywood hills
She was looking so right
In her diamonds and frills
All those big city nights
In those high rolling hills
Above all the lights
She had all of the skills
