The Ben 500:
336. The Who - “Who Are You” (1978)
BEN: In my opinion, “Who Are You” is the last great Who song. Part of the reason I say that is because this is the last recording Keith Moon ever did. By 1978, The Who had become rock n’ roll dinosaurs. Punk rock was exploding, utilizing the same devil-may-care energy that Pete Townshend and company had in their “mod” days 15 years earlier. Even though they were old farts - Keith Moon was a crusty 32 years old - The Who were not done rocking. They showed the younger generation how it was done with this explosively fierce track. Roger Daltrey displays his roughest, most bruising vocal ever as he belts out this first-person tale of debauchery and excess. “I woke up in a Soho doorway, a policeman knew my name. He said you can go sleep at home tonite if you can get up and walk away”. Daltrey practically tears out his vocal chords on this track. The rest of the band are also in “attack mode” as Pete and John Entwistle stab at some chords while old man Keith Moon does his best to give it another signature sloppy effort. It’s a ramshackle, hedonistic mess, but just like a drunken bender complete with a fistfight, there’s some dark and twisted poetry to it that could only come from The Who. Keith Moon - another one done too soon.
Key lyric: “My heart is like a broken cup, I only feel right on my knees”
MARK: As much as I like classic rock, I am not the biggest Who fan. I can appreciate their hard rocking ways, but they don’t really blow me away (maybe besides the Live at Leeds album… it melted my face). The beginning has a cool feel, but I don’t like the ‘Who are you?’ part, maybe just because I have heard this song so many times. I love the verses though, they are nice and gritty. I do love the little breakdown around 2:25. Entwistle solo… check. It’s an ok song to me.
GRADE: C+
Claudia’s Review: (Singing) Who, who, who, who.
Filed under the who ben 500 336 who are you
BEN 500: Ben Eisen’s Top Songs… EVER
337. Night Ranger - “Sister Christian” (1983)
BEN: 1980’s hair metal isn’t given much due on this countdown, even though bands like Van Halen and Def Leppard played some of the first music I really fell in love with. The problem is while some of these artists had great tunes, they also had a lot of really embarrassing moments as well. Def Leppard’s “Let’s Get Rocked”, anyone? The San Francisco Bay-area band Night Ranger were largely underappreciated amongst bands from the hair metal heydey. They had a few hits that showed they knew the pop metal formula as well as anyone, like “When You Close Your Eyes”, and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”. Their biggest hit was the top 5 smash “Sister Christian”, a song written by drummer Kelly Keagy for his sister Christy, who in Kelly’s eyes was growing up way too fast. Keagy has said that the term “motoring” refers to the act of cruising. “Sister Christian” is a marvel of rock cliches and posturing that somehow works. It starts off with a lovely piano and builds into an epic crescendo to the most arena-ready chorus imaginable. This song features great harmonies, a killer guitar solo, and some of the biggest drum sounds ever. Night Ranger never had a hit this big again, but for one fleeting moment, hair metal reached pop perfection.
Key lyric: “Sister Christian there’s so much in life, and don’t you give it up before your time is due”
MARK: This song is a very catchy song. I listened to it a few days ago and it was stuck in my head all week. This morning I listened to it while the sun was rising and it really pumped me up for my day. The piano intro is so beautiful and it makes you realize that these guys were great musicians, not just hair and spandex. The drums are so thick and the builds are great. This song has it’s moments, I love it for what it is.
GRADE: B
Claudia’s Review: It was fun listening to this with the sun rising.
Filed under ben 500 337 Night Ranger Sister Christian
BIRTHWEEK! KFC in Kentucky
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Merry Christmas From The Ampersands!
Filed under Ampersands Santa bring my baby back to me cover christmas song
REM - the two guys on the right were destined to be famous musicians or serial killers
Filed under rem
THE BEN 500:
338. R.E.M. - “Find The River” (1992)
BEN: In January of 1980, four scrappy college-aged kids got together in Athens, GA, spurred on by their mutual admiration for The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, Big Star and proto punk acts like Patti Smith and Television. They formed a band that seemed destined to go nowhere - a bunch of nobodies from a nowhere town, just rock fans playing music they liked. 12 years later, R.E.M. were one of the biggest bands in the world, setting the template for how to be successful and humble, a stance duly noted by bands like Radiohead and Pearl Jam. When they first started out, singer Michael Stipe’s vocal delivery was nothing much beyond shy, introverted mumbling. Somewhere along the way, Stipe found his voice and confidence. His vocals became more powerful, and now that you could understand what he was singing, his lyrics improved (for the most part), tackling social issues and digging deep emotionally. In 1992, the band was coming off their biggest album to date, Out Of Time. Their follow up record is to many fans the absolute pinnacle of their career. The lushly produced Automatic For The People finds R.E.M. in fine form, musically and lyrically. Some of their biggest hits come from this record - “Drive”, “Everybody Hurts” and “Man On the Moon”, for example. My favorites from AFTP are the haunting piano ballad “Nightswimming” and the devastating country folk classic “Find The River”. I’m not sure what the lyrics on “Find The River” represent, but Stipe’s delivery, combined with Peter Buck’s guitar, Mike Mills’ understated bass line and pretty piano flourishes and Bill Berry’s minimal drums have never sounded better. Also take note of the musical hook performed by a lonely sounding clavinet. Beautiful stuff…
Key lyric: “Leave the road and memorize/This life that pass before my eyes/Nothing is going my way”
MARK: I am not an R.E.M. fan per say, but I do like this song. I like how it seems like a song anyone could sing, but at the same time, no one could probably do it better. The tone at the beginning seems so sad or maybe a bit hopeful and I love when the vocal comes in. He seems very honest. The production is great on this song, I feel like everything is really surrounding this tiny voice coming out of the middle. I have to say, I do like this song. I could listen to it on a rainy day.
GRADE: B
Claudia’s Review: I like it. Except that weird high pitched noise.
Filed under R.E.M. find the river ben 500 338
Cruel To Be Kind - Lovers & Poets
Here is a song from Lovers & Poets… Recognize it? It is originally a Nick Lowe song, who I believe is terribly underrated as a songwriter. He has great hooks, simple melodies, and short catchy songs. This is a great cover that, dare I say, is better than the original. I love Shannon’s smooth vocal with some punchy backing vocals. I love the soul/pop feel of it. Great bass playing from thee Ben Eisen. AND they were nice enough to ask me to play guitar on it. I was so excited, I have always loved this song and loved their arrangement. It turned out fantastic!
Filed under Lovers & Poets Cruel To Be Kind Nick Lowe cover
THE BEN 500:
339. Elton John - “Rocket Man” (1972)
BEN: In the early 70’s it seemed like everyone wanted to go to outer space. I think it was a lot of coattail riding after David Bowie’s 2001 A Space Odyssey-inspired “Space Oddity” tore up the charts, not to mention all the Apollo missions going to the moon and stuff. British pop star Elton John had his own take on this trend with “Rocket Man”. Featuring a gorgeous arrangement and production (including some tasteful upper register bass work by the awesome session cat Del Palmer), “Rocket Man” has melodies and hooks to spare. Always one for stick-in-your-head-melodies, Elton is at the height of his melodic powers here. Even though Bernie Taupin’s lyrics are weird and cryptic, Elton makes the song memorable with those melodies and his distinctive voice. “Rocket Man” is a karaoke classic, just don’t attempt the ridiculous William Shatner version. Leave that to the expert, please.
Key lyric: “I miss the Earth so much, I miss my wife/It’s lonely out in space/On such a timeless flight”
MARK: I love this song. I think it is such a weird hit too. The lyrics almost seem like they have to be stretched out to fit the melody in some spots. The lyrics seem more like a weird poem than a classic song. I can’t really explain what I mean… I guess what I’m trying to say is that these lyrics are for the birds (sorry Bernie Taupin). I think they have some double meanings, but I guess I don’t like them with the analogy of being an astronaut. BUT, the melody and the music make this song irresistible. I love the slide guitar and the backing vocals. Overall, this song is awesome. I could listen to it for any situation and be well pleased. Also, it is one of my favorite karaoke songs (If it isn’t already taken by a drunker patron).
GRADE: A
Claudia’s Review: Mark does sings this way too much at karaoke. I don’t think he knows all the words either.
Filed under ben 500 Elton John Rocket Man 339
Filed under Sly and the family stone
Ben 500: Ben Eisen’s All-Time Favorite Songs
340. Sly and the Family Stone - “Hot Fun In The Summertime” (1969)
BEN: San Francisco’s Sly and the Family Stone were likely the greatest “hybrid” band of all time. They achieved that label in many different ways. First off, they were one of the first multi-racial rock bands to reach mainstream popularity. They also were one of the first rock bands to be multi-gender, with men and women sharing musical as well as vocal duties. Their “hybrid” status really kicks in when you talk about the music. Led by multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Sly Stone, the Family Stone played a truly eclectic mix of psychedelic rock, booty-shaking funk, pristine pop, down and dirty R&B, and electrifying soul. Their energetic live shows are legendary, including a performance at Woodstock that brought down the house. Although I’m a huge fan of the classic tunes “Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin)” and “Everyday People”, my favorite song of theirs has to be “Hot Fun In The Summertime”. This breezy ode to the simple pleasures of a hot July day is one of the greatest feel good songs ever. The shuffling groove gets your head nodding, as does the stabbing piano and horn parts. The iconic melody used in the chorus has been “borrowed” many times by the likes of Led Zeppelin and Genesis, but the feeling behind it is pure Sly. Stone really digs deep with his soulful growl as he sings “and everything it’s true - oooh yeah!” This song is one big party.
Key lyric: “I ‘cloud nine’ when I want to/Out of school/County fair in the country sun/And everything it’s true”
MARK: I never have listened to Sly & The Family Stone before. I am sure I have heard their songs elsewhere many times, but this song is great. I have heard it before, but after listening it to this week, I can say I’m a fan. Great casual melody that really makes me wish it was summer (especially now in 30 degree weather!) I love the girl singer, she is great. This song has a great groove to it. I think I just may have to add this to my summer mix!
GRADE: B+
CLAUDIA: I like this one, my mom loves them!
Filed under ben 500 340 sly family stone hot fun summertime
Ben 500 - Countdown to Ben Eisen’s all time favorites.
341. Leonard Cohen - “Bird On The Wire” (1969)
BEN: Canada has produced some amazing artists over the years, everyone from Robbie Robertson and Neil Young, to Mike Myers and William Shatner, “America’s Hat” has a long history of artistic greatness. Montreal poet, author, singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen might be the great white north’s finest export. His songs are celebrated throughout the world, and he is a true living legend. Cohen’s lyrical prowess is well documented, arguably second only to Bob Dylan, and “Bird On The Wire” is one of his greatest achievements. “If I have been untrue, I hope you know it was never to you” is in my opinion the lyrical centerpiece of the song. Much of Cohen’s poetry seems to be centered around exposing the pain of the world and seeing the beauty inside. This song has all of those elements and it almost seems like a confession. Cohen is baring his soul to a loved one about things that he’s seen and done and is seeking redemption. “But I swear by this song, and by all that I have done wrong, I will make it all up to thee.” As far as confessions go, it’s about as beautiful and heartbreakingly honest as it gets.
Key lyric: “If I have been unkind, I hope that you can just let it go by. If I have been untrue, I hope you know it was never to you.”
MARK: I think songs like this show why Leonard Cohen is such a respected songwriter. This song has so many great lyrics and has a beautiful melody. All of his earlier songs are his best, I love how simple they all are. I love the jaw harp (I don’t know what it actually is) noise that bounces back and forth. I love the line ‘If I have ever been untrue / I hope you know it was never to you.’ He has a great way of going from poetic imagery and relating it to love and women.
GRADE: B
Claudia’s Review: This song is too slow. I could fall asleep to it.
Filed under ben 500 Leonard Cohen Bird On The Wire 341
