Riding a 70's Rock Horse

Not one to be satisfied with just fronting The Who, Roger Daltrey had a solo career all his own. Roger's classic solo album Ride a Rock Horse has one of the best album covers ever. It captures the free spirit emphasized in Rock and Roll. The Who's epic Pinball Wizard was the highlight of the rock opera Tommy, but I must admit Elton John's very slightly gimmicky remake turned it into something much catchier than the original.

What made me think of this? My wife's recent comment of "You've been on a 70s music kick lately." I guess she's right. I've been scouring Billboard magazine and the U.K.'s New Musical Express while listening to a good amount of old stuff- on vinyl no less. I'm not sure it's the way music was intended to be played, but I sure like the large size photos, liner notes, and the entire scale of it all. 

I've been so blessed to see many classic Rock acts, but never did see The Who.  The best of the lot? Peter Frampton or Queen, hands down. (Freddie Mercury was riveting on stage!) But the answer to "Which rock concert was my favorite?" depends on the day and my mood.

Will Richard Carpenter Follow Elton John's Lead?

Elton John's massive Jewel Box, coming out Friday (pun intended for humor's sake), contains almost 150 rarities. 150! He's a pretty prolific artist, I'd say. He and Bernie Taupin wrote some of the most beloved songs of the 1970s. His Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album may even bar on par with the Beatles' best work. Here's hoping the release of this box will begin a trend.

As a major fan of the other iconic act from the 70s, Karen and Richard Carpenter, I can only hope that Richard is watching closely- and chooses to release a new box of his own. The style may be different from both Elton and the Beatles, and he and writing partner John Bettis were not nearly as prolific as John and Taupin or Lennon and McCartney, but Carpenters created their own legacy of incredible art. Karen's voice is still the purest from of the craft of singing. No one can compare. Not at 50 years since their biggest hit, Close to You. No one comes close. 

 

Best Beatles Remakes

Any music fan will have their own list, but here's mine, in no particular order:

"You Wont See Me" – Anne Murray.

Playful and fun. Better than the original!

"Got to Get You into My Life"- Earth Wind and Fire.

Snappy R&B, great guitar solo. I never get sick of hearing this one.

"Ticket to Ride"- Carpenters.

Karen and Richard's 1973 version is amazing, turning this upbeat pop smash into a slow boil heartbreaker. Another testimony to Richard's arranging skills and Karen's vocal power.

"We Can Work it Out"- Chaka Khan.

Searing vocals, red hot instrumentals. Makes Stevie Wonder's cover version look like warm milk.

"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" - Elton John.

As freaky as the original.

Move Over, Elton John

Wanna hear the definitive version of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Well, have a listen to the amazing version by Elliott Yamin. Yes, Elton gets props for writing a good song, but Elliott elevates this to a new level. Epic.