Plenty O’Toole: “Hi, I’m Plenty.”
James Bond: “But of course you are.”
Plenty O’Toole: “Plenty O’Toole.”
James Bond: “Named after your father perhaps?”

Time to look at one of the most beautiful “Bond Girls” who was also a member of Hollywood Royalty!

Lana Wood Was More Than “Plenty O’ Toole!”

Sex kitten Lana Wood wowed 007 fans with her portrayal of “Bond Girl” Plenty O’Toole in “Diamonds Are Forever” – without a doubt one of the more outrageous monikers in the series…

Lana Wood was a hugely successful Actress in the 60’s and 70’s, but she would perhaps be unfairly overshadowed by the superstardom of her older sister, Natalie Wood…

Lana had early stardom thanks to her role in the classic soap “Peyton Place.” A classic Hollywood sex kitten, she was approached by Hugh Hefner in 1970 to pose for Playboy.

Introducing “Plenty O’Toole!”

Those photos appeared in the April 1971 issue, along with Wood’s poetry. She was then cast as a Bond girl, “Plenty O’Toole”, in the James Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever.”

The film introduced her with a hilarious double entendre, carried off with perfect timing by Sean Connery:

Plenty O’Toole: “Hi, I’m Plenty.”
James Bond: “But of course you are.”
Plenty O’Toole: “Plenty O’Toole.”
James Bond: “Named after your father perhaps?”

“I Didn’t Know There Was A Pool Down There…”

One of the most memorable scenes in “Diamonds Are Forever” comes when 007 is surprised by mobsters while in his room with her. She is “escorted” semi-nude from the room – in an unusual exit that includes one of the best one-liners in the entire Bond series!

Here is that memorable scene from “Diamonds Are Forever”:

Here is some great trivia: while filming the scene where Plenty O´Toole is found drowned, Wood actually had her feet loosely tied to a cement block on the bottom. Film crew members held a rope across the pool for her, with which she could lift her face out of the water to breathe between takes. The pool’s sloping bottom made the block slip into deeper water with each take. Eventually, she was submerged but was noticed by on-lookers and rescued before drowning for real. Wood, being a certified diver, took some water but remained calm during the ordeal, although she later admitted to a few “very uncomfortable moments and quite some struggling until they pulled me out.”

Over the course of her career, Wood appeared in more than twenty movies and over three hundred television shows – everything from “Bonanza” to “Mission: Impossible”, “Starsky and Hutch” to “Fantasy Island.”

Lana Wood retired from acting in 1982 to concentrate on a Producing career, but has since returned to acting in a number of low-budget films since 2008.

Wood wrote a memoir, “Natalie, A Memoir by Her Sister” in 1984. Her many memorable Hollywood moments have been unfairly neglected because of the tragedy surrounding her sister, but for me, she will always be one of the most beautiful Bond girls of all time!

The James Bond series is full of classic “Bond girls”, including the first – Ursula Andress!

Ursula “Undress!”

yes, that was her nickname! Read more about the first-ever Bond girl who set a very high standard here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/28/ursula-andress-or-undress-007s-first-bond-girl-60s-sex-kitten-frolicked-with-nature/

Sean Connery certainly had some of the most beautiful family co-stars of all:

Claudine Auger was the Bond girl in “Thunderball”, and she went on to star in a series of great Italian thrillers…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/18/sexiest-bond-girl-ever-sex-kitten-claudine-auger-james-bond-and-giallo-horror/

Let me know who your favorite Bond girl was!

“I think most bands on tour are on the run.”

With these words, Paul McCartney sets the stage for perhaps his greatest album ever – “Band On The Run” – a brilliant album that was as dramatic behind the scenes as the cover suggests!

In 2005, Paul McCartney released his album “Chaos & Creation In The Backyard”, but it was more than 40 years earlier that he released an album that was ALL chaos in the midst of its creation!

First, let’s set the stage for “Band On The Run”:

McCartney’s self-titled solo debut marked the end of The Beatles…here are stories behind the release of this album:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/23/paul-mccartneys-simple-classic-mccartney-pauls-solo-masterpiece-rises-from-the-ashes-of-the-beatles/

Next up for McCartney was the only album credited to both him and Linda:

This was a period of heavy fighting between the Fab Four, especially Paul and John Lennon – here are those stories:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/20/macca-ram-on-paul-mccartneys-masterpiece-john-lennons-fury-a-beatles-c-c-c-catfight/

Paul then decided to form a new band, Wings:

Their first release was roundly panned by critics and many fans – here is the story of “Wild Life”:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/13/paul-mccartneys-wild-life-the-disastrous-debut-of-wings-mccartneys-plea-to-john-lennon/

Paul and his band spent a lot of time on the road, and then released this album:

Many of the songs from “Red Rose Speedway” were actually recorded during the “RAM” sessions…read about that here:

Paul McCartney’s Brilliant “RAM 2!” Wings Soar With “Red Rose Speedway!”

The album included the smash single “My Love”, and the band seemed poised for greatness…until some “chaos” interrupted the “creation”…

As you can see from the back cover, Wings had shrunk – and there is where the amazing story of “Band On The Run” begins…

“Wings” Over Nigeria!

As Wings prepared to record their third album tougher, McCartney asked his record label EMI for a list of all their international recording studios. He selected Nigeria – thinking Africa would be an exotic place to make music. The band began rehearsals in Scotland – Wings were McCartney and Linda, ex-Moody Blues guitarist and pianist Denny Laine, Henry McCullough on lead guitar, and Denny Seiwell on drums.

Unfortunately, things weren’t going well and during one rehearsal, McCullough and McCartney argued, and McCullough quit. Then, Seiwell left a week later, the night before the band was set to fly to Nigeria.

Wings were no more!

Paul’s “Solo” Wings Album!

At that point, things were dire. As McCartney told Word magazine in 2005:

“I was on drums and guitar a lot, mainly because the drummer decided to leave the group the night before and one of the guitar players decided not to come! So we got that solo element into an otherwise ‘produced’ album.”

This left just the core of the band – Paul, Linda and Denny Laine – to record in Lagos, assisted by former Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick. McCartney assumed that Lagos, Nigeria would be a glamorous location where he and the band could lounge on the beach all day and record at night – but boy was he wrong!

McCartney discovered that the studio was awful, and Nigeria was incredibly dangerous and unstable – in fact, Paul and Linda were robbed at knife-point, and a bag with unfinished song lyrics and demo tapes was taken! Talk about chaos!

Still, Paul maintained his positive approach – in fact, look at this original promotional video that McCartney later included on the deluxe remastered album:

The Chaos That Created “Band On The Run!”

So the recording of the album was dangerous, the band was in disarray, and “Band On The Run” is more of a solo album that team effort, which leads to this question: just HOW good is this album?

Shortly after the album was released, McCartney told Melody Maker:

“The basic idea about the band on the run is a kind of prison escape. At the beginning of the album the guy is stuck inside four walls, and eventually breaks out. There is a thread, but it’s not a concept album.”

Asked if this was a reference to Wings escaping from The Beatles, he replied: “Sort of – yeah. I think most bands on tour are on the run.”

Here is the pop masterpiece that is “Band On The Run”.

Here are a newly formed Wings performing the title track live from their 1976 tour:

The title track is one of rock’s all-time greatest songs, and then Paul launches into one of his greatest crowd-pleasing rockers:

“Jet”

Here is a fun promotional video for the song:

The gorgeous ballad “Bluebird” is next, then the fun, upbeat pop song “Mrs. Vandebilt” – so far, side one of “Band On The Run” is flawless, and the last song is no different:

“Let Me Roll It” was considered McCartney’s answer back to John Lennon’s caustic “How Do You Sleep?” – but in an interview with Clash magazine in 2010, McCartney cleared that up:

“‘Let Me Roll It’ wasn’t to John, it was just in the style that we did with The Beatles that John was particularly known for. It was really actually the use of the echo. It was one of those: ‘You’re not going to use echo just cos John used it?’ I don’t think so. To tell you the truth, that was more [about] rolling a joint. That was the double meaning there: ‘let me roll it to you.’ That was more at the back of mind than anything else. ‘Dear Friend,’ that was very much ‘let’s be friends’ to John.”

Here is a great live version of the song, with a much older McCartney still playing great guitar:

Side two continues to deliver great songs:

“Mamunia” is a gentle, upbeat pop song, with a vibe that could feel a bit “African” – then next is the mid-tempo pop song turned mini-rocker “No Words” – McCartney’s songwriting is top notch!

Bring On “Helen Wheels!”

The party rocker “Helen Wheels” was next, the hardest rocking song on the album – with a “Get Back” vibe – but at that time the song was only included on the US release!

Here is the band’s fun promotional video – with Paul playing almost all of the instruments!

“Picasso’s Last Words (Drink to Me)” was next, and then the album climaxed with one of Paul’s greatest rock songs:

“Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five” is the final track, which build to a Beatles-like crescendo before completing a 360 turn back to the title track…here’s the promotional video that was included in the album’s special edition:

So, from start to finish, “Band On The Run” is a masterpiece.

And of course, so is the album cover:

The album cover shows Paul, Linda and Denny plus six other well-known people dressed as convicts caught in the spotlight of a prison searchlight. Here is whose on the cover: Michael Parkinson, British Talk Show Host; British Actor and Comedian Kenny Lynch; the great Actor James Coburn; British Politician Clement Freud; Legendary Actor Christopher Lee, and John Conteh, a boxer who later became World Light-Heavyweight champion.

“Band On The Run” was nominated for Album Of The Year, and won Grammys for Engineering by Geoff Emerick, and best pop performance for duo or group….

“Band On The Run” Gets Even Better!

In 2000, Q magazine placed it at number 75 in its list of the “100 Greatest British Albums Ever”. In 2012, Band on the Run was voted 418th on Rolling Stone’s revised list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

A contemporary review by Jon Landau in Rolling Stone described the album as “with the possible exception of John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band, the finest record yet released by any of the four musicians who were once called the Beatles”.

The great McCartney collection of reissues gives fans a ton of great extras, including live versions of the songs, promotional videos, and a few extra cuts as well!

Let me know what you love best about McCartney’s chaotic masterpiece!

Time For Some “Truth!”

I love documentaries. They can be deadly serious or comically absurd – they can be lurid, spiritual, political and everything in between – here are ten examples of great documentaries you need to see!

“Roger and Me”!

With the recent water events in Flint, Michigan, Michael Moore’s first documentary is even more prescient. He looks at the decline of his hometown, a decline that helped lead to the current crisis that exists today.

Here is the trailer for what many consider to be “The Godfather” of modern docus, “Roger And Me”:

Wow, time flies – it was more than 25 years ago when this “in your face” documentary was considered radical! Moore told the story of the decline of his hometown Flint, Michigan – and his attempts to meet with Ford’s Chairman Roger Smith.

What he did was usher in a new era of non-fictional storytelling, leading to some of these I want to share!

Workingman’s Death!

Some of the world’s most dangerous jobs are highlighted in this compelling documentary. These professions are virtually unknown to most people – like sulfur mining…

The filmmaker’s style allows us a voyeuristic look at the lives of these workers…like these miners who risk their lives to slide back into abandoned crevices where small chunks of leftover coal may still cling to the abandoned walls…

This is an incredible work of art, and the late Documentary filmmaker Michael Glawogger also made a film that looked at the world of prostitution:

You can read more about these compelling films by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/22/searing-expose-docs-workingmans-death-whores-glory-brilliant-documentaries-showcase-life-on-the-edge/

Sometimes, an interesting story turns into something much bigger as the filmmaker rolls the camera:

“My Kid Could Paint That!”

This heartbreaking documentary is about a child prodigy – or not. The filmmakers began the project when they heard about a four-year-old girl with special artistic abilities…but then it turned into a much more troubling story.

This story is so compelling – and so many questions are still unanswered – that is the power of the documentary – to reveal truths – and yet so sad…you can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/25/killer-fish-kids-who-paint-and-mid-west-horror-best-documentaries-pt-1/

Now, to something that you would think is amazingly harsh, yet is in fact so “Happy!”

Celebrating The Harsh World Of “Happy People!”

Director Werner Herzog, who has made a number of terrific documentaries like “Grizzly Man”, took a long-form Russian TV documentary and turned it into a compelling two-hour journey to Siberia!

It is some of the most unforgiving land on earth, but the people there are happy! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/18/into-the-wild-siberias-happy-people-werner-herzogs-new-documentary/

And if you want to bring a smile to your face, have I got a joke for you…

America’s Funniest People Tell The World’s Filthiest Joke! Meet “The Aristocrats!”

The history of the world’s filthiest joke is hilariously profane, and amazingly insightful! Penn and Teller allow some of the world’s greatest comics to tell one joke – a legendary joke in the world of comedy – and each re-telling gets more and more obscene – which is the point of the joke!

The Aristocrats – 2005

Comedy veterans and Magicians Penn and Teller, along with Comedian Paul Provenza capitalize on their insider status and invite over 100 of their closest friends–who happen to be some of the biggest names in entertainment, from George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg and Drew Carey to Gilbert Gottfried, Bob Saget, Paul Reiser and Sarah Silverman–to reminisce, analyze, deconstruct and deliver their own versions of the world’s dirtiest joke, an old burlesque too extreme to be performed in public, called “The Aristocrats.”

George Carlin: The joke leads me down one path and then it switches the path on me suddenly and hits me with a hammer. It’s just, “Here we go folks.”

The terrific website IMDB has some interesting trivia about the joke: “This joke has been used by comedians for years as a mental stretching exercise. They would tell the joke to each other as a warm up for their acts. While the setup and punchline remain the same throughout, the middle section, describing the actual family act, is always varied to get the juices going by throwing in the most they can and keeping it funny. There are stories of parties where performers will jam and keep it going for almost an hour.”

The late Robin Williams does a variation of the joke in the film, as does Princess Leia, whose Mom is Debbie Reynolds…who isn’t sacred for the sake of the joke…

Carrie Fisher: “My mother was a golden shower queen.”

According to his biography, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not”, Chevy Chase filmed a version of the joke as well. However, at the last second he decided not to sign the release form as he was afraid of what his daughters would think of the joke’s content.

The highlight is when the film ends with Bob Saget’s version of the joke – the most obscene, rambling and hilarious take on it imaginable…hilarious, profane, and insightful – how can you argue that?

And if profane is your thing…

Shed Some Clothes And Get Down With Some “American Swing!”

New York in the 70’s was a time of sex, drugs and swingers, and for awhile, there was actually a club that allowed casual sex among its members!

If you’ve never heard of “Plato’s Retreat”, it’s exactly the kind of place that Ted Cruz was railing against – and it was legal!

“American Swing” is a fascinating document of a long-lost time – as told by the people who partied there…see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/04/06/how-can-i-offend-you-best-documentaries-pt-2/

Of course, the subject of sex is always a big seller – and here is an amazing look at the sexiest moments in cinema history:

“That’s Sexploitation” is a wild romp through the annals of grind house cinema, courtesy of Something Weird Video…read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/20/thats-sexploitation-terrific-documentary-captures-the-seedy-majesty-of-grindhouse-cinema/

I know, you are getting a bit worked up right now…if you want a mellow change of pace, dig into the story of one of the greatest bands in the world:

Not Such A “Peaceful Easy Feeling!” It’s The History Of The Eagles!

A “warts and all” documentary, made all the more powerful because the members of the band – old and new – took part. Their brutal honesty, along with amazing archival material the band collected from day one, gives viewers a riveting inside look at one of America’s most beloved bands.

Fans were stunned by the recent death of Glenn Frey, who comes across as a very driven member of the band…this documentary lasts over four hours and digs into all the professional and personal conflicts in the band…

You can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/04/eagles-no-peaceful-easy-feeling-here-just-heartache-tonight/

While we are on the subject of music, have you met’s rock’s craziest drummer?

“Beware” Of Rock’s Wildest Drummer!

Ginger Baker was the drummer in Cream, and has had one of the craziest lives imaginable, and one movie captures it all!

“Beware” is right, and if you want to know why, click here!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/13/beware-of-mr-baker-brilliant-ginger-baker-documentary-creams-drummer-throws-down/

As someone who loves to travel, I find the climate change debate sad – politics shouldn’t enter into the discussion, when there are entire countries at risk…

A Rising Political Tide! “The Island President!”

As the ocean levels rise, entire nations are at risk. Here is the inspiring story of a President who wouldn’t let his country drown due to inaction…

These islands will be underwater within our lifetime – unless something is done…and one courageous President allowed cameras to follow him as he tries to tell the world what lies ahead…

This is one of my favorite documentaries of all, read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/07/the-island-president-a-tragic-compelling-documentary-a-nation-underwater/

There you have it – some of my favorite documentaries…leave a note to tell me your favorite!

The “Outlaw” Eagles!

It’s hard to believe, but the second Eagles album bombed when it was released – but is now considered a seminal part of the band’s history!

For a time in the 70’s, rock’n’roll bands were the new “Wild West Outlaws.” For The Eagles, that inspired them to create an album that tied life in a rock band to life in the “wild west” – an ode to the “outlaw” in all of us – and when it was released, “Desperado” bombed!

20 Dec 1972, USA — Members of the rock band The Eagles are dressed up in cowboy costumes for their album photo shoot. From left to right: Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner, and Glenn Frey. — Image by © Henry Diltz/CORBIS

The “Desperado” Debacle!

Here is the setup to the release of “Desperado” in 1973. The Eagles had released their debut album a year earlier, and it was an immediate success for the new band, hitting No. 22 on the charts.

Their debut album included three hit singles: “Peaceful Easy Feeling” – which reached #22, “Take It Easy” just missed the top ten at No. 12, and “Witchy Woman” was a #9 hit – and the band was credited for the emergence of the “Southern California sound.”

The future looked bright for Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner!

The Making Of “Desperado!”

The Eagles entered the studio with an idea: they would write a concept album based on the themes of the Old West. The band members are featured on the album’s cover dressed like an outlaw gang, and the songs touched on the concept of rockers as “outlaws”, always on the run.

Desperado remains the only Eagles album where the band members appear on the front cover! Here is a look at the criminally overlooked Eagles album, “Desperado”:

The album starts with “Doolin’ Dalton” – setting the scene for the album…

“They were duelin’, Doolin-Dalton
High or low, it was the same
Easy money and faithless women
Red-eye whiskey for the pain
Go down, Bill Dalton, it must be God’s will,
Two brothers lyin’ dead in Coffeyville
Two voices call to you from where they stood
Lay down your law books now
They’re no damn good
Better keep on movin’, Doolin-Dalton
‘Til your shadow sets you free
If you’re fast, and if you’re lucky
You will never see that hangin’ tree”

Here is a beautiful live version, which begins with Glenn Frey playing a wailing harmonica…this clip also includes the finale of the album as well…

“Twenty One” is next, an ode to youth and freedom…

“Twenty-one and strong as I can be
I know what freedom means to me
And I can’t give the reason why
I should ever want to die”

“Out Of Control”

This is the hardest-edged rocker on the album – the story of a band of outlaws riding into town and looking for trouble……

“Oh my, don’t the sky look spacious
With the stars all shinin’ down
Well, I can hear the night wind howlin’
It’s a high and lonesome sound
And I ain’t had a woman in so long
I can’t feed my starvin soul
Come on, saddle up, boys, we’re gonna ride into town
We’re gonna get a little out of control”

“Tequila Sunrise”

Next up is one of the most well-known songs the band ever recorded…

Here is a beautiful live version:

Shockingly, this song wasn’t a hit! In fact, it only got to #64 on the charts! It’s hard to understand how this classic Eagles song didn’t became a huge hit single when it was released!

“Desperado” was next, the title track on the album…and one of their most beautiful songs ever:

“Desperado, why don’t you come to your senses?
You been out ridin’ fences for so long now
Oh, you’re a hard one
I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin’ you
Can hurt you somehow”

While this is one of their most recognizable songs, it wasn’t even released as a single!

Here they are performing this live – from their farewell tour in 2013:

“Certain Kind Of Fool”

Side two begins with “Certain Kind Of Fool”, and here is a live version from that era, which begins with Glenn Frey discussing their “outlaw album”, and how they needed a song explaining how they became outlaws….here you go:

As you can see from this vintage billboard, the band was selling this album as their ode to the wild west, and the next song played it up big:

“Outlaw Man”

Here are the opening lyrics to the song:

“I am an Outlaw, I was born an Outlaw’s son
The highway is my legacy
On the highway I will run
In one hand I’ve a Bible
In the other I’ve got a gun
Well, don’ you know me, I’m the man who won

[Chorus]
Woman don’t try to love me
Don’t try to understand
A life upon the road
Is the life of an outlaw man”

Here is a terrific live version from 1976:

As you can see in the photo, the life of an outlaw doesn’t last long – and that is Jackson Brown to the far left on the ground as well…the songs on “Desperado” told a story, and were terrific. “Outlaw Man’ was just the kind of hard-edged rock that Frey was pushing the band toward…but there is another, softer side to the album as well…

“Whatever Happened To Saturday Night?”

The next song on the album makes use of the band’s terrific harmonies. When the band went on their “History Of The Eagles” tour, Frey and Henley started the show sitting alone on stools at the front of the stage, singing the gorgeous song “Saturday Night”.

Here is a terrific live version from 1973:

Thanks to “Meisnettes – Randy Meisner Fans” on YouTube for posting this and the “Certain Kind Of Fool” and “Outlaw Man” clips…follow them for a lot of great Meisner moments!

I loved seeing Henly and Frey harmonize on “Saturday Night”, then joined onstage by Bernie Leadon! Here is my review of the “History” tour, with clips from several of their live performances:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/21/history-of-the-eagles-amazing-concert-old-friends-return/

Up next on the album was “Bitter Creek”, written and sung by Bernie Leadon:

Leadon wrote about a band of outlaws looking for one last score…because there is always “all that money, no more running'”…

“We’re gonna hit the road for one last time
We can walk right in and steal ’em blind
All that money
No more runnin’
I can’t wait to see the old man’s face
When I win the race
Bitter creek”

The album ends with a reprise of “Doolin’ Dalton” that segues into an encore of “Desperado”…

Here is a great live version by the band…appears to be around the time of the “Hell Freezes Over” tour…

So, with a hot young band, great songs like “Tequila Sunrise” and “Desperado”, and the popularity of the southern california sound, why didn’t fans buy the album? It took more than a year for “Desperado” to be certified gold, and a full decade to go platinum!

What went wrong? Concept albums are notoriously difficult to market – perhaps the band focused too much on the “outlaw” concept…and did they need a bigger hit single out of the gate?

Maybe these guys didn’t look as accessible as they did on the first album…or the music was too soft, without a big pop hit like “Witchy Woman” or “Take It Easy”…it’s easy to have 20/20 hindsight, but there was some reason the music didn’t catch on at the time…for whatever reason, the album was a bomb, and the band needed to come up with a new plan!

Goodbye Glyn, Hello Don!

And a new plan it was – out with Producer Glyn Johns and in with new Eagles Guitarist Don Felder! Glenn Freiy wanted a sound that had more “rock and roll” to it. And that they got! Read all about the smash hit “On The Border” here!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/14/on-the-border-the-eagles-say-hello-to-don-felder-goodbye-to-glyn-johns-don-henleys-brilliant-1-best-of-my-love/

Leave me a message – let me know why you think “Desperado” didn’t connect with fans at the time!

PUT THE BLOODY KNIFE DOWN. Time To Talk More “Giallo!”

If you don’t know about the classic Italian “giallo” genre of film shockers, you are missing some of the most suspenseful thrillers ever committed to bloody celluloid!

“Giallos” are Italy’s version of “pulp fiction” – lurid thrillers with plenty of sex and violence – but they are also some of the best mystery films ever made!

Oh, they also have some of the wildest titles of all time: like “A Lizard In A Woman’s Skin” for one, and what about this subtle title?

The genre of Italian “giallo” film has resulted in some cinematic classics such as “Suspiria” and “Four Flies On Dead Velvet” – and I will share more about those in a moment….but first, time to explore a few more classics of the genre – starting with this classic title:

“Your Vice Is A Locked Room And Only I Have The Key!”

This cult classic is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale “The Black Cat”, and is from director Sergio Martino – who also made the classic thriller “Torso”!

This is a classic cult film that you can read more about here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/06/06/psycho-go-go-dancers-delinquent-schoolgirls-and-candy-snatchers-more-70s-grindhouse/

But now, back to “Your Vice Is A Locked Room!”

First, here is an international trailer, but don’t worry: it’s all scenes and images from the film with a classic 70’s giallo soundtrack!

Well, that poster doesn’t leave much to the imagination, does it?

Here’s a brief synopsis: Oliviero is an abrasive drunk who amuses himself by holding drunken orgies at his grand country manor – and no surprise, his wife, played by Actress Anita Strindberg, doesn’t like it much!

Soon, a series of murders rocks Oliviero’s sordid world….and here’s a great fact thanks to IMDB: the title is a reference to Sergio Martino’s earlier giallo “”The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh”, in which the same phrase appears in a mysterious note apparently sent by a killer!

So, are you getting an idea of just how entertaining and twisted this genre is? And believe me when I tell you – they are very entertaining!

Perhaps the most well-known Giallo Director is the legendary Dario Argento:

Argento’s masterpiece is “Suspiria” starring Jessica Harper, best known for her starring role in Brian DePalma’s “Phantom Of The Paradise”…but Argeno also made such great thriller as “Tenebrae”-

You can read all about his great movies by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/29/dario-argentos-bloody-masterpiece-tenebrae-cult-giallo-goes-blu/

Some very well known movie stars appeared in these films – perhaps none more beautiful than “Bond Girl” Claudine Auger:

Aside from starring alongside Sean Connery in “Thunderbolt”, she starred in a classic “giallo” as well…see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/18/sexiest-bond-girl-ever-sex-kitten-claudine-auger-james-bond-and-giallo-horror/

One of the genre’s most controversial films was this classic – with an equally classic title:

“A Lizard In A Woman’s Skin” ended up in court! Click here to find out why the Director almost ended up in prison!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/15/a-lizard-in-a-womans-skin-halloweens-controversial-giallo-on-trial-slithering-italian-sex-shockers/

As you can see, it’s a movie category with plenty of controversy…another great Director was Lucio Fulci, and yes, he had some wacky film titles too!

Yes, the film “Don’t Torture A Duckling” is a classic Giallo shocker! Read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/09/halloween-giallo-masters-agentos-animal-trilogy-fulcis-tortured-ducklings-italian-pulp-fiction/

And finally, here is a title that doesn’t beat around the bush:

“Strip Nude For Your Killer” may sound like it’s pandering, and – well, it is! But it’s still a great mystery thriller, and you can read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/07/09/time-to-strip-nude-four-flies-and-baba-yaga-to-you-yes-its-classic-italian-giallo/

Let me know which of these classic “Giallos” you’ve watched!

Some of the catchiest pop songs of the late 60’s and early 70’s were written by one person, the terrific Singer/Songwriter Laura Nyro:

Laura Nyro’s Hit Singles For Others!

Nyro released a number of great album – and I wanted to look at some of her best songs, the ones that were smash hits for other Artists!

Of course, Laura had her own successful recording career, with terrific hit albums like these:

SONY DSC

Laura’s At The Top Of The Charts!

Laura had many songs in the top ten, including a chart-topping #1 smash, because Nyro’s biggest hits were for other Artists! I enjoy hearing the differences between Laura’s version and the cover version by others, especially when that “cover” is by Barbra Streisand…

Barbra’s “Stoney End!”

Nyro wrote it, Babs made it the title of her album, and the song was a big hit!

Here is the audio-only version from Nyro, which was on her debut album, “More Than A New Discovery” in 1966, then re-released as just “Laura Nyro” in 1969:

Streisand’s Top Ten Hit!

Barbra Streisand released her single version, which went to #6 on the charts…

Here is a short snippet of the song, performed in concert by Babs:

Finally, here is a full-length live performance by Barbra, which goes right into “The Way We Were”…

Laura’s incredible debut album included many songs that would become hits for other artists, including several for one pop ensemble!

Time To Enter “The 5th Dimension!”

The pop group “The 5th Dimension” had a string of big hits in the late 60’s and early 70’s. The five original members were Billy Davis, Jr., Florence LaRue, Marilyn McCoo, LaMonte McLemore, and Ron Townson.

And who was responsible for most of them? Laura Nyro!

Laura Nyro’s #1 Smash Hit!

The 5th Dimension went to the top of the charts with the #1 single “Wedding Bell Blues”, which Laura also sang on an album – but their rocketed to #1!

Here is a clip of the group performing the song on TV – as a skit!

Thanks to “danbanrock1” for posting YouTube!

I personally love this ad with Laura for the song – sorry, I couldn’t find a larger version:

Laura almost single-handedly made The 5th Dimension stars. The group also had hits with the Nyro songs “Stoned Soul Picnic”, “Blowing Away”, “Sweet Blindness” and “Save the Country”…

Thanks again to “danbanrock1”, here is the group performing “Stoned Soul Picnic”, which made it to #3 on the pop charts in 1968:

The group named their album after the song, and Nyro’s hit “Sweet Blindness” was also on the album…

Blood, Sweat & Laura!

The rock group “Blood, Sweat & Tears” had one of their biggest hits thanks to Laura – the band went all the way to #2 on the charts with Nyro’s classic song “And When I Die”.

Here’s a vintage clip of the band performing the song live on TV:

One of my favorite names for a group is this one:

So Cold It’s A “Three Dog Night!”

Yep, that’s where the band’s name came from, a folk tale that you cuddled with your dogs on cold nights!

The group hit the top ten in 1969 with Laura’s quirky song “Eli’s Comin” –

Here’s the band performing the song in concert:

Three Dog Night stripped the song down to its rock essence, while Nyro makes the song much funkier and soulful. Laura’s version is included on her brilliant album, “Eli & The Thirteenth Confession”.

So there you go, a look at some of Laura’s songs that were smash hits for other Artists…some were faithful to Laura’s original version, which some – yes you Three Dog Night – dramatically changed them – it’s great to have both to listen to and compare!

A recent tribute album brought more of her great songs back:

Billy Childs won a Grammy for his great tribute album – see some videos from it here:

Re-Imagining Laura Nyro! A Brilliant “Map To The Treasure”! Laura Nyro’s Beautiful Tribute!

I have posted other stories about Laura as well, such as her legendary audition for music mogul Clive Davis – in the dark!

The music legend recounts that story in his memoir – read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/03/laura-nyros-legendary-audition-for-music-mogul-clive-davis-janis-joplins-jealousy/

Laura Nyro influenced many Artists, particularly my favorite, Todd Rundgren:

Read about their musical friendship, and listen to the song he wrote about here, by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/25/brilliant-laura-nyro-todd-rundgrens-muse-their-beautiful-musical-history-together/

Finally, I also posted about one of the most traumatic music moments in Laura’s career:

A new blu-ray answers the question: was Laura booed off the stage at th legendary Monterey Pop festival? Read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/15/laura-nyros-brilliant-monterey-pop-performance-and-legendary-musical-myth/

Leave a comment and let me know who performed Laura’s song best!

“But don’t it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed’s Radio”

“All night long” indeed…Warren Zevon’s brilliant self-titled album included some of Southern California’s most popular singers at the time…

Time To Celebrate Warren Zevon!

I wanted to look at some of Zevon’s greatest music, and what better place to begin than with his self-titled “kinda debut”! Let me explain…

Zevon is known of course for his major hit singles like “Werewolves Of London” and “Searching For A Heart”, but Zevon’s path to musical greatness was littered with frustration as well….

Warren Zevon’s 1969 debut album, “Wanted Dead Or Alive” – with his featured on the cover just as “Zevon”, was such a debacle that the singer waited almost six years before trying to record again…this time, however, the results were much different!

His “Unofficial” Debut!

While the self-titled “Warren Zevon” was the second studio album by Zevon, so much time had gone by that it really is his “debut” to the music world. This album was released in 1976 by Asylum Records – and Zevon had all of the “Southern California Sound” onboard to support him!

Producer Jackson Browne!

The album was produced by Jackson Browne, who of course was good friends with The Eagles…and a very successful singer/songwriter at the time, with classic hits like “Doctor My Eyes” and “Take It Easy”…

The Classic Songs Of “Warren Zevon”!

Here is a look at the classic music on the album! The first song up is Zevon’s simple but classic “Frank and Jesse James” – the story of two brothers who end up on the wrong side of the law.

“Keep on riding, riding, riding
‘Til you clear your names
Keep on riding, riding, riding
Across the rivers and the range
Keep on riding, riding, riding
Frank and Jesse James”

Does that remind you of this album? Yes, Browne was one of the cowboys show on the back cover of “Desperado”.

Here is a terrific live performance of the song by Zevon in his private studio:

Bravo to “TransatlanticMoments” for posting this on YouTube!

“Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded” and “Backs Turned Looking Down the Path” are next…

While Stevie Nicks is seen here holding Warren up, here’s a fun fact: another Fleetwood Mac band member, Lindsay Buckingham plays guitar on “Backs Turned”, and does harmonies on “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “Mohammad’s Radio” as well…

“Hasten Down the Wind”

Next up were two songs turned into big hits – by another friend of Zevon!

Here are some of the lyrics to “Hasten Down The Wind”:

“She tells him she thinks she needs to be free
He tells her he doesn’t understand
She takes his hand she tells him nothing’s working out
The way they planned

She’s so many women
He can’t find the one who was his friend
So he’s hanging on to half a heart
But he can’t have the restless part
So he tells her to hasten down the wind”

Here is just the audio of Zevon singing the song:

Linda Ronstadt Covers Warren!

Zevon’s song was perfect for Linda Ronstadt, who was one of the most popular singers at that time – and she loved the song so much she named her entire album after it!

Here is a live version by Ronstadt:

Of course, that was just the tip of the Ronstadt iceberg! Linda turned the next song on the album into a big hit as well…

The Smash Hit “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”

The next song on the album is Zevon’s iconic “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” – another great song.

Here is a terrific live version by Zevon from 1982:

Of course, as great as the song is, it wasn’t Zevon’s massive hit – but Linda Ronstadt’s! Here is Linda performing the song live:

Warren Zevon was quite candid about his penchant for partying, so a picture of him, Jackson and John belushi is no surprise, and the next song on the album addresses his take on “life in the fast lane” in Hollywood…

“The French Inhaler”

His lyrics on this song are quite vivid:

“You said you were an actress
Yes, I believe you are I thought you’d be a star
So I drank up all the money, yes I drank up all the money
With these phonies in this Hollywood bar
These friends of mine in this Hollywood bar

Loneliness and frustration
We both came down with an acute case
When the lights came up at two I caught a glimpse of you
And your face looked like something
Death brought with him in his suitcase”

Here is a great live version from 1993:

Thanks to “WarrenZevonFanatic” for posting this on Youtube!

The Brilliance of “Mohammed’s Radio”

Next up is one of his most beautiful songs:

“Everybody’s restless and they’ve got no place to go
Someone’s always trying to tell them
Something they already know
So their anger and resentment flow

But don’t it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed’s Radio”

Here is a great live version of the song performed by Zevon with Jackson Browne!

Thanks to “WarrenZevonAddict” for this!

“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is next – the title used for a movie years later, then another classic Zevon song:

“Carmelita”

Here is a rare clip of Zevon performing the song live in 1977:

Thanks to “TransatlanticMoments” for posting this rare gem on YouTube!

“Join Me in L.A.” follows “Carmelita”, another cynical look at the city:

“Well, they say this place is evil
That ain’t why I stay
‘Cause I found something
That will never be nothing
And I found it in L.A.”

“Desperados Under the Eaves”

The album ends with another beautiful song with haunting, yet humorous lyrics, speaking about – again – life in Hollywood:

“I was sitting in the Hollywood Hawaiian hotel
I was staring in my empty coffee cup
I was thinking that the gypsy wasn’t lyin’
All the salty Margaritas in Los Angeles
I’m gonna drink ’em up

And if California slides into the ocean
Like the mystics and statistics say it will
I predict this motel will be standing until I pay my bill”

Here is a live audio performance by Warren at WMMS Studio, Cleveland OH on October 13, 1976.

So that’s the terrific, timeless music from “Warren Zevon.” It’s an album full of great songs, insightful, compelling lyrics, and a heavy dose of the “Southern California” sound, thanks to Producer Jackson Browne. Browne is heard on harmony vocals on tracks 2, 3 and 11…

The Eagles Sing Along As Well!

Glenn Frey and Don Henley also provide musical support, with Frey playing rhythm guitar on “Carmelita”, and harmony vocals on “The French Inhaler” and “Carmelita”, while Henley provides harmony vocals on “Inhaler” as well…

Zevon and Henley were good friends, and Warren performed at Henley’s “Walden Woods” concerts…and said this about his friend:

Henley also sang on the Warren Zevon tribute album – here is the audio of Henley’s rendition of Zevon’s beautiful “Searching For A Heart”:

The success of this album, especially with Ronstadt’s hit singles, led to a incredible period of creativity for Zevon…

What followed two years later was this:

“Excitable Boy” was his smash hit, with “Werewolves Of London” and “Lawyers, Guns & Money” – read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/14/warren-zevon-werewolves-of-london-brilliant-letterman-final-appearance-musics-mutineer/

Jackson Browne did a great job producing “Warren Zevon”, and he is still makings own music as well:

You can read more about it here, including the video for his “Take It Easy” sequel:

Jackson Browne! Never “Running On Empty”! Brilliant New Jackson Browne Music!

Of course, Don Henley is still releasing great music as well:

Henley just released another #1 album of country songs. See who is he singing with here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/24/don-henleys-1-cass-county-music-masterpiece-from-eagles-maestro-with-dolly-parton-and-mick-jagger-too/

Let me know what your favorite song is from “Warren Zevon!”

Meet Jill St. John – America’s First “Bond Girl”!

One of the many interesting aspects of the James Bond series is the “Bond Girl” – a beautiful co-star who gets involved with 007 in many different ways:

Of course, James Bond has always been irresistible, that’s just part of the “retro” charm of the series…in 1971, Bond got his first American “Bond Girl”, Tiffany Case!

Jill St. John was a very successful Actress in the 60’s and 70’s, but is perhaps best known for her role as Bond girl Tiffany Case in “Diamonds Are Forever.”

Some Jill St. John Trivia!

Let’s get to know America’s first Bond Girl a bit better. As a young girl, St. John was a member of the Children’s Ballet Company – and one of her fellow dancers was Natalie Wood!

In 1957, at age 16, Universal Pictures signed St. John to a contract. She made dozens of films throughout the 60’s, and received a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination for “Come Blow Your Horn” opposite Frank Sinatra.

St. John’s most famous role was as “Bond Girl” Tiffany Case in the 1971 James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever”, here she starred opposite Sean Connery.

America’s First Bond Girl!

As with many Bond girls before, St. John was outfitted in a variety of skimpy outfits, but the big difference between her and the other is that she was the first American to play a Bond girl!

Jill’s Unique “Natalie Wood” Connection!

The other “Bond Girl” in “Diamonds” was Lana Wood, who played “Plenty O’ Toole” in the film…

Jill St. John is now married to Robert Wagner, who had previously been married to the late Natalie Wood – yes, Lana’s sister! Natalie was also a member of St. John’s Children’s Ballet Company when they were growing up…talk about coincidences!

If you want to read more about Lana Wood, you can click here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/28/007s-sexy-bond-girl-plenty-otoole-lana-wood-natalies-sister-hollywood-sex-kitten-bares-all/

Jill St. John brought a much-needed level of goofiness to her role as Tiffany Case, with more depth and character than usual for a “Bond girl”…especially when she tried to help 007…although as you can see, her aim wasn’t so good!

After her Bond role, St. John acted in a number of movies and TV shows, and also posed for a variety of provocative pictures…

Eventually, St. John tired of the business…and moved into an interesting area – Orchids!

St. John left Hollywood in the late 80’s and developed a handmade Angora sweater business, and became interested in orchid growing, skiing, hiking, river rafting, camping, and gardening! In 1987, she said:

“I’m a mountain gal now. I love the outdoors and I love harvesting and using fresh vegetables and herbs.”

Jill St. John’s “Yada Yada” Moment!

Jill wasn’t done being in the cultural zeitgeist, however. Avid “Seinfeld” fans will remember her and Wagner as Mickey’s parents in the classic “Yada Yada” episode of the series!

Let me know what you think of America’s first “Bond Girl!”

“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something…Faithful!”

It was one of Todd Rundgren’s sterling achievements – a single side of music as good as anything he has ever released…

“Rundgren’s ‘clearest and most interesting set of songs since Something/Anything?'”

The album got superlative reviews for the original music on the album, but there was more – because this was Todd’s unique “tribute” album as well – time to celebrate “Faithful!”

Todd’s “10 Year” Musical Tribute!

“Faithful” was Todd’s seventh album, released in 1976. Here is how he described the idea behind it:

“It was my tenth anniversary in the music business…I picked out the songs you would have heard anywhere you went ten years earlier…it was my little tribute to an era that was already ten years gone.”

The quote is from “A Wizard A True Star: Todd Rundgren In The Studio” by Paul Myers, an essential read for all Todd fans!

The first side of “Faithful” was dedicated to “faithful” re-recordings of classic 1960’s psychedelic-era songs, while side two was all new original material.

Side One Of “Faithful” is indeed FAITHFUL – as these are note-for-note exact renditions of some of his favorite songs, beginning with:

“Happenings Ten Years Time Ago” by The Yardbirds, with Jimmy Page, who later of course went onto stardom with Led Zeppelin…

The classic Beach Boys song “Good Vibrations” was next, followed by the somewhat obscure Beatles song “Rain” …

Of course, Utopia would make an entire album of Beatles songs, the controversial “Deface The Music”…you can read about that here:

Todd Rundgren “Defaces The Music!” Todd’s Beatles Homage Divides Utopia!

Todd then moved onto Bob Dylan and “Most Likely You Go Your Way And I’ll Go Mine”, followed by his Jimi Hendrix cover “If Six Was Nine”…

Todd finishes side on with his other Beatles cover, the psychedelic “Strawberry Fields Forever”…

Here is a fan-created video, the song with various shots of Todd:

Todd’s Brilliant Side Of Music!

Side two of “Faithful” is, to put it simply, a one-sided masterpiece – six songs that capture everything I love about Todd Rundgren as an Artist.

It is as if he wanted to do a collection of “Todd songs” for his “faithful” fans, and boy, are they ever brilliant!

He offers up a classic rock song, several ballads, one of his most soulful songs of all time, and a raucous party song for fans…

“Black and White”

Todd puts his rock hat on with a crunchy tune that has a touch of heavy metal added in.

Here is a great clip of Todd performing with his Utopia bandmates from The Bottom Line in 1978:

Thanks to “mojorisen74” for posting this great live clip!

“Love of the Common Man”

Here’s a perfect Todd single, an upbeat pop song with great lyrics and a catchy hook.

Here is a live performance from 1978, thanks to “mojorisen74” once again!

In 2016, I saw Todd perform in Beverly Hills, and he does a flawless rendition of the song in tandem with “I Saw The Light” – here is that performance:

As you can hear, Todd is still in perfect form, and this side of “Faithful” is almost a “greatest hits” of Todd’s sound…next up was the funky “When I Pray”, and then another song that should have been a hit single:

“Cliché”

This song is exactly what should have been released as a single, but wasn’t! More on that in a moment.

Here is a great acoustic version of “Cliche” that Todd performed live on VH-1:

Next is a song reminiscent to me of his classic Utopia song “The Wheel” – a long, soulful story of life and love…

“The Verb ‘To Love'”

“Please come home, I can hear them calling
Please come home, please don’t leave us all alone
Your brothers and your sisters are crying all alone
You got let it magnetize, learn to sacrifice
‘Til we get the true version of the meaning of the verb ‘To Love’
What does it mean to love?”

Here is a video from WDR Studio L in 1977 with Utopia:

Thanks for “rogsteel” for the youtube video! Next up:

“Boogies (Hamburger Hell)”

The closing song, “Boogies (Hamburger Hell)”, opens with a reference to Beefsteak Charlie’s, which former Utopia drummer Kevin Ellman was currently operating along with his family.

This is a fun, energy party song with a great hook – and Todd sounds like he’s having a blast!

The Dynamite “Faithful” Reviews!

Upon release, Todd’s album was hailed as one of his best!

Critic Robert Christgau called the second side of “Faithful”:

“Rundgren’s clearest and most interesting set of songs since Something/Anything?”

Rolling Stone’s rock critic John Milward said this:

“the original material that fills side two is a more ambitious tribute to his influences and his strongest collection of pop tunes since his classic ‘Something/Anything’.”

So Guess What? The Record Label Snuck It Into Release!

Shockingly for an album so highly praised, Bearsville Records barely let anyone know it was out!

The album was released in May 1976 with virtually no advertising. According to reports, Bearsville Records’ president Paul Fishkin decided that Todd’s fans would buy his music, and no one else would, so why spend the money!

The Shocking Decision NOT To Release Any Singles!

Another shocking discovery was the label’s refusal to release Todd’s great new music as singles!

Only the remake of The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” was released as a single and barely charted!

Here is what Fishkin told CREEM magazine:

“Musically, this is one of the most consistent, accessible records Todd has ever done, so we’re doing something unique on another level: we will not be advertising nationally initially.”

WHAT!?!?!?!?! Todd’s most accessible music with some of his best reviews, and NO ADVERTISING!

But, as if to confirm Fishkin’s belief that Todd’s fans would show up no matter what, Todd fans did indeed rush out to support him, and the album made it to #54 on the Billboard Album Charts!

For me, “Faithful” is an example of Todd following his creative road, but also giving fans plenty to enjoy…and next up for Todd was another masterpiece:

“Hermit Of Mink Hollow” is one of the great albums ever released, and you can see clips from it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/25/todd-rundgren-a-brilliant-hermit-mink-hollows-power-pop-masterpiece/

Todd was also heavily into Utopia at this time, which included live touring:

There is a unique box set of all of their performances at England’s legendary “Knebworth” festival – the sound quality is variable, but it’s a collector’s item for sure:

Read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/25/todd-rundgren-utopia-live-at-knebworth-amazing-box-set-fascinating-musical-history-in-a-box/

Leave a comment to let me know what you think of Todd’s “Faithful!”

Tommy Smothers “Beds” John And Yoko!”

There is a story behind this iconic photo: Comedian Tommy Smothers is one of many celebrities lying in a bed with John Lennon and Yoko Ono…how he got there, and what Lennon said to him, was explained to me by this Smothers Brother one night in Detroit!

“The Smothers Brothers!” The Hippest Show On TV!

Here is the set up:

Tom and Dick Smothers were successful standup comedians/songwriters, gaining fame throughout the 1960’s for classic albums like “Mom Always Liked You Best!”

Based on their success, they got their own TV show on CBS, which was a big hit! However, it ran for only two years, from 1967-69. More on that in a moment. It was a classic “variety” show: comedy sketches, musical guests, standup comedy – both Director Rob Reiner and up-and-coming Comedian Steve Martin worked on the show – and Martin got the chance to do standup on the show!

What CBS never anticipated, however, was the Vietnam War, which raged on in the late 60’s and divided the country. Tommy Smothers in particular was quite vocal about many of the country’s social issues, and the show became more political, leading to the brothers being censored by CBS…and that’s where The Beatles stepped in!

George Harrison Shows Beatles Solidarity!

The show was censored on several occasions, including when Singer Harry Belafonte sang his “Carnival” song over footage of student protests against the war…the network forced the show to cut the sequence.

The following week, the show opened with a surprise appearance by George Harrison! George has a bit of fun at first, talking about films The Beatles had given the show to air, including “Hey Jude”.

The Beatles Speak Out Against Censorship!

Suddenly, the appearance gets serious, as Tommy jokes about what you can’t say on american TV, a veiled reference to CBS pulling the Belafonte segment from the show.

Here is a clip from the show when “the quiet Beatle” stopped by to give the brothers some support in the midst of their fight with CBS. As you can see, this clip is from an E! airing:

The Beatles also used The Smothers Brothers Show to premiere their new music film, “Revolution.” This video uses a mashup of both versions from “The White Album”, the song having a hard-rock edge PLUS the “doo wop” harmonies from the slower album version.

This great film can also be found on the new Beatles blu-ray, which includes a treasure trove of rare and un-released films from the 60’s. Read more about this incredible collection here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/18/the-beatles-exclusive-new-release-incredible-beatles-music-videos-the-beatles-1-is-here/

How do I know all this? Because when I was at E!, E! President Jarl Mohn was smart enough to buy the rights to re-air the original episodes of “The Smothers Brothers Show” – and as part of that project, we filmed all new wraparound elements with the brothers – and we interviewed many of the original show guests!

My Tommy Smothers “John Lennon Bed-In” Story!

As we were finalizing the plans for the show, I flew with my team to Detroit, where the Brothers were performing. One night, our head Writer, the legendary James “Big Boy” Medlin, took Dick Smothers and the team out for dinner, while Tommy and I sat in his hotel room to discuss our plans. He was concerned that the vintage episodes wouldn’t hold up, but I explained that the show’s incredible musical elements needed to be seen again.

The shows were full of great musical moments with The Doors, The Who, and many others…and of course, The Beatles!

Tommy’s “Bed-In” With A Beatle!

Here is the story he told me about John Lennon, because Tommy was part of the incredible live recording of “Give Peace A Chance” during John & Yoko’s “bed-in for peace” in Toronto in 1969!

A Controversial “Bed-In!”

It may sound like no big deal now, but in 1969 this was incendiary stuff! John and Yoko were spending a week in bed in Toronto to promote peace, and they recorded “Give Peace A Chance” in the room…the couple invited many journalists in as well, and some were very combative towards John and Yoko…

This was a very polarizing time for Lennon. After the press events, John gathered all of the musicians, including Tommy, and they began rehearsing a new song – “Give Peace A Chance.” Tommy wanted to impress the Beatle by showing some innovative guitar work…

I told Tommy how incredible it was that he was performing with John Lennon. But Tommy explained to me what happened next.

He said that after his virtuoso guitar work, John abruptly stopped him, and said to him in his uniquely Lennon Liverpool accent:

“Just play it the way I wrote it, Tommy. If I wanted you to play it another way I would have written it like that”

Oops! Tommy told me he felt foolish, but John was nice about it, just adamant that EVERYONE in the room perform the song exactly as he wrote it!

Here is a clip of John’s famous “bed-in for peace”: – you can see Tommy Smothers playing Guitar at the end of the clip:

It was a pleasure to work with Tom and Dick Smothers, and these classic shows helped put E! on the map. Everyone involved with the original CBS shows were eager to be part of this updated version, because The Smothers Brothers were beloved…and of course, they showed classic Beatles material AND had George stop by to give them verbal support!

It was a few years later when John Lennon would run into The Smothers Brothers again – during the infamous 18-month “long weekend” binge with Harry Nilsson and others in Los Angeles!

One of the legendary stories about John and Harry involved being thrown out of a Smothers Brothers performance at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Here’s a great article with the entire story from the terrific “Ultimate Classic Rock” website:

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/john-lennon-harry-nilsson-troubadour/

It was one of John’s darker moments, and overshadowed some creative spark he showed at the time. It was during this period that Lennon produced the Harry Nilsson “Pussycats” album, which you can see here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/29/lime-in-the-coconut-harry-nilssons-musical-madness-john-lennon-shenanigans/

At this time in the post-Beatles world, John was living his “long weekend”, and Paul was getting Wings up to speed…

John and Paul were, without a doubt, music’s greatest duo, and look what I found: Paul singing “A Day In The Life” live in Liverpool, then segueing into “Give Peace A Chance” – with Yoko in the audience smiling broadly!

I am NOT a “Paul V. John” person – they were both brilliant in their own way, and I love that Paul played John’s iconic song…and let’s not forget Ringo, as we head back to The Smothers Brothers show!

Ringo also stopped by the show as well, and performed his “No No Song” with the brothers….

Ringo’s still making music, and touring all around the world with his “All-Starr” band…here’s a look at the latest lineup, including my favorite, Todd Rundgren:

Here is a look at some of the great music he will be making in 2016:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/16/ringos-all-starr-band-rocks-on-todd-rundgrens-2016-tease-the-beatles-tour-on/

There is a great new book at looks at Ringo’s life – and Ringo himself released an incredible memento for fans as well!

These are replicas of the post cards that Paul, John and George sent Ringo from the road when he was in the hospital! See more about this here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/06/16/ringo-starr-great-rock-biography-postcards-from-the-beatles/

Leave me a message and let me know what you think of Tommy Smothers and John Lennon!

Todd Is “Tortured!”

Time to look at another Todd Rundgren classic. Here how Todd describes this record:

“I knew that the label was not taking, or promoting, my records seriously, so I thought, ‘why don’t I do an album where I don’t try so hard, and let’s see if it makes any difference?'”

Todd Fights Back!

Here is the setup to that incendiary quote. Todd was responding to Bearsville, his record label…who Todd felt had been unwilling to support his music. His previous album, “Healing”, included one of the first songs ever shown on MTV, but the label still didn’t support the album!

See the story of the brilliantly hypnotic “Healing” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/30/todd-rundgren-healing-hypnotic-masterpiece-one-of-the-first-mtv-music-videos/

After that, Todd managed to wrest this band Utopia away from the label, and they signed a deal with Network records…

Their first album was being recorded and ready for release, so Todd just had one more thing to do: fulfill his contractual obligation to Bearsville, and release one last album!

The story Behind “The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect”!

It was Todd’s 10th solo album, released in 1982. That’s right – ten studio albums! This one, however, was bittersweet – fulfilling a contract and planning to move on…one book tells the inside story of this time in Todd’s career – make sure to read the incredible book about Todd Rundgren in the studio:

In the book, Todd explains how he was feeling at the time:

“I knew that the label was not taking, or promoting, my records seriously, so I thought, ‘why don’y I do an album where I don’t try so hard, and let’s see if it makes any difference?'” Thus the reference to a ‘tortured artist.’ I had to deliver an album, but I wasn’t totally excited about the prospect.”

Todd’s Lack Of “Excitement” Still Delivers!

Even with Todd frustrated by his label, and focused on a new Utopia album, he still delivered one of his most enjoyable, pop-infused records! And of course, he did it alone!

According to Utopia Sound house engineer Chris Anderson, Todd liked working alone at that time.

“Typically, on the solo albums, I would set up the machine for him and make sure that everything was working right, then I’d just leave him alone.”

Here’s a look at the great songs on “The Ever-Popular Tortured Artist Effect”:

“Hideaway”

It’s an effortless pop classic – strong hooks, great lyrics and a smooth Todd vocal. Here is Todd’s original music video – a great song with a very creative video to back it up!

“Influenza”

Classic Todd wordplay, with an easily repeatable hook.

Here is a great live “With A Twist” version!

“Don’t Hurt Yourself”

Another song that should have been a single…a beautiful ballad of regret…

“I’ve done some bad things
This I know
If I can’t change things
Tell me so
It does no good to break your toe on the wall
I know you’re angry
That’s all right
I said I don’t care
Well, I lied
But I don’t care who wins the fight after all
As long as you don’t hurt yourself
Don’t hurt yourself
It’s bad enough
Don’t hurt yourself
I wouldn’t want to see you make
Trouble for yourself over
My mistake”

Here is just the audio for the song, with a heavily-infused early 80’s sheen:

“There Goes Your Baybay” ends side one, another nice Todd pop song…for a contractual obligation, Todd has delivered another side of great pop tunes…

Side two begins with a cover song, “Tin Soldier”…as Todd relates:

“With ‘Tin Soldier’, I was starting with a song I’d always loved…I suppose it could have been tired on Faithful, but it was perfect for the mood I wanted for this.”

“Tin Soldier” is Todd’s cover of a song by The Small Faces. Here some great trivia about the original song:

According to wikipedia, when “Tin Soldier” was released in 1967, the BBC demanded the band change the ending, mistakenly believing that Songwriter Steve Marriott sang “sleep with you”, although the lyric is “sit with you”. Marriott explained that the song was about getting into someone’s mind — not their body!

Todd said he could have included it on “Faithful” – his album that included one entire side of “covers”:

Here is a look at the songs he did cover on that brilliant record:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/14/todd-rundgren-stays-faithful-a-shocking-record-label-betrayal-beatles-covers-brilliant-new-songs/

“Emperor of the Highway” was next, one of Todd’s goofy larks…which led to a “goofy lark” that has proven to be one of Todd’s biggest hits!

“Bang the Drum All Day”

It’s the “go to” song at all major sporting events in the US – Todd’s iconic anthem to goofing off instead of working!

Here is a great live performance from the show I saw with him in Beverly Hills in January 2016:

The song actually entered the Billboard Top 40 when it was released! As Todd says in the Paul Myers book:

“It may have turned into a cash cow in the end as a sports anthem and the like, for better or worse.”

Todd didn’t want the song to define him, and I understand his point of view at the time. With a record label refusing to promote him, classic songs like “Hideaway” were being ignored, and “Bang The Drum” was almost a hit in spite of the record label.

Here is the entire review of his 2016 Beverly Hills show:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/07/todd-rundgren-rocks-beverly-hills-todds-2016-tour-reviewed/

“Drive”

For me, Todd ends his “contractual obligation” with two of his strongest anthems. Here is a great live version of “Drive” from 2012 – Todd showing a ton of energy:

Thanks to “Walkerbrothersmusic” for posting this great live version on youtube.

Todd ends the album with this great song:

“Chant”

A positive chant that ends the album on a high note:

“We can’t turn back the clock
But we can chant for love
Let’s cut the idle talk so we can
Chant for love”

Here is a terrific live performance:

The album was his last official release on Bearsville Records, but the label did a nice job with the packaging. The cover was lots of fun, especially when you opened it up – lots of fun imagery!

So this was the end of Todd’s musical ride with Bearsville. He focused on his work with Utopia, but he wasn’t finished releasing great solo music.

Todd ended the decade with another masterpiece:

“Nearly Human” is more classic Todd, and here is a look at some of the album’s great songs:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/26/todd-rundgren-is-nearly-human-todds-6-fingered-masterpiece/

Todd is still recording and touring – wrapping up his solo tour to prepare to hit the road with this guy:

Here’s a look at the next installment of Ringo’s “All-Starr” Band:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/16/ringos-all-starr-band-rocks-on-todd-rundgrens-2016-tease-the-beatles-tour-on/

Leave a message to let me know what you love about Todd’s “Tortured” work!

“Paul McCartney and John Lennon Have A Song For You…Please Hold.”

Can you imagine getting THAT call? Well, it happened a number of times in the 60’s and 70’s – John Lennon and Paul McCartney routinely wrote songs The Beatles gave away to others!

When A “Beatles” Song ISN’T A Beatles Song!

Wikipedia has an entire entry about songs that were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for other Artists..here is how they categorized them:

1 – Recordings by the Beatles of Lennon–McCartney songs that the group ultimately decided not to release.
2 – Lennon–McCartney songs that the Beatles deemed unsuitable for the group at the outset and did not even attempt to record themselves.
3 – Songs that had been intentionally written for other artists.

“The Songs Lennon and McCartney Gave Away!”

Because EVERYTHING The Fab Four has done has been extensively documented, these songs exist for fans to enjoy.

This compilation album containing the original artist recordings of songs composed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney was released in the UK in 1979! Here is a look at the lineup:

The first song on the compilation album is actually the last song that was given to others. “I’m the Greatest” was recorded by Ringo Starr for his “Ringo” album – and written specifically for him by John Lennon in 1973 – the rest of these songs were released as singles during the active Beatles years in the 1960s.

Ringo’s Classic “Ringo!”

All of the other Beatles gave Ringo a song for his classic solo album, which was a huge smash thanks to songs like “Photograph”.

Here is the video for John’s “cheeky” song “I’m The Greatest!”

Paul and George also gave songs to Ringo, but this Lennon tune is the best – and John included his version of it on his Lennon box set, playfully rehearsing the song to the others in the studio:

John was on his “lost weekend” at the time, in LA hanging out with Harry Nilsson…read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/29/lime-in-the-coconut-harry-nilssons-musical-madness-john-lennon-shenanigans/

One of the greatest songs written for others was thanks to Paul McCartney, and it also had a Ringo connection!

Ringo’s Hilarious Movie! The “Come And Get It” Theme!

Paul also wrote a classic song for Ringo, except in this case, it was the theme song for Ringo’s movie “The Magic Christian.”

Check out the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/02/ringo-starr-the-fab-fours-magic-christian-madness-raquel-welch-dominatrix-great-solo-music/

You must check out this movie…the theme song was a big hit for Badfinger, who recorded on The Beatles’ Apple label. Here is Paul’s demo of the song:

“If you want it, here it is
Come and get it m-m-m!
Make your mind up fast

If you want it anytime I can give it
But you better hurry ’cause it may not last”

McCartney recorded a solo demo of the song on July 24, 1969, when he arrived early for an Abbey Road session. He sang the double-tracked lead vocal and played all the instruments: he sang and played piano on the first take, sang again and played maracas on the first overdub, drums came third and bass guitar was added last. It took less than an hour to finish. It was officially released in 1996 on “The Beatles Anthology 3” and issued under The Beatles’ name, even though McCartney did the entire song by himself…

Here is an amazing montage of the songs that John and Paul wrote for others, thanks to the internet!

“SgtPepperChannel” on youtube posted this – bravo! As you can see, John and Paul did a ton of music for others, as they were amazingly prolific….

“It’s For You!”

You heard a snipped of this in the montage – “It’s for You” was written by John and Paul for popular singer Cilla Black – and it was a UK Top Ten hit in 1964.

Here she is performing the show on UK TV, with a cameo appearance by Paul and John at the end:

Singer Cilla Black recorded the song at Abbey Road Studios in July 1964, with George Martin producing the session. Can you imagine the creatively that was going on at the time?

Cilla Black recalled the recording session years later:

“That was some session…John and Paul joined me and George Martin. We made one track and then everyone had a go at suggesting how they thought it should be recorded. George said it should be one way, John and Paul another and I just added my suggestions while they were thinking of what else they could do with the composition.”

Macca’s “Penina!”

In the late 60’s, Paul was very prolific, and he wrote the song “Penina” at the Hotel Penina in December 1968, when he was vacationing in the Portuguese region of the Algarve.

Here is the song as recorded by the Portuguese singer Carlos Mendes:

George Writes With Eric Clapton!

The Beatles were so prolific as a group that they had more than enough hits of their own – and George got into the action as well!

George wrote “Badge” with Eric Clapton for his group Cream. The song was originally an untitled track. According to wikipedia:

“during the production transfer for the album Goodbye, the original music sheet was used to produce the liner notes and track listing. The only discernible word on the page was “bridge” (indicating the song’s bridge section). Due to Harrison’s handwriting, however, Clapton misread it as “badge” — and the song was titled soon thereafter.”

Ha! Here’s an audio only version:

Now back to that “bad handwriting” story – Harrison remembered the story differently:

“I helped Eric write “Badge” you know. Each of them had to come up with a song for that Goodbye Cream album and Eric didn’t have his written. We were working across from each other and I was writing the lyrics down and we came to the middle part so I wrote ‘Bridge.’ Eric read it upside down and cracked up laughing– ‘What’s BADGE?’ he said. After that, Ringo [Starr] walked in drunk and gave us that line about the swans living in the park.”

So there you have it, a drunk Ringo contributed as well! The Beatles were amazingly prolific, and left us with an unbelievable catalog of music to love.

However, their songs were sometimes used in some VERY questionable ways – like these two films!

“All The And World War WHAT!?!?!?!?”

If you haven’t seen this movie, you are lucky! It’s a documentary about World War 2, full of war images, death and destruction, with a Beatles soundtrack! See the unbelievably wrong trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/20/the-beatles-worlds-best-music-worst-movie-choices/

And here is an image you will never be able to burn out of your skull:

Yes, The Bee Gees are dancing in “Sgt. Peppers” outfits along with Peter Frampton and George Burns!

This movie is embarrassing for all concerned: stick with a Beatles classic like this instead:

Here is a look at the legendary “Let It Be” documentary, which includes lots of strife between he band members, and the incredible rooftop performance in London:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/06/let-it-be-the-beatles-lost-documentary-londons-live-beatles-rooftop-concert/

Leave me a note on your favorite Beatles anecdotes!

Paul McCartney’s Outer Space “Rock Show!”

Here’s the former Beatle holding two planets…and here’s why – Paul’s late wife Linda was an amazing photographer, and she was capturing Macca with his “Venus And Mars” album cover prototypes: two circular orbs that represent our planetary neighbors:

“Venus And Mars Are Alright Tonight!”

Time to take a look at Paul McCartney’s followup to his greatest achievement of all time…yes, this is the album that Wings released after Macca’s masterpiece “Band On The Run”…

After a rocky start to Wings, the band hit their stride when they released this worldwide smash hit…see some great videos from the album here:

“Band On The Run!” Paul McCartney’s Triumph Over Adversity! Classic “Chaos & Creation!”

So how to follow up? Well, McCartney took the band right back into the studio and began working on new material…

“Venus & Mars”

“Band on the Run” overcame band defections, leaving only Paul, wife Linda and guitarist Denny Laine in the lineup. McCartney added Jimmy McCulloch on lead guitar and Geoff Britton on drums to the Wings line-up in 1974. Joe English also played drums on the album and the tour, and ended up in Wings for awhile…

“Venus And <ars / Rock Show" –

The album gets off to a raucous start, as Paul writes a song about the fans – who are off to see a rock show…

Here is the band performing "Venus And Mars / Rock Show" From "Wings Fly South" 1975 – a classic Macca performance!

“The Lights Go Down – They’re Back In Town O.K.
Behind The Stacks You Glimpse An Axe
The Tension Mounts You Score An Ounce Ole!
Temperatures Rise As You See The White Of Their Eyes

If There’s Rock Show
At The Concertgebow
You’re Got Long Hair
At The Madison Square
They’ve Got Rock And Roll
At The Hollywood Bowl,
We’ll Be There . . . Oo Yeah . . .”

What a great start to the album, and Paul was very happy with the band…

As Paul remembers:

“I felt really comfortable with that band. I had written Venus And Mars songs in Jamaica – we were getting around a bit in those days! – and had the album pretty much mapped out. Even though we didn’t use the style of New Orleans on the album, it influenced the way we felt about the music and added to the spirit.”

“Venus and Mars / Rock Show” was followed by a beautiful ballad “Love In Song”, then one of McCartney’s old style ditties, “You Gave Me The Answer”…

“Magneto and Titanium Man”

Next up was a fun, mid tempo rocker written by Paul – who was a Marvel comics fan – having fun with the Marvel characters Magneto, Titanium Man and the Crimson Dynamo The legendary Stan Lee, who co-created all three characters, said he thought the song was “terrific”.

Here is a spirited live performance from 1975.

“Letting Go”

Next up is a bluesy rocker from Paul, in the vein of “Let Me Roll It”…

Here is the great live version from the Wings 1976 world tour:

Side two begins with a short “Venus and Mars Reprise”, then a couple of mid-tempo rockers:
“Spirits Of Ancient Egypt” and “Medicine Jar”…

“Call Me Back Again”

Next up is a classic McCartney song, a soulful wail of a song as he pleas the love of his life to call him back again….check out this great video:

“Listen To What The Man Said”

Next up is a classic McCartney single: catchy, upbeat and fun….here is a video covered with great movies of Paul and Linda – look for Linda making a Wings logo out of carrots!

Thanks to “TheMusicalSteve” for posting on YouTube….and the video part was made by “mralan1969uk”!

“Treat Her Gently – Lonely Old People” is a great mashup of two soft ballads, with perfect Macca vocals…and “Crossroads” is a very short instrumental that wraps up a terrific album…

But There’s More!

A couple of years ago, Paul released “Venus & Mars” in a beautiful expanded package…in addition to the original CD, you get a bonus CD full of great songs, including the classic “non-album” track “Junior’s Farm”…here is “take 16” from Paul and the gang in 1974:

Here’s the lineup on the bonus CD:

1. Junior’s Farm
2. Sally G
3. Walking In The Park With Eloise
4. Bridge On The River Suite
5. My Carnival
6. Going To New Orleans (My Carnival)
7. Hey Diddle [Ernie Winfrey Mix]
8. Let’s Love
9. Soily [from One Hand Clapping]
10. Baby Face [from One Hand Clapping]
11. Lunch Box/Odd Sox
12. 4th Of July
13. Rock Show [Old Version]
14. Letting Go [Single Edit]

Almost A Lennon – McCartney Reunion!

Here’s some great trivia about John and Paul. According to wikipedia – John Lennon, in a nostalgic mood during his Lost Weekend period of the time, had told May Pang (his then girlfriend) that they would visit the McCartneys during the recording sessions for Venus and Mars, and considered writing with him again. Lennon’s planned visit never happened due to his reunion with Yoko Ono!

Well, that’s a shame, but Macca was flying high without him…here’s the promotional film explaining what is being offered on the remaster album!

“Venus And Mars” Soars!

Venus and Mars rocketed to the top of the music charts in the US, the UK and other countries around the world – and while many feel it’s not quite as good as “Band On The Run” – well, what could be?

The band headed out on the road for their classic “Wings Across America” tour – see some of the performances here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/12/paul-mccartney-wings-over-seattle-the-kingdome-implosion-seattle-sports-history/

Paul was on a creative roll during this period of the 70’s…and that included writing the greatest James Bond theme song of all time!

Here is my list of the best and worst Bond themes of all time:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/05/rock-on-007-the-best-and-worst-james-bond-theme-songs/

Let me know your favorite song from “Venus And Mars!”

Looking For Some Action?

Well, Steve McQueen is ready to deliver…and so is Clint Eastwood, who saw what McQueen was packing and decided to upsize it a bit!

A Gritty Action Explosion From The 70’s!

Here are five films that ooze grit, grime and action from the 70’s – a special time in movies – BEFORE SPECIAL EFFECTS – when cars ACTUALLY flew!

Enjoy “The Seven Ups!”

Here’s a movie starring Roy Scheider that flew down the streets of New York with one of the best car chases ever captured on film!

The Seven Ups!

Here is the gritty trailer:

This movie isn’t well known, but has been released on DVD, so you can take a tour along New York’s seedy west side highway for an incredible car chase…

This is just one of the great 70’s action films that uses New York as a “set”…check out more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/09/07/new-yorks-gritty-movie-streets-taxi-drivers-subway-hijackings-cop-chases/

Clint Eastwood had a string of big action hits in the 70’s, but this is my favorite:

Thunderbolt And Lightfoot!

This 1974 action film is a classic, criminally overlooked Clint Eastwood heist movie – Jeff Bridges was Oscar-nominated for his role here – and it is directed by Michael Cimino, who would go on next to do the Oscar-winning best picture of 1978, “The Deer Hunter!”

Check out the trailer:

Jeff Bridges Flirts With Oscar!

That’s right, Jeff Bridges was Oscar-nominated for this film, and he is terrific as always! Clint Eastwood plays a bank robber par excellence with a flair for explosives who is being hunted by his former partners, who think he has their loot from their last job.

Bridges is his eager apprentice and sidekick, who helps him escape; when Eastwood finally makes peace with his hunters, Bridges convinces them to try a daring robbery–but things inevitably go awry.

Now, if this whet your appetite for “Big guns”, then look no further than here:

Eastwood’s most iconic role from the 70’s was a Detective Harry Callahan- AKA “Dirty Harry”:

This is a great film, one of the best films of all time…read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/24/the-greatest-70s-action-films-ever-biggest-stars-with-the-biggest-guns/

Some of the classic early 70’s films were all about the war in Vietnam, and the impact back here at home:

Electra Glide In Blue

This obscure classic starred Robert Blake as a “good cop on a bad road”…

Here is the trailer, which begins with a great instrumental from members of the band Chicago:

There are so many interesting things about this film, including the fact it was directed by the Producer of the band Chicago! Read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/19/electra-glide-in-blue-forgotten-masterpiece-robert-blakes-best-role/

One of the 70’s more unusual action stars is none other than iconic Comic Actor Walter Matthau:

The Laughing Policeman

Matthau made several gritty action films in the 70’s including this one, where he plays a weary San Francisco detective trying to solve a vicious crime…check out the trailer:

Bruce Dern stars in this as well…obscure but worth finding…see more here:

Bank Robbers And Bus Massacres! Charley Varrick! The Laughing Policeman! Walter Matthau, Action Star!

The other huge action star of the 70’s was also one of Hollywood’s “coolest” Actors:

The Getaway!

In 1972, Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw blew the doors off movie screens around the world in Sam Peckinpah’s action masterpiece “The Getaway.”

Here is the original trailer:

McGraw and McQueen had an affair while making this film, and Sam Peckinpah was his normal “out of control” self when directing…see more on this legendary Director here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/05/the-wild-bunch-billy-the-kid-sam-packinpahs-soup-tossing/

Let me know what your favorite 70’s action film is!

Todd Rocks My VHS Player!

I was going through an old box, and look what I found! Todd Rundgren’s incredible 1990 tour to support his brilliant “Nearly Human” album!

What A Concert!

I was lucky enough to see this at the Wiltern theater in Los Angeles…a collection of Todd’s biggest hits AND new songs – what a collection!

Look at the songs being performed on this tour: new Todd, classic Todd and some great Utopia as well!

The concert kicks off with his classic “Real Man”, from the “Initiation” album…here is a great live version from that tour:

Another classic Todd song from the mid-80’s is part of the tour, “Something To Fall Back On”…here is Todd performing it live during the 1990 tour…

Todd Gets “Mated!”

You can see Todd’s wife Michelle singing backup on this classic Utopia song “Mated” from the tour:

That’s Michelle in the middle, of course…finally, here is one of Todd’s greatest songs from the album – and he is performing it live in Tokyo as part of this tour – “The Want Of A Nail:”

What an incredible show – so many of the songs can be found online, but you can also buy Todd online or from amazon as well – and you can get great merchandise from Todd’s store as well, so make sure to support him!

http://toddstore.bigcartel.com

Another great way to support Todd is to see him live! Todd is still on tour in 2016, entertaining audiences around the world as part of Ringo’s All-Starr band – see some highlights here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/16/ringos-all-starr-band-rocks-on-todd-rundgrens-2016-tease-the-beatles-tour-on/

I also posted a story about the entire “Nearly Human” album…

You can see some great music videos and live performances here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/26/todd-rundgren-is-nearly-human-todds-6-fingered-masterpiece/

Finally, I shared my experience seeing Todd live in January 2016:

You can see some of his live performance here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/07/todd-rundgren-rocks-beverly-hills-todds-2016-tour-reviewed/

Leave a message to let me know if you saw this tour!

Paul McCartney’s Emotional “Freedom” Tribute!

One of Paul’s most memorable moments took place in 2001, when he wrote a stirring tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack…it’s a dramatic end to what was conceived as a “Beatles style album”…

Paul McCartney’s Two Weeks Of “Driving Rain!”

Later Paul McCartney albums are interesting to me…Macca tried a number of things, not always successful, and also reverted at times to his straightforward “pop” sound. For his 2001 release “Driving Rain”, he tried something else – a Beatles recording style!

It all started on his previous album, “Run Devil Run.”

“During some of the interviews I’d done around Run Devil Run, I’d been talking about the old way we used to record with The Beatles around the time of the early albums … The band for that album had said to me, ‘Can we learn up what songs we’re going to do, like a week before we go into the studio?’ And I’d said, ‘No, no homework.’ So we did it the same way with this new album, following the same technique.”

Beatlesbible.com has this great quote, which continues:

“We came in on Monday morning, I’d show them a song and we’d start doing it. We didn’t know what was going to happen and it was a little bit into the unknown for all of us. The band on this album is a new band who I’d never worked with before, never even met before. It was into the unknown too for David Kahne and consequently it started to be a little bit different than what any of us would have done. All of us were having to think on our feet, and that process led us into something different from what we normally do. So for me, that’s what I mean by this album is not necessarily what you expect from me, because it’s not what I was expecting. But by going into the recording freely, not dictating, things just evolved.”

On September 11 2001, McCartney was sitting on a plane in New York City when the terrorist attacks occurred and was able to witness the events from his seat. As wikipedia reports, “incensed at the tragedy and determined to respond, he composed “Freedom” and helped organise (alongside Harvey Weinstein) The Concert for New York City, a massive all star show at Madison Square Garden on 20 October where “Freedom” was performed”.

The cover of the album featured a photograph taken with a Casio wristwatch that had a built-in camera.

“Lonely Road” starts the album, then the first single: “From a Lover to a Friend”

Here is the song performed live at The Concert For New York City after 9/11:

“She’s Given Up Talking” and the title track “Driving Rain” are next:

Here is Paul performing the song live on his 2002 tour:

“I Do” and “Tiny Bubble” follow, then a great pop song: “Magic”

Here is a terrific fan video put together on YouTube by “StrawberryLennon9’s channel”

“Your Way” and “Spinning on an Axis” are next…”Spinning” and “Back In The Sunshine Again” were co-written with his son James.

“The lyrics on the album are kind of quite simple; there’s nothing deeply deep. I’m not trying too hard, I’m just spinning them out, not worried if I’ve heard a phrase before and just gone for it. There’s a couple of songs on this where I’ve just put two songs, or fragments of songs, together. I just thought, ‘That will go with that.’ It meant at times that instead of getting a 4/4, four beats to the bar, in slamming them together you’d get a 5/4, but I thought that’s OK, I’d fix it later. But when I played it to the band and to the producer, they loved those little odd bars.”

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)

“About You” – His “Heather Mills” Song…

I am among those who do NOT like Heather Mills…from the moment she stated she never listened to The Beatles, I was turned off to her, and ultimately, she and Paul divorced.

However, the next song on the album,”About You” was written for her, as Paul thanked her for helping him get over the death of Linda…

“You give me power to get out of bed
When in the morning I’m feeling dead
Living and loving, there’s a lot to be said, it’s true

Gonna say it about you
Say it about you”

Here is a great youtube video from “piggies1”:

“Heather” and “Back in the Sunshine Again” are next – “Sunshine” was also written with his son James…

“Your Loving Flame” was written on the 36th floor of the Carlyle Hotel in New York…as Paul explains, a creative spark can come from anywhere:

‘Driving Rain’ was written in Los Angeles – there was a lot of rain and so on our day off we went off for a drive in this little corvette that I hired, we drove up the Pacific Coast Highway and went up to Malibu and had a bit of lunch. In the evening, feeling great after a nice day out, I was sitting around at the piano and I just started writing something half based on that day out. People say ‘how do you get your creativity’ and I think the answer is you just have to be open to stuff.”

“Riding into Jaipur” and “Rinse the Raindrops” are next, with “Raindrops” turning into a 10-minute jam…very much in Paul’s “Fireman” mode…

“Rinse the raindrops
From your head
Wipe your eyes
Go back to bed
In the morning
Skies’ll clear
And I’ll be here

See the sunlight
Break the ice
For the birds of paradise
Listen to the song they sing
Awakening”

A special fan video posted by “mccrabapple’s channel” on youtube:

McCartney’s Indian holiday had affected his voice during the sessions, as he later recalled:

“When I was in India, a carpet salesman ripped me off. He told me that this carpet was the rarest thing ever but when I got to the next town I found another 20 of them. So I rang him and during the argument, and not helped by the weather, I started to lose my voice. The following day it went totally. I couldn’t talk. With only a week to the recording sessions, I still couldn’t get the high notes. So I came to LA with my voice in quite a rough shape and decided to do the easy songs first, just to get the tracks down. But then I ended up just letting loose on one track, this monster 10-minute song called Rinse The Raindrops, where I really ripped it, and it all came good. It’s a nice quality if you can get it, a rawness. My voice has never been trained, so I just cross my fingers and go for it. I just wing it every time, like I always have done.”

Thank to “Beatlesbible.com” for the McCartney quotes!

Paul’s Stirring “Freedom” Tribute To The Victims of 9/11:

As mentioned, Paul was on a plane waiting to take off when the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded. He wrote a heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives that day, and premiered it at “The Concert For New York City”:

Due to the last minute addition of “Freedom” to the album, it isn’t listed on the early releases…

“Freedom” was recorded live during The Concert for New York City with later studio overdubs. There are some copies of the CD that were issued with an outerbox and a different cover and the tracklistings featured “Freedom” as an official track.

Reviewing the album for Uncut magazine, Ian MacDonald noted McCartney’s spontaneous approach to its recording, such that,

“In parts (for example, the lengthy closer ‘Rinse The Raindrops’), the results are almost ferocious, coming as close to a McCartney-esque Tin Machine as one could reasonably imagine.” MacDonald considered the more “polished and produced” tracks to be “the most successful”, however, and concluded: “Possibly a grower, this album is certainly better than anything Macca’s done for some while, if not the late masterpiece some of us have been hoping for.”

Impulsively, McCartney halted the pressing of Driving Rain so that “Freedom” could appear as a hidden track (since the artwork had already been printed).

Beginning in April 2002, the Driving USA tour – a significant success which would lead to worldwide tour extensions – was launched.

According to wikipedia, McCartney said in 2007 there are those who ascribe “militant” connotations to “Freedom” and, because of this, he had decided to remove the song from his setlist. About the song, McCartney added:

“I thought it was a great sentiment, and immediately post 9/11, I thought it was the right sentiment. But it got hijacked. And it got a bit of a militaristic meaning attached itself to it, and you found Mr. Bush using that kind of idea rather a lot, in a way I felt altered the meaning of the song.”

Some elements of the album are experimental, just as this album was:

Read all about his terrific “McCartney II” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/28/mccartney-ii-paul-mccartneys-experimental-masterpiece-the-secret-stories-of-mccartney-ii/

Let me know what you think of “Driving Rain!”

Happy Birthday Todd!

All Todd Rundgren fans know that today is his birthday, and I wanted to look at some of the songs from some of the albums that he has released over his long career.

He has taken some interesting paths in his musical career, but fans stay with him because there is true genius in his work.

Here are seven great songs from seven incredible Todd Rundgren albums…why seven? WHY NOT.

“The Verb To Love” From “Faithful!”

“Faithful” is one side of classic songs Todd “covered” faithfully, and the second side is simply one of his greatest collections of songs ever, including this 7-minute ballad.

Here is a great live version of the song, performed with Utopia, from 1977:

Read all about the album that produced this incredible song by clicking on my “Faithful” story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/14/todd-rundgren-stays-faithful-a-shocking-record-label-betrayal-beatles-covers-brilliant-new-songs/

“The Want Of A Nail!” From “Nearly Human”

“Nearly Human” is Todd at his most commercially accessible, with classic songs like “Parallel Lines” and “Fidelity” – and of course the roof-raising “I Love My Life!” at the end…but the album announced its lofty intentions from he very beginning, with “The Want Of A Nail.”

Here is the original music video, showing the song being performed in real time in the studio with a group of musicians and singers:

You can see more videos from that album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/26/todd-rundgren-is-nearly-human-todds-6-fingered-masterpiece/

“Can We Still Be Friends” From “Hermit Of Mink Hollow”

This album from the late 70’s had an “easy ” side and a “hard” side, but it is a collection of songs that are beautifully written, with haunting melodies, perhaps no more than on this big hit single.

Here is the “Can We Still Be Friends” music video with the dancing ballerina, and Todd on piano:

You can see more about this album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/25/todd-rundgren-a-brilliant-hermit-mink-hollows-power-pop-masterpiece/

“Hello, It’s Me!” From “Something / Anything?”

His biggest hit ever, and still performed flawlessly live on tour. It’s his remake of the original song he wrote in Nazz, and I love his live “Back To The Bars” version with Stevie Nicks and Hall & Oates doing backup vocals.

Here is a great live performance from the 70’s:

Here is my look at this four-sided masterpiece:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/10/hello-its-todd-somethinganything-rundgrens-four-sided-masterpiece-guns-n-roses-loved-it-too/

“Compassion” from “Healing”

His most spiritual album for me, with one side of the album a three part song called “Healing” which is one of the most beautiful and uplifting pieces of music he’s ever created.

The song “Compassion” was the single from the album. Here is a great, vintage live version:

You can see more about the album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/30/todd-rundgren-healing-hypnotic-masterpiece-one-of-the-first-mtv-music-videos/

“Just One Victory” From “A Wizard A True Star”

His misunderstood-at-the-time classic, culminating in what has become his anthem: my son is now a huge fan of the “AWATS” album, as he is listening to my original copy, and he fell in love with “Just One Victory”.

Here is a great live performance from last year, showing how great Todd’s voice and on-stage enthusiasm still is:

Here is a story I posted about how influential “AWATS” has become:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/23/a-genius-a-true-star-todd-rundgrens-musical-influence-awats-re-appraised-more-todd-mojo/

“Sons Of 1984” From “Todd”

Finally, the album that started it all for me…this was the first Todd album I ever heard, and I was hooked, from the opening “How About A Little Fanfare / I Think You Know” through “The Last Ride”, “Izzat Love”, “Heavy Metal Kids” and all the rest…

He recorded it live at Wollman Rink in New York in 1974…

“Back when I was young, my hope was strong
But the time blew it all to hell
If I thought I knew what was good for you
I would have gone and done it for myself

Worlds of tomorrow
Life without sorrow
Take it because it’s yours
Sons of 1984”

This 2011 live performance shows how Todd involves the entire audience in this anthem…

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/25/todd-another-four-sided-plastic-waffle-todd-rundgrens-eclectic-gem/

Happy birthday, Todd – so many more great songs and albums, both solo and with Utopia…but here are seven examples of why he has so many fans for life!

Reblogged on WordPress.com

Here is their comment after the verdict was announced:

You can click here to see my entire story, but the jury ruled that while Jimmy Page and Robert Plant may have had access to the song at some point, it didn’t constitute copyright infringement!

Source: Led Zeppelin “Stairway To Heaven” Courtroom Update! Jimmy Page Testifies!! Homage Or Theft?

This Paul McCartney album was hailed as:

“The ex-Beatle’s headiest music in years!”

The album being referenced captured Macca in a very artistic mood, as a series of photo shoots revealed:

“Electric Arguments” Electrifies The Critics!

It was, of course, NOT a McCartney solo album – but another “not so secret this time” collaboration with the music Producer Youth! And it got McCartney some of his best reviews ever!

“The Fireman takes your hand and leads you through the blaze to places you didn’t know you wanted to go.”
—Paul McCartney

The third “Fireman” album in 2008 was the first one that revealed who the “Firemen” were – a trio of unique Paul McCartney recording sessions with Youth…the first released in 1993:

“The original idea of The Fireman was to feel completely free in a studio atmosphere and this is something I’ve been interested in since Sgt Pepper, where we gave ourselves alter egos to achieve the same effect. It gives you the feeling that anything is possible and stops you being too serious.”

The duo released “Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest” in 1993, then “Rushes” in 1998 – but McCartney and Youth were never mentioned as being part of the projects!

These “secret” recordings were released with no mention of McCartney or Youth, and the first two were experimental instrumental albums…only becoming known to fans over the years….

Macca’s Experimental Phase…

Paul McCartney may be known for this pop/rock hits, but he has always been an adventurous musician.

McCartney’s first solo album, released in 1970, was very experimental for the time, with instrumentals, song fragments AND classic songs such as “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Every Night”…you can see those videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/23/paul-mccartneys-simple-classic-mccartney-pauls-solo-masterpiece-rises-from-the-ashes-of-the-beatles/

A decade later, Macca returned with his second solo album, also full of instrumental experimentation:

“McCartney II” included “Temporary Secretary” and “Coming Up”, which you can read more about here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/28/mccartney-ii-paul-mccartneys-experimental-masterpiece-the-secret-stories-of-mccartney-ii/

There hasn’t been a “McCartney III” – or was there? Here’s a look at an album that was in the same experimental vein as his first two solo albums!

“Electric Arguments” is the third album by The Fireman, and it was released in late 2008. It was the first Fireman release to be publicly acknowledged by McCartney…and the first to have vocals! This was a project of intense experimentation, with each of the songs recorded in a single day – the album was completed in only thirteen recording days, spread over the course of a year.

Experience These “Arguments!”

The title “Electric Arguments” came from the poem “Kansas City to St. Louis” by Allen Ginsberg. In Wired magazine, McCartney stated this was because he’d been looking at the beauty of word combinations rather than their meaning.

Here’s also what Paul said:

“We had a ball making this album, and it was a great departure because it seemed more like improv theatre. In the improv spirit, there are William Burroughs-type cut-ups in the lyrics. I came to “Sing the Changes,” as well as all the other songs in the album, with absolutely no concept of what the melody or lyrics would be about. So it was like writing on the spot, which I think lent an electricity to the whole sound.”

All of the songs were written by Paul McCartney. First, here is a fun promotional video from the studio:

Here are some of the highlights of “Electric Arguments”:

“Nothing Too Much Just Out of Sight”

The opening harmonica leads into a blistering guitar and some of the roughest McCartney vocals since “Helter Skelter.” It announced right out of the gate that this “Fireman” album would have vocals – raucous ones at that!

Here is a great fan video of the song from BeatlesFans Club on youtube:

“Sing the Changes”

This is one of the most well-known songs on the album, which one Writer called “one of the best McCartney songs in the last decade. With a bright, catchy hook and exuberant lyrics about looking at life with “a sense of childlike wonder.”

Here is the official music video:

“Travelling Light”

Here is a video I found on youtube – thanks to Andy Mark Bell for posting!

“Highway”

Here is the great music video for the song:

“Sun Is Shining”

This is probably the biggest hit from the album, and a surefire Macca single. It’s fun, upbeat and inspiring…

Here is a video using older footage of McCartney from the “Spies Like Us” video…

“Dance ‘Til We’re High”

here’s an example of how much fun McCartney and Youth were having when they were making this album.

Here is the official music video for the song:

“Lifelong Passion”

One Writer said this: “with its Indian influences, this meditative song wouldn’t be out of place on Sgt. Pepper beside “Within You Without You.” Yet it’s electronic elements place it squarely in the present.”

“Lovers in a Dream”

A Critic raved about this song: “The chant-like vocals are pushed to the background while a swirling collage of sound transports the listener to another world. It may not be advisable to listen to this one while driving or operating heavy machinery; it may put you in a trance.”

Did Paul Slam Heather Mills?

The last track, “Don’t Stop Running”, runs 10:31 – by far the longest song on the album. However, the song ends at 5:54. A bonus track titled “Road Trip” begins at 7:57.

After the album’s release, a spokesman for Paul McCartney denied suggestions by some bloggers that the “Electric Arguments” album has a hidden message directed at Heather Mills. “Click Liverpool” reported the album’s final track, “Don’t Stop Running,” ends with a strange vocal noise, which played backwards, it says, features a Paul whispering:

“Warmer than the sun, cooler than the air.”

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)

The blog says some fans have interpreted this as meant for Heather Mills and meaning “I have a big, warm loving heart and you are colder than ice.” Here is what the McCartney spokesman said:

“The official stance on this is that there are no hidden messages within The Fireman album. People always find messages in his music. If their desire is strong enough, they will be able to find something out of nothing to attach meaning to. It has been going on since The Beatles and we always get asked about hidden messages – but there are none.”

Whether there was a Heather “dis” or not, the album was hailed as one of McCartney’s best.

AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that “there are more twists and turns, more textures, than on any other McCartney album in the last 20 years…”

Will Hermes of Rolling Stone called the album “the ex-Beatle’s headiest music in years!”

Was “Electric Arguments” Meant To Be “McCartney 3?”

One last question is this, which also circulated on the internet – did Paul regret not putting “Electric Arguments” out as a McCartney album? The Daily Express quotes an anonymous source as saying this:

“Paul has been rather taken aback by the initial very positive response and now regrets the album’s getting a rather low-key release under his Fireman pseudonym. With the benefit of hindsight, he would have put it out as an official Paul McCartney album.”

So there you have it, an “anonymous” source…that said, this would have been an amazing “McCartney III” album: full of experimental music, great songs and great McCartney hooks…so I look at it as the “unofficial McCartney III” – you can decide for yourself!

Looking back at all of Paul’s great music is fun – especially when you add the “what if?” element to it…here’s a great example:

“Still The Greatest” is a terrific book that imagines all of the Beatles albums of the 70’s – because they never broke up!

That’s right, this book takes all of the Fab four’s post-Beatles work and lays out the next series of Beatles albums…fascinating! See it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/03/exclusive-the-lost-beatles-album-the-fab-fours-solo-songs-remixed/

Let me know what you think of “McCartney III!”