Richter Scale Show 144 - Tibbetts and the Tweeners

[Rick and Roll]

that would be "Rickter"....

Airing Sunday, August 26 from 8-11 PM and Monday, August 27 from 1-4 PM (all times EST)

The centerpiece for this week's show will be a masterpiece, Steve Tibbetts' "Yr". I wore this out in college and every year or two break it out and play it. It's one of my top 20 records. It's surprisingly not on Aural Moon, and that will be rectified hopefully in short order.

Before that, I'd like to play some songs that are also not on Aural Moon, that have progressive elements. In some cases, the artist is on the Moon but the particular cut/album is not. Also, the Jan Akkerman song IS present. So we're taking a liberal use of the term "tweener".

* Bon Lozaga - So Far Away (from Full Circle, 1993)

A sweet song from a CD that should eventually make it's way here.

* Jan Akkerman - Prelude:Friends Always (from The Noise of Art, 1990)

Great song from a dynamite disc.

* Robert Plant - Ship of Fools (from Now And Zen, 1988)

Something not heard for awhile, bringing the mood down some.

* Rainbow - selections from "Long Live Rock and Roll" (1978)

Lady of the Lake
Gates of Babylon
Kill the King
The Shed (Subtle)
Rainbow Eyes

Their most complete CD, features Dio, Blackmore, and Cozy Powell. I'm featuring five of the eight tracks, three of which are strong Progrock classics and two ("Lake" and "Shed") which are driving rock and roll songs.

* Sting - Island of Souls (from The Soul Cages, 1991)

A transition record, between his post-Police jazzrock and his pop-oriented records. Soul Cages is a very interesting listen, especially this cut.

* Extreme - selections from "Three Sides To Every Story" (1992)

Rest In Peace
Politicalamity
Cupid's Dead
Seven Sundays
Tragic Comic
Our Father

This band could have been anything they wanted. Their music is incredibly played (Nuno Bettencourt is Vai-like) and has many hooks, but through the cracks many Prog and eclectic stylings peek out. The two minutes in the center of "Cupid's Dead" is one of the most exciting bridges ever laid down.

The record as a whole is vivid in it's story, but the entire play would be too long and not Progressive enough for a full listen here. The opener "Warheads" has a drill seargant grilling a soldier...turns out the soldier is his young son. A lot of politicality in the story.

* Adrian Belew - Young Lions (from same, 1990)

Short record (as most of his are), but as fun as "Inner Revolution", which you can find on the playlist.

* Tommy Bolin - Wild Dogs (from Teaser, 1975)
and Post Toastee (from Private Eyes, 1976)

A shame that he passed so soon. Given the outstanding music on these records, it would have been a treat to see what more he could have created.

* Scorpions - selections from "Taken By Force" (1977)

We'll Burn the Sky
I've Got To Be Free
The Riot Of Your Time
The Sails Of Charon
Your Light

In between the dynamic debut record "Lonesome Crow" in 1972 (better known as Michael Schenker's guitar orgy) and their hit-making records featuring Michael's brother Rudolf, was guitar god Ulrich (Uli Jon) Roth. He played on several great albums from 73-78, bringing a distinct Hendrix influence to the band. After he left, he put out some great stuff with ex-Tull drummer Clive Bunker in tow. He was fantastic live also.

The Scorpions were a very interesting band prior to their commercial success. Personally, I enjoy Animal Magnetism, Lovedrive, and Blackout, but the Roth period really demonstrated many other facets of the band. "Charon" is simply one of the most exciting songs I've ever heard.

* Acuity - Cul-de-sacs Of Venus (from Skyward, 2004)

A dark and sometimes disturbing CD, written and mostly played by Bradley Styes, from the Detroit area. The cut we will hear, however is instrumental and mellow. It features the great Matthew Parmenter on violin.

* Suzanne Vega - Rusted Pipe (from Days of Open Hand, 1990)

Thought I'd throw you a curveball here. I enjoy her music.

* Steve Tibbetts - Yr (1980)

Ur
Spehexes
Ten Years
One Day
Three Primates
You And It
The Alien Lounge
Ten Year Dance

Artboy and I don't agree on Rush but we do agree here! "Ur" is the most powerful song...I can listen to it over and over. It ends much too soon. The other highlight is "Three Primates"

There is a ton of tabla, bongos, and assorted percussion augmenting his awesome playing (a guitar god named Steve, of course). Steve Unruh has the same kind of style, using percussion, but he is more folky (and this is instrumental).

I saw Tibbetts long ago, and he closed with "Funkytown" (he's from Minneapolis). It was all electroniced-out and a total blast.

Next two weeks will be Progday artists. Have a good week!

[roger]

Soul Cages is a terrific album. one of my favorites that I never get tired of hearing.

[podakayne]

sounds like another great show rick...way 2 go!

[Rick and Roll]

Thanks Poda -

I may catch some chat for the last hour on Sunday night, will be out prior. With work and Progday next week, chat will be at a premium.