Late Night Music Club with The Youngbloods
By Howie Klein Thursday Apr 03, 2008 11:00pmWhen I was in college I worked part time at the Cafe Au Go-Go. I never got paid-- nor did much real work-- but I was booking lots of the bands that played there at my college on Long Island, sharing the expense of bringing them from England or California to New York. And I got all the free banana splits I wanted as part of the bargain. One band that played there all the time was Jesse Colin Young's band, The Youngbloods. I saw them a dozen times and liked them a lot. I especially liked 4 in the Morning" and Darkness Darkness". I booked them at Stony Brook right after their big song, Dino Valenti's "Get Together," started to chart (1968). It made the news more recently when Clear Channel banned it after 9/11... for reasons no one has ever figured out. Anyone have any idea why? Anyway tonight's version goes out to... oh, you know who.
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Jesse Colin Young - Darkness, Darkness http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8kESEnpxOA
christianity in action!
52 Young Girls Freed From Mormon Enclave
[This is off Topic marko,in future please post this on an open thread.Thank You. Site Monitor]
The Youngbloods were the very first country rock band ever, drawing from Jesse's previous folkie experience. They were WONDERFUL. Jesse Colin Young and Jerry Corbitt had voices so close in texture and tone that they sounded like a double-tracked recording when they harmonized.
If you can find it anywhere, their second album, Earth Music, is a true jewel with a rockin' version of "Long and Tall," an innocently amusing early dope song called "Euphoria" and the absolutely hilarious "Wine Song."
I was fortunate enough to see them as a trio after Corbitt had left the band--and recorded a couple of albums on his own!--and even as a trio, they maintained their singular sound and attitude.
Jesse is still playing solo gigs in tiny venues, but Joe Bauer and Lowell "Banana" Levinger have retired from the music scene...
Bless them al!
Blatant act of piracy:
Rolling Stones
Sympathy For The Devil
From Jean-Luc Godard's 1968 film of the same name*, imo the most interesting film ever made of musical performance. If you ever have a chance to see the entire film, which runs about 25-30 minutes, take it.
*This film is an edit of Godard's feature length One Plus One, the former film being solely the scenes of the recording sessions depicted in the latter film.
[FIFY- for the second time today. : D Site Monitor]
Here's an old, old video of the original Youngbloods as a quartet; visual quality is lousy, but it gives an excellent idea of what they sounded like with the whole band. (It's a lip-synch.) That's a not-even-dry-behind-the-ears-yet Jesse Colin Young on bass at which he was surprisingly good. Joe Bauer is playing drums, Jerry is on guitar and Banana plays electric piano. Enjoy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15VrV2b3Xkc
In 1971, three years after the assassination of Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy, there were two songs I recall which held out the promise that people could overcome the polarization of that time; "Turn, Turn, Turn", and "Come Together". I have often wondered in the years since if those anthems were a reflection of a new awakening, or just a hopeful but immature voice of youthful idealism. Thirty seven years along, I still believe in the former. "Come Together" was our wedding song on April 3, 1971.
"If you can find it anywhere, their second album, Earth Music, is a true jewel with a rockin’ version of “Long and Tall,” an innocently amusing early dope song called “Euphoria” and the absolutely hilarious 'Wine Song.'"
"Euphoria?" That must be the same song as the one recorded by the Holy Modal Rounders. It's great. I particularly loved the Youngbloods doing "Sugar Babe" and, especially, "Grizzly Bear."
Johnny B, I think you mean "GET Together" rather than "Come Together." That was a monster hit for the Youngbloods a number of years after its first release and very much a hippie anthem. It was written by Dino Valente, who later turned up in the Quicksilver Messenger Service.
Fela Kuti
Army Arrangement
Clear Channel didn't ban anything - it's nothing more than another Urban Myth. Snopes has the lowdown:
http://www.snopes2.com/rumors/radio.htm
License to Kill (Bob Dylan) ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EpTBpS5wBU
marie @ 7:
You got it, marie! Those songs you mention are both from their first LP along with "Get Together." It's REALLY good, but I'll bet you'd like Earth Music even better. Yeah, they took the good-time feel of the Lovin' Spoonful, mixed it with folk, country (Banana played steel guitar on some songs!)and added a pinch of blues to come up with a formula which I've been in love with ever since...
Desmond Dekker
Israelites
Junior Murvin
Police And Thieves
Andy K Jong Il @ 14:
Hey!....I sent you an e-mail.Take a look.
The Temptations
Ball Of Confusion
Andy K Jong Il @ 16:
Piracy I posted this just the other night.Damn You ANDYK!
I am to young (b. '75) to have actually seen the Youngbloods in action, but they are nonetheless my favorite Rock and Roll band - the album that got me hooked (and is still my favorite) is "Rock Concert," with the b&w photo of pebbles on the front.
"It's a Beautiful Day" and "Josiane" are all I need from the entire Genre of sweet sounding rock ballads.
As an Old-time banjo player, I also get a kick out of Banana's original clawhammer ditty "Interlude."
muddy-
Great one's create, genius steals.
I'm not holding my breath waiting for Sir Paul to call me on that one. ;^D
Oops.
Rock ConcertRock FestivalThunderclap Newman
Something In The Air
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4JYrlA-goI
hehe.
> Anybody have any idea why?
"We fit together like a lock and a key
And we open up each other's minds" - Kansas
"Dust in the wind" - ELP
"Death in the wind" - ELP
Yeah, Rock Festival...with all those rocks on the cover! I think my Youngbloods collection is complete, unless they've dug up enough odds & ends for a box set by now. I just LOVE 'em...and it was with great anticipation that I went to see Jesse at an intimate local venue and got him to autograph my copy of Earth Music, which I explained to him was my very favorite LP of theirs.
Very nice, very gracious gentleman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLzUNDaF00U
Donovan, Universal Soldier.
Gn folks.
Damn good song
Kansas: What's On My Mind -
http://tbsn.thesequencers.us/?p=155
Spirit: Dark Eyed Woman -
http://technohippie.com/geeklog/public_html/mediagallery/media.php?s=200...
"Listen to the music, for the time" - Doobies
Hiya, Stan(ley)! How come we don't talk any more? Oh, wait, I'm usually asleep about now! Fuckin' jobs with regular hours, weekends off (mostly), benefits and pto! *grumblegrumble*
So is Kansas this year's Supertramp? Camel? Or is it just tonight?
Chicago: 25 or 6 to 4 -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0BxZ3_7kk00
Probably not their best performance of it, and the notes are wrong as it was never called the "Summit Arena". It used to be called "The Summit". Now it's called "Lakewood Church". It was a big government giveaway to big church.
Call it "burn out" on preaching to the choir. I've been doing more "disruption" (LOL!) over on some TownHall blogs than commenting on liberal blogs recently.
There will be a time when I comment over here more regularally (like when they finally kick me off TH (but they'll call it suspend" when they do it. ;-) .)
Long live Randi Rhodes!!!!
Andy -
> ... this year’s Supertramp?
"It's digital" - Supertramp ('The Logical Song')
> Camel?
"They play the machine, a new-fangled device
Lighting the fuse
There's no need to worry
Your world, will be *ALL RIGHT*" - Camel ('MetroGnome')
"Watch what you say, they'll be calling you a liberal
A radical
Oh a fanatical, criminal" - SuperTramp ('The Logical Song')
Kick you out?!? Is that possible? I'd think you could find a way back in if you really wanted to. Do the wing-nuts not know about your hacktacular reputation?
Christ, Stan, you're the bane of their existence....If you wanna be!
Hell, Stan, some of the n00bs 'round here think I'm a conservative.
I saw the Youngbloods on my 21st birthday, December 16, 1966, at the Avalon Ballroom, while on leave from the army.
Other bands on the bill were Sons of Champllin, for whom I later became the roadie, and The Sparrow, who changed their name to Steppenwolf and had some big hits.
My business is moving pianos in Marin County, and I have moved Banana's piano a lot of times. I even know his real name.
It must be because you're now using a communist psuedo. I think they see themselves in your psuedo. It was Randi Rhodes that taught me what projection is, from my recollection.
> Kick you out?!? Is that possible?
I would think it is (to their credit, they apparently haven't even tried to yet.)
> I’d think you could find a way back in if you really wanted to. Do the wing-nuts not know about your hacktacular reputation?
:-) They may actually be showing some "vision" in this case. But the "vision" they lack is that I probably wouldn't bother with finding a way back in. :-)
> Christ, Stan, you’re the bane of their existence….If you wanna be!
No, I don't want to be their f'n Christ. Some things I'm just stuck with ... :-) ;-)
35
Andy K Jong Il Says:
Hell, Stan, some of the n00bs ’round here think I’m a conservative.
Compared to me, you are a conservative! So is Stan for that mater!
Solas did an incredible version of Darkness, Darkness--track 1 on "The Edge of Silence." Deirdre Scanlan proved a worthy successor to the great Karan Casey with that one. They really soar on Dylan's Dignity on the same record, my favorite version of that song bar none. Sorry Bob
Here's a thread on a TH blog I've recently been commenting on, if you can't go to sleep tonight -
http://www.townhall.com/youropinion/comments.aspx?g=8ae4e456-25aa-4796-b...
lafin-
No, lafin, I'm just as liberal/progressive as you and Stan.
The difference is in our ideas of how to institute change. I don't believe in the rule by fiat, whether issued from the right, center or left. I believe in a nation made of laws, though I don't necessarily agree with all of those laws specifically.
Maybe it's due to my being younger than you, being influenced by things like this and this. But these are the ideals that I feel, if followed, if we are vigilant in our protections of them, make this a great nation.
Tell me I'm wrong.
BTW- are Quit Burp and Quiet Burp Siamese twins?
"Dino Valenti’s “Get Together,” started to chart (1968). It made the news more recently when Clear Channel banned it after 9/11… for reasons no one has ever figured out. Anyone have any idea why?"
it's a hearkening back to an earlier, perhaps more idealistically naive era of hopefulness in mankind's ability to fight man's own inhumanity to man, merely by attempting to get along a bit better". a sweet and simple sentiment.
totally out of place, of course in this day and age, as the 4000+ body bag is filled, while our conservatively compassionate president and veep, the first respectively dancing a happy little jig for the cameras, whilst the other incredulously blinks not and extols the absolving spirit of volunteer ism that he so octagonally, lacked himself when called upon to serve.
is anyone really surprised this kind of song would scare the snots out of an Orwellian society that is struggling to be established?
it all reeks of dirty hippies and patchouli .
Ayup ,
One of the great bands of all times , great music last forever .
Dino Valenti , did a song called " me and my uncle " anyone have a copy they could post , it would be apperciated thx .
d
42 Andy K Jong Il Says:
BTW- are Quit Burp and Quiet Burp Siamese twins?
No, they are Belching twins!
Belching? Sounds familiar...Isn't that near Strathclyde-on-Toad?
It's near Guzintight and Exsquezmee!
"Get Together" was banned after 9/11?
Peace is bad for business, I guess.
Will John McCain release his and his wife's tax returns?
What is McCain hiding?
Corruption?
I believe Jesse Colin Young's real name, even throughout the Youngbloods era was Perry Miller.
He changed it when he went solo.
I saw him in Athens, Ohio (1972?) and he was outstanding.
Good thing. He was opening for James Taylor.
BTW. Thunderclap Newman. Yes.
Spirit. YESSSS!
I revise my comment.
He changed his name prior to going solo.
Tom @ 10:
Of course they didnt ban anything, more along the lines of a suggestion, but the end result is the same anybody playing not approved music gets on Santa's naughty list.
I woundnt trust Snopes for the time of day or what colour the sky us btw.
See the colors flashin' like a rainbow
Drink em in until your senses overflow
I have their first album (vinyl) in duplicate, RCA Victor LSP3724, the first Titled "The Youngbloods", released in 1967 and featuring the traditional album packaging of the time. The second is titled "Get Together", released 2 years later and packaged with pschedelic artwork. Same great record, two different looks and reflective of the cultural movement that took place in two short years.
"There will be no stinking hippie anthems on the radio!" - Clearchannel Communications.
Here in the banana republic of Florida, it was Clearchannel putting up billboards featuring Bush and Mel Martinez side by side with the caption "Our Leaders". Pretty creepy shit - right out of the Josep Goebbels handbook on mass communication.
I might not know exactly when this song came out, but I love it. The moment I heard it. It's right up there in CSNY / Woodstock. at least in my mind. Always will be and nobody can take that away except by censorship, and so it's time to face down the censors!!!
By the way I don't get no free banana splits.
I pay for beer.
I believe the Jefferson Airplane recorded this song first, before Grace Slick joined the band, but they didn't release it as a single, so it never went anywhere for them.
Those Greatest Hit's of The 60's packages suck.
geneHUSSEIN214 @ 54:
I must've missed something. Was that ban recent...like within the last say, SEVEN years? Pardon my obtuseness.
Thats the Way She Feels About You about 60 secsonds in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jnsrpbIvz8&feature=related
I love your "Late Night Music Club" posts. This took me back and also reminded me of how much we've lost during the Dubya years.
That's Charlie Daniels playing the fiddle on Darkness, Darkness. He produced that album for The Youngbloods. I think Charlie's and Jesse's politics have diverged since Get Together was released.
Why do all these videos look the same -- with the same ol' zoom-in on every slide.
I, too have iMovie. But there are dozens of different transitions available.
I think citizen video is not a bad concept, in general. But that is still no excuse of damn bad execution.
We are, indeed, in the Dark Ages of media.
If you get a chance, give the Jesse Colin Young solo effort "GREY DAY" a listen. magnificent.
My granny lived in a tiny town in Southwest Virginia, didn't even have a traffic light. I used to visit in the summer and hang out now and then at the local eating place, which consisted of a few tables where you could eat your greasy fries and other yummy country food, or you could sit on the barstools at the counter. but the star attraction of the place was its nickel-a-song jukebox. I used to drive people crazy because I would play "Get Together" over and over, and I would sit at the table and wonder why everyone was so angry all the time and why couldn't we all just get along, eh.
The more things change, the more they stay the same, but I'll always love this song.
Thanks, Howie…
The best memory still left of being a 19 year old at Woodstock was singing "Get Together" as we walked down the road towards the first show on Friday. Most everyone had abandoned their cars the night before and the road was filled with people walking both directions, looking like happy refugees and passing the cars which were barely moving. Far ahead you could hear a sound, then a song, and as you walked it got louder and you could tell it was "Get Together". As it got louder the people around started singing and smiling as we moved along toward it. Finally you could see that its source was a guy playing his guitar in a rocking chair on top of a truck that was going the other direction, very slowly. As we passed, everyone was singing and feeling it and for that moment we did understand, and it was as true as anything can be. As we continued on, the song slowly receded, and the people around left off singing, but the song kept going down the road.
Does anyone beside myself remember in 1969 when a group of people tried to have "Get Together" replace the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem?
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