ROCKOLLECTIONS

ROCKOLLECTIONS: CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009 PT.2

Mike Pell — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:27:44 GMT

Continuing on with Rockollections, I noticed Saturday was the beginning of Hannukah. Got a couple of songs for that. Ever hear of Tom Lehrer? He wrote the song for the Garrison Keilor show because he felt there weren't enough of them. Nothing like an Irishman singing a Hannukah song, lol! After that, the Bare Naked Ladies with the other. Then I had really no idea what I was going to play, so I just grabbed a song by Canned Heat, and let the free-form fun of doing a show from home take over. I was running around while a song was playing, looking for what I thought would be enjoyable to hear next. We used to do that at the station because I would bring so much music in with me. But at home, I have EVERYTHING at my disposal. I will end the show with a song for my former girl, Angel. I heard it a few years ago, and it's by a lady named Vittoria Conn- she's got a bit of a Mama Cass Elliott sound, seems to me. More Christmas coming! Here's the link to to some unusual Songs Of The Season, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1593 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009 PT.1

Mike Pell — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:02:33 GMT

Dear All, Don't mind the mess, it's Christmastime at the Horror Of Pell House, lol, at Mike Pell Rockollections: Well, I was lured out of inactivity by my love of Christmas. I just HAD to do a couple of shows for our annual Christmas Party. This is the first show from my HOME! And I wasn't so happy about it, as I will describe after the opening, specifically chosen song, lol! I guess it also marks the official name change to Rockollections, with a new theme song. I was never happy with that name Rock Lives for a number of reasons, and I wasn't the one who picked it. However nothing else is different- I am the same old guy, and I will still be playing my eclectic choices of music, but the new intimacy may help to let you get to know me better. I sure do miss the studio, and more than anything else, my man Engineer Ken. And I never realized until I clicked on a microphone how much noise there is in an apartment, and from the computer. But I am working on that and will find a solution, this is only our Maiden Voyage. This opening chapter deals with the obvious fact that Christmas Is Coming. I'm smart like that, lol! But as I stated above, I will for the most part try to avoid the Same Old Same Old, and try to introduce you to some of the best music I can think of that doesn't get airplay on radio any longer, if it ever did. So let's get this party started- and this year for the first time it's from my apartment. Pick a seat and help yourself to whatever you like...you're my guest! Mainly, I hope you enjoy the music of Christmas. Have a link and a drink, they'll both get you there, lol, to WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1591 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: REMEMBERING JOHN LENNON PT.2 END

Mike Pell — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:10:16 GMT

We continue our celebration of John Lennon’s life. Last week we talked about George Harrison’s last song, Horse To Water. But what was John Lennon’s? I will play 2 versions of what is commonly regarded as his final song, one a rough cut by him and the other by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Carpenter does such a good job on it, I feel she took it away from John and made it her own! Back to his Beatle days after that, with a take that sounds very Buddy Holly to me. Engineer Ken and I decided to go back to the Mind Games album to finish things off. There are so many good songs on that LP that were never heard, as the radio playlists began to get even tighter. So to rectify that a little, we will hear Tight A$ (that’s right, no typo), a catchy rocker called Only People, Out Of The Blue and finish with One Day At A Time- the best way to live your life. If those song titles do not sound familiar to you, well, I rest my case about commercial radio! And that will do it for George and John this year. Hope you got something out of it. Here is our necessary link which enables you to actually hear what I am babbling on about, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1586 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: REMEMBERING JOHN LENNON PT.1

Mike Pell — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:27:09 GMT

Last week we did George Harrison, this week it is John Lennon’s turn. As you should know, he was shot and killed on Dec.8, 1980. I was looking for a way to open this show, when those “You Are Here” signs occured to me. Everybody has to be somewhere, so you are here! I have some rare and unusual Lennon things, in this chapter going back to his Beatle days. Included is a version of his Norwegian Wood, in which George first unveiled his sitar playing to us. You’ll hear John and Paul, but George is playing those SITAR chords on GUITAR. We’ll have some older Beatle things as well. I’ll tell you about what some of John’s last day was like. And you’ll hear a very interesting story from George Martin about the animal sound effects on Good Morning Good Morning from Sgt. Pepper, and what the order of succession of them was supposed to represent. Then I will play you just the isolated animal effects! Speaking of animals, a Walrus counts, right? We will close this one out with another isolated bit, this time that radio broadcast of Shakespeare’s King Lear that John used in…well, you know! Hope you enjoy this one- it was a lot of fun for me to get to play these things for more than just the people who come over to my house. There will be another episode on Mr. Lennon shortly. Here's the link to is a VERY interesting chapter, particularly if you are a Beatles fan (and who isn't?), at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1584 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: REMEMBERING GEORGE HARRISON PT.2 END

Mike Pell — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:49:28 GMT

We will conclude our remembrance of George Harrison for this year, and we will continue to hear some rare and odd selections by him. Plus my very very tenuous geographic connection to him and John Lennon. Then it is on to George’s LAST recording- a song he wrote and recorded for a Jools Holland album- his own last album, Brainwashed, was to be released later. The next song, Poor Little Girl, sounds somewhat similar (alliteration alert!), yet could easily have fit on a Beatles album- even the title sounds right! It was only released on The Best Of Dark Horse. Then what I consider the centerpiece of this show. I found the original version of James Ray’s Got my Mind Set On You. Broken into 2 parts for both sides of a 45 rpm single by Ray, I put them together- but if you listen closely you can hear where the break was. A song George loved so much he remembered and recorded it 20 some-odd years later. I’ll play them back to back! From the Beatle days, a demo for Piggies in which he hadn’t gotten all the words together yet. So don’t be surprised when he gets to the familiar “eat their bacon”, and instead it is “cut their pork chops”. After that, I have an intimate, acoustic rendering of the not-too-well-known Run Of The Mill. We will close things out with the title track instrumental music from George’s Wonderwall album under and above me. It may surprise some that George was the FIRST of the Beatles to release a solo album! Hope you enjoy this one, and stay tuned as John Lennon will get the same treatment. Just click on the link below to get to the George Harrison music, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1581 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: REMEMBERING GEORGE HARRISON PT.1

Mike Pell — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:37:46 GMT

It is time for our annual tributes to George Harrison and John Lennon. Last year I did a split show. But there is so much music out there by both of them, much of it unheard, I decided each would get their own hour. George died on November 29, 2001, with many of us here in New York City still reeling from the Sept. 11th attacks. Looking over his songs, I wondered if they had taken on any greater meaning for him as he grew aware that he was terminally ill. So, I thought I would open up with a few songs to show you what I mean. But not wanting to play the same old same old, I will be playing different versions, or takes (sometimes demos), throughout these shows and John’s. Take for instance, Give Me Love, Give Me Peace On Earth, where he sings almost pleadingly “give me life, give me hope”. If he even heard it during his illness, how would that make him feel? Or the Art Of Dying, would that give him some strength and solace? George had an ongoing battle with cancer, and that moron who stabbed him and punctured his lung didn’t help. Isn’t It A Pity he had to leave us. I have some live things too- one from a concert in 1974 and another from 1991. Engineer Ken saw him in ‘74 but doesn’t remember hearing the track I will play- a bluesy version of a lesser-known Beatles song, complete with vibes! It is a different George than the serious one, joking around with the band members and making up new words. Plus I have George doing an acoustic version of a previously unreleased Bob Dylan song that ultimately ended as electric on the Porky’s Revenge soundtrack (HUH?) I promise you will hear things you have never heard before. And all guitar players should particularly enjoy this episode and the next with George Harrison! Here's the ever-important link to hear what I wrote about, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1579 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: BOATS PT.4 CONCLUSION

Mike Pell — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:48:42 GMT

Thanksgiving is the most heavily traveled time of year in the United States! In this concluding chapter, I will continue with our musical look at the people heading Home to the harbor, and those folks who are at the harbor waiting for them. I'll start off with a no-brainer, one you should expect to hear, lol! After that, just some choices of my own I wanted you to hear...this is free-form after all. Included are two songs with the same title, but completely different musically and stylistically. This year it was Boats to carry us home. Next year, who knows...? I want to express my appreciation and gratitude, to you dear listeners, for your loyalty and patience with my sometimes unusual selections and presentation. It is all in an attempt to break the mold of today's radio, have an on-air personality that let's you get to truly know me, and open up that whole world of music that is either isolated to one format or neglected altogether. We are a small club that takes our music seriously and intelligently, always with a healthy dose of fun, and ever ready to receive the joy and memories that only music can provide. So, my personal Thanksgiving to you! And I sincerely wish you and yours the Happiest Thanksgiving celebration ever! Here's the link to take you to my little sphere, where you will always be welcome, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1571 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: BOATS PT.3

Mike Pell — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:47:05 GMT

These next 2 chapters can be listened to either BEFORE or AFTER Thanksgiving. So no need to take time away from your turkey preparation, just listen at your leisure. I open this one in a similar fashion to Part One, but from across the Atlantic. Did you know George Wahington declared a Day Of Thanksgiving in 1789, but my man Thomas Jefferson dismissed it? What the hell was he thinking, lol? A women's magazine editor named Sarah Hale felt we should have one though, and wrote editorials and letters to presidents, governors and other influential people for FORTY YEARS, until President Lincoln proclaimed a National Day Of Thanksgiving in 1863. In 1941, Congress made it a Holiday- the 4th Thursday in November. In this episode, songs about Ships- including one co-written by David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Paul Kantner (Kantner for years couldn't collect on it because of contractual obligations- don't you love those?). Then I will begin a collection of songs for people heading for the dock, port or harbor, and those who are there waiting for them. Starting with another contrast- this time between some old, poetic Dylan and the Hollies. I will continue with that sub-topic in our final, concluding entry with a varied selection of songs you should enjoy. Getting closer and closer to Turkey Time! Here's the link to hear some delicious tunes Pilgrims, and watch for the pop-up timer at the end, at WLSO.FM, lol: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1569 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: BOATS PT.2

Mike Pell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:02:24 GMT

I should point out that if anyone is interested in the past 3 years Planes, Trains & Automobiles series for Getting Home For Thanksgiving, they can be found and heard in the archives at WLSO.FM and Clickcaster.com. Back to the Boats, and if you are getting seasick that's because you are in the Boat and on top of the water. Let's hop over the side and musically explore what is going on Under The Sea! After that I have a back to back contrast of an overlooked song written by Neil Diamond- the contrasting versions will be by Neil and...believe it or not...Lulu! I remember the song here in the U.S. as her flip side of To Sir, With Love. I'll close this one out with a wonderful song regarding a look back by an old Sea Captain. Two more episodes to go next week, which you can listen to either BEFORE or AFTER Thanksgiving. I planned it that way, lol! We have so much to be thankful for- with me it's easy, for example if I am feeling down, I just take a look at those things on my body I am supposed to have two of- if I have two of each, I am very blessed and grateful, for there are many folks who can't say that. Just look around you! The Journey Home By Boat continues next week... Here's the link to take you away on the high seas anytime you'd like, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1564 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: BOATS PT.1

Mike Pell — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:17:31 GMT

For the last 3 years I have done a Getting Home For Thanksgiving series based on the Thanksgiving movie, Planes, Trains & Automobiles- never realizing I had the order wrong, lol! But so what. Anyway, this year I was thinking about yet another mode of transportation to get home by. And it hit me. The Mayflower is so intrinsically a part of our American celebration of Thanksgiving, BOATS would be the obvious choice. However, unlike those original settlers, today's going home by Boat would undoubtedly be the most luxurious and leisurely of all, at least compared to Planes, Trains & Automobiles. But I needed some sort of a precedent- for the last 3 years I used a movie, this time it's a song which enables us to get started and set sail for Home. Get your sea legs- this and the next three chapters are going to be FUN! Meet you at the dock with your luggage and this necessary link to board, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1562 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: HEY HEY...THE MONKEES - PT.2 END

Mike Pell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:16:23 GMT

We are going to start this concluding chapter with my favorite Monkees song. It took me years to realize I had one, lol! We’ll talk a bit about them having Jimi Hendrix as an opening act- Engineer Ken was actually at the concert at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in Queens. Those teenybopper mothers were aghast. So it seems that the Monkees were hipper than I gave them credit for. During their 2nd season on TV they invited Frank Zappa and Tim Buckley on the show. They were at the Monterey Pop Festival in ‘67, although they didn’t play. So, I gotta give them credit, those things were cool. In among the Monkees songs this time, I will play their last Top 20 song, and the original version by the Coasters- and I wonder how many people even knew there was a previous version. And to take us out, another surprise. A fun take on that favorite Monkees song of mine, by the writer of it. I’ll bet you have never heard it! This show turned out to be a lot of fun, as I suspected it would and how they usually are for me. And I have revised my opinion of the Monkees. They weren’t terribly important to Rock & Roll, but they were entertaining and valid. Come hear for yourself! Here's the link to what turned out to be more than just bubble gum, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1556 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: HEY HEY...THE MONKEES - PT.1

Mike Pell — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:49:00 GMT

Here is a group I never thought I would play. I honestly thought I was too hip to do so, lol! They were a MANUFACTURED group, the Pre-Fab Four! A cheap knockoff of the Beatles! Everyone should know about the ad put in Variety by NBC. But time has a way of making you mellow, and their music is catchy. Mainly because they had some great songwriters handing them songs, like Tommy Boyce & Boby Hart, Carole King, and Neil Diamond. They were considered TV actors first, musicians a distant second! Mike Nesmith seemed the most serious about music, he wrote Different Drum for Linda Ronstadt & the Stone Poneys among some other very good songs- and in an interview I once heard with him, he sounded so sad about his and the band’s musical shortcomings, he forever had me on his side. In fact, the Monkees were not ALLOWED to play anything on on most of their 1st records, just sing! But Nesmith was able to put some of his songs on those albums. They were immensely popular at the time, and I guess I have to say I like many of their songs- I even have a favorite. So just for those reasons alone, I bring you the Monkees, lol! Enjoy, and there is a second half to come. This is the link to get Monkee-ized, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1554 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: THE CSN DEBUT PT.2 END

Mike Pell — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:22:53 GMT

Funny, this show was broadcast on a hot August day, and now today I have been battling a cold, flu or whatever the hell has gotten into me! I feel like crap, but listening to this debut album by Crosby, Stills & Nash helped. Side Two is all ready to go. And I went off on why I like the song Helplessly Hoping so much. Besides all the alliterations included in it, there is that chorus...oh that chorus! Brilliant to me, and my breakdown of it just shows what a true romantic I am, lol! Always loved the song, always will. There is the rest of the side of course, plus I had time to throw in a bonus track. So sit back, kick off your shoes and listen to some fabulous harmonies. I rank them right up there with the Mamas & Papas, Beach Boys and anyone else I can think of. It's strange, I put so much work into the Theme shows and sometimes just simply playing an album is so satisfying. Please do enjoy the sounds. It's a sick man's request, lol! Here's the link to the music only, don't worry you won't get too close to me, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1550 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS: THE CSN DEBUT PT.1

Mike Pell — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:52:32 GMT

I broadcast this show this past August- a hot, sticky August day in New York City, after having taken the bus and train to get to the radio station. The hard candy in my pocket was melting! It seemed like the kind of day to just play an album all the way through. Nothing difficult, just take a classic album from 1969, let it spin and talk a little about it. So that's what I did with the debut album by Crosby, Stills & Nash. The LP blew everyone away upon its release and they became superstars. The Players in our drama: David Crosby, from the great and still-thriving Byrds; Stephen Stills, from the great and dissolved Buffalo Springfield; Graham Nash, feeling stifled with the great and to continue being great Hollies. And to keep the feeling of playing an album, I have Side One in this chapter. I'll flip the album over for the forthcoming Part Two. Here's the all-important link so you can hear some fine music, at WLSO.FM: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/1549 Mike

ROCKOLLECTIONS

Mike Pell — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:14:20 GMT

Dear All, Rockollections is very much alive and well. I have moved to a new place, WLSO.FM. The superior sound quality and reliability make it a very pleasant experience. Plus they even put a graphic up for me for each show! So you can join me there for all the new and interesting Artist Profiles, Theme Shows and other things, plus the Archives of the ones I have proudly done in the past. A Smart Look At Rock & Roll! Here is the link to the new place I can be heard: http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/category/rockollections I thank you for your continued support and interest. Mike Pell Rockollections