Month: October 2023

Concert Review: U2 Live In Las Vegas At The Sphere, With Surprise Guest, Lady Gaga Oct 25, 2023

~ kcorsini ~ 13 Comments

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*Picture of U2 with Lady Gaga in Las Vegas at The Sphere, Oct 25, 2023 taken by your intrepid blogger

The scheme was hatched a mere three weeks ago. And as most good ideas and/or schemes go around here it was the Rock Chick’s idea. Ever since U2 announced they were doing a residency in Vegas at the brand new, mind blowing Sphere and performing one of my favorite LPs, Achtung Baby, in it’s entirety… I’ve been glancing at tickets. But it was always some distant idea. It was the Rock Chick who had the idea of going out to Vegas on a Wednesday to see U2 and then see either Billy Idol or The Cult on Friday (we chose Billy Idol… we’d already seen the Cult twice on the Under The Midnight Sun tour). She’d researched all the shows going down this week and it was determined this was when we should pull the trigger. What can I say, she’s a Woman Of Action. Three nights in Vegas and two rock n roll shows… how could I resist? And yes, I realized how fortunate I am to be able to pull something like this off…

Ah, U2. It’s impossible to overstate how much this band meant to many of us back in the late 80s through… really the early 2000s. My first U2 album was War, purchased on vinyl. I loved “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “New Years Day” and especially “Two Hearts Beat As One.” I bought that album in college when it first came out, and while that makes me feel like an early adopter, it was their third album. I quickly also purchased Boy, their great debut album (but then we love debut albums here). U2’s music over the last… let’s say… 15 years has brought out a lot of disappointment amongst the “faithful” fans. I chalk that up to the enormity of what this band meant to all of us those many years ago. They were earnest and said things no other bands said. Most fans have disliked their recent albums but I always find songs to like on U2 albums even No Line On The Horizon, Songs Of Innocence, or Songs Of Experience. I tend to ignore Songs of Surrender as a Bono vanity project. Sometimes its hard for a band that’s been around for a long time to combat people’s expectations.

Despite their recent critical downturn, I doubt there are many bands who could withstand the spectacle of Las Vegas’ Sphere. My god, what a venue. The entire outside lights up. During the day it was a huge jack-o-lantern in honor of Halloween. When we got inside, through the traffic and pedestrians pouring into the place, it was like being aboard a spaceship. It’s an extraordinary venue. I think an ordinary band would be drowned in that spectacle. Not U2. When I got to my seat the background looked like a wall of riveted steel plates… like I was in a giant, round submarine. The stage was a stylized turntable. As the band played, graphics often slide downward behind them which was, at first, a little disorienting. I felt like I was falling backwards. It’s pretty amazing visually, and completely transported me.

And again, only a band like U2 could probably not get lost in all that visual spectacle. But they had to bring some great material. What better album to perform entirely than the monumental Achtung Baby? I saw U2 perform the Joshua Tree in it’s entirety a few years ago but Achtung will always hold a special place in my heart. That was the first tour I saw U2 live – in St. Louis at old Busch Stadium – on the Zoo TV Tour and I was in the fourth row. While Wednesday’s performance was amazing, nothing will match that September 1992 concert, the best show I’ve ever seen. So if you’re going to perform in a state of the art venue, bring a classic album. And Achtung Baby always felt like a rebirth for the band and for me and what I was experiencing in my life at the time…

U2 strutted out onto the turntable stage to a recorded version of “Lemon.” While the Edge manned the guitar and Adam Clayton was on bass, Larry Mullen, Jr was not in attendance. Bram van Der Berg was sitting in for Larry… Bono, early in the show, asked “Who are you? Who are we? I know you and you,” pointing to the Edge and Adam, but then turning to the drummer, he said, “Who the fuck are you?” It was a funny moment. The lead off track, like that one in 1992 in St Louis, was “Zoo Station.” What a great opener. The Rock Chick felt they didn’t cleave close enough to the studio version and while it didn’t hit me as hard as 1992, I still thought it was a promising lead off.

From there they took us through the first part of the album. Whatever they were singing, while he’s been dead for almost 50 years, Elvis Presley was a big presence. His image floated by behind the band several times and Bono broke into Elvis tunes during the coda of several songs. What can I say, the King is always going to hang over any Vegas act. “Even Better Than The Real Thing” was an absolute highlight. They slowed it to a crawl in the middle and then brought it back up. “One” is still the emotional heart of any U2 show… Bono sang “Love Me Tender” on the end. While I thought “Tryin’ To Throw Your Arms Around The World” was awesome – and a song I’d forgotten about – the Rock Chick once again thought it was sloppy.

After “Throw Your Arms” Bono announced that it was time to pause Achtung Baby, “to turn the record over.” He announced the next song – the first in a mini acoustic set mid-show – as a song he wrote from a woman’s point of view. Although he mentioned, “he’d never sang it with a woman.” Onto the stage struts none other than Lady Gaga in shoes that would kill a mere mortal human. Suddenly she’s duetting on “All I Want Is You” with Edge on acoustic guitar. I won’t lie… tears in my eyes. They broke into a song, “Shallow” from Lady Gaga’s catalog that I was unfamiliar with. What can I say, I didn’t see A Star Is Born. I felt the Kris Kristofferson version was definitive. Gaga stayed on for a stirring version of “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and again… more tears. Amazing performance that dumb luck and the Rock Chick’s persistence allowed me to witness.

After Gaga split the acoustic set continued with a great version of “Desire.” I hope something gets released from these shows… And then they broke into a song that Bob Dylan co wrote that I assumed only I knew, “Love Rescue Me.” It was awesome. I hadn’t ever heard that song live. Stripped down and acoustic it was perfect. After that they turned back to Achtung Baby and a stretch of four of their best deep tracks: “Acrobat,” “So Cruel” which was an absolute killer even to the Rock Chick, “Ultraviolet Light (Light My Way)” and finally, a personal favorite “Love Is Blindness” with a searing Edge guitar solo. All during these tracks the graphics in back were mind blowing. It was a close to rock n roll nirvana as I could get… or so I thought.

The encore took me even higher. “Elevation” simply rocked. They broke into a snippet of “My Way,” another Elvis Presley adjacent track. Then it was new track “Atomic City” which really came across live. “Vertigo” killed as usual. Then Bono briefly broke into another deep track I dig, “Moment Of Surrender” which then morphed into “Where The Streets Have No Name,” and again… tears… “Niagra Falls, Franky Angel…” (If I may quote Scrooged). “With Or Without You” was a beautiful moment. Mellow, but so powerful, like an elegy. One of my all time favorites, from an album that was out when I met the Rock Chick, “Beautiful Day” ended the show. And indeed, it had been a beautiful day and evening.

U2 came out and just delivered. They weren’t overwhelmed by the graphics or the big screens at all. At the heart of it all is a band playing wonderful music. A communal evening of celebration and love. Bono said outside the world is chaos but here tonight it’s all about love, and it really rang true. I’m hoping with the band re connecting with that classic Achtung Baby and the Edge playing all these great riffs, that maybe U2 will turn back to that classic, more primitive rock n roll sound of yore. At this point, having seen this show, I don’t even care. It was a special evening with a special band.

When I see a band like this, that I’ve loved for so long, it’s like seeing an old gang of friends that I haven’t seen in a while. There’s always rock n roll music and a cocktail or two… It’s so worth it. As I’m fond of saying, buy the ticket, see the show. Even if it takes a nudge from the wife…

Cheers!

Review: The Rolling Stones Return After 18 Years With The Superb ‘Hackney Diamonds’

~ kcorsini ~ 13 Comments

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Well it’s about time. Or maybe I should start with “good things come to those who wait…”

I keep a running list here in my desk at the B&V Labs of “upcoming albums,” some actually announced, some are purely from my wish list. Every year for as long as I can remember I’d write down “The Stones, new album 20xx.” Then I’d end up scratching out the year I wrote down and replacing it with the next year and then the next year. I can’t believe it’s been since 2005’s A Bigger Bang, which was a great Stones’ album by the way, since Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood have graced us with an album of original tunes. Alas, we lost drummer Charlie Watts in 2021. Granted they did release Blue And Lonesome, an exceptional album of blues covers but I longed for new music from the Stones. Sure, they’ve teased us over the last few decades… 2012’s Greatest Hits package GRRR! had two new tracks, “Gloom And Doom,” and “One More Shot.” And during the pandemic they released a great song, “Living In A Ghost Town,” but a new album always remained elusive.

It’s been rumored they’ve been working on an LP for years but just couldn’t pull it together. Spurred by the loss of Charlie, who they replaced with XPensive Wino drummer Steve Jordan (SNL, the Blues Brothers), last August Mick gave Keith a deadline to shoot for – February 14, 2023, Valentine’s Day – as the target date to have an album completed. As Keith has been quoted, “When the singer says he wants to do an album, you do an album.” From what I’ve read I’m not sure Keith had much new material so much of the album was written by Jagger. Keith says his role was to “shape the songs” with Mick. And I will admit, the first time I listened to this album it sounded like a really good Mick solo album. But the extremely eclectic group of songs on this album really started to reveal themselves to me with repeated listens and yes, this is a damn fine Stones’ album. In the almost universal acclaim this record has gotten it’s described as the “best album since Tattoo You.” Which most critics feel is the last great Stones LP. I really liked Steel Wheels… and Voodoo Lounge… and A Bigger Bang. So I won’t be saying anything like that. Hell, I liked the oft maligned Dirty Work, but hey, I’m a Stones fan. Nobody’s gonna tell me “One Hit To The Body” is a bad song.

To help on this new album, the Stones changed producers from Don Was who has worked with them since Voodoo Lounge (and I’m not sure Mick ever liked), and brought in wunderkind Andrew Watt. As long time readers know, I’m a big fan of Watt as a producer (he can also play any instrument, which is handy). He has a knack for bringing out the best in older acts. He’s recently produced LPs from Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, and Eddie Vedder, all of which I loved. He can get a “classic rock” act to sound… well, like they did in their classic period. He’s certainly given the band a jolt here. While it is a classic Stones-y album it feels modern, “of today,” if you will. There’s an urgency and passion in these songs that I haven’t heard in a while. Jagger sounds totally engaged and totally into it. His vocals on this album are extraordinary for a man of his age. He’s lost nothing. He even gives us some of his classic falsetto.

As mentioned, Steve Jordan mans the drums in place of Charlie Watts. However, they did use Charlie’s drums on two tracks – “Mess It Up” and “Live By The Sword” – which is as it should be. Longtime bassist Darryl Jones was out touring so Andrew Watt, Ronnie Wood and Keith take up duties on bass guitar. Although erstwhile bassist Bill Wyman returned for “Live By The Sword” as a tribute to Watts, which I just love. It’s a special thing to have the original Stones rhythm section on record together again. Paul McCartney also mans the bass on “Bite My Head Off,” which as a music geek I think is just f’ing cool. Longtime keyboard player Chuck Leavell is also AWOL on this record. However, the Stones aren’t short on guests on this record – Lady Gaga, Elton John, Benmont Tench and Stevie Wonder all show up – but the guests don’t overwhelm the band. They fit into the Stones’ sound quite nicely. While there are no Chuck Berry influenced rockers or “Out Of Tears” ballads, there are really great songs here. When I said to the Rock Chick, “Well, there’s no real weeper ballads on here like “Out Of Tears,”” she said, “That’s good…” Always a rocker, the Rock Chick.

Mick has said the material on this album is all around “failed relationships.” I can certainly hear that here… one has to wonder if he’s talking about his and Keith’s relationship… stormy indeed. Anyway, the album starts off with the first single, “Angry.” I’ve already commented on that song, but I will say, it has only grown in my estimation. The Rock Chick and I like to drive around town blaring that song. It’s a great album opener. They follow up with another riff rocker, “Get Close,” which features Elton John on piano. I really like Jordan’s drumming on this song, although I’ll admit that this one sounds almost like a Mick solo track. James King plays a sax solo that almost steals the show. “Depending On You” features Benmont Tench of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers on keyboards and is an acoustic guitar driven ballad with a touch of country thrown in. It’s a favorite of mine. “Now I’m just a story you tell…” is a feeling I know too well. “Bite My Head” is a full on, meet me at the finish line, punk rock song with none other than Paul McCartney on a fuzz bass. He even plays a solo as Mick yells, “C’mon Paul let’s hear some bass,” which is admittedly cheesy but what a song! Ronnie throws in a great guitar solo to boot. This track made me think of “Shattered” in a round about way, another punk influenced Stones song.

“Whole Wide World” may be, other than “Angry,” my favorite song on the album. Mick has a full on cockney accent. It’s a full on, loping rocker. I love the riff and it’s got an arena sized chorus. I love when Mick sings, “When you think the party’s over and it’s only just begun…” While “Depending On You” hinted at the Stones’ country rock past, “Dreamy Skies” is a full on Stones country song. There’s a great acoustic slide guitar on this world weary track. It’s very stripped down and Mick adds a sensational harmonica. I love when Mick plays the blues harp. The next two tracks feature Charlie Watts and I’m so glad they had something of his to use on this album, their first since he passed. “Mess It Up” is a dance-able rocker in the vein of “Miss You.” It’s funky and Mick does the chorus in falsetto. Charlie is joined by Bill Wyman for “Live By The Sword” a hard rocker thing that boasts another fabulous guitar solo from Ronnie Wood. “Driving Me Too Hard” is another favorite. It’s a swinging rocker with just a touch of a country rock feel to it.

The three tracks that end this album are really sensational to me. Keith takes lead vocals on “Tell Me Straight” where he’s asking his lover for some truth. I always look for the Keith songs on every Stones album and this one does not disappoint. This song makes the album feel quintessentially Stonesy to me… it conjures a closing bar and a tumbler of rye. Next is the jaw dropping “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven” with Stevie Wonder on keyboards and the incomparable Lady Gaga doing a Merry Clayton “Gimme Shelter” harmony/co lead vocal and it’s an astoundingly good Stones song. It’s the kind of song they used to knock out with ease on Sticky Fingers or Exile On Main Street but I didn’t think they were capable of anymore… blues, soul and gospel all rolled into one. Kudos to Andrew Watt for pulling in Stevie Wonder for the song. It’s shockingly good rock n roll. And finally, in another great move, Andrew Watt brilliantly sat Mick and Keith in a room with a harmonica and an acoustic and they go back to the beginning on a Muddy Waters cover, “Rolling Stones Blues.” They’d never covered the song that gave them their name until now. It’s a song that’s hard not to love but then I love the blues. I don’t know if the Stones will ever do another album – I certainly hope they do – but this would be a perfect track to end it all on.

With Jagger this excited about the new music and Andrew Watt on board to give these guys a jolt, there are rumors that the Stones are already half way done with another record. Let’s face it, they don’t have 18 years to wait again. If you’re a fan of the Stones you are going to like this album. It’s really astounding that this far down the road this band is capable of producing something this strong. The band just delivers. This album will be in high rotation here at B&V for the foreseeable future… I just wish my vinyl copy would show up!

Cheers!

Tom Petty Releases ‘Mojo (Extra Mojo Version)’ With Three Additional Songs

~ kcorsini ~ 4 Comments

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While I realize today is the release date of the new Stones album, Hackney Diamonds, it’s also Tom Petty’s birthday. I can’t believe it’s been six years since we lost Tom. I feel that loss to this day. The man was only 66… actually less than three weeks away from turning 67. I feel like we’ve missed out on so much music he would have created. Luckily we’ve had some fabulous, posthumous releases like Wildflowers…All The Rest and An American Treasure to keep us connected with Petty and his Heartbreakers. On this day above all others I think it’s good for us to swing our focus back to Petty.

Towards the end of his career, after the slight misstep that was The Last D.J., Petty hit his stride in a big way. The last three LPs he released, Highway Companion (a 2006 “solo” album), Mojo (2010), and Hypnotic Eye (2014) were all great albums that are absolute career highlights. One of favorites from those late releases was Mojo. It was hailed as Petty’s “blues” album. I remember at the time reading a Petty interview and he said he’d been listening to bluesy stuff for a while and when he presented the idea of incorporating a more blues oriented sound into the  music, the Heartbreakers (Mike Campbell, guitarist extraordinaire; Benmont Tench, keyboards; Ron Blair, bass; Steve Ferrone, drums; Scott Thurston, utility infielder…er multi-instrumentalist), readily agreed with the idea. Now it’s probably obvious that I was going to be all in on a blues rock album, I’m on record as loving the blues… it’s the root of almost all the music I love.

But I have to say, while Mojo is very bluesy, I wouldn’t exactly describe it as a Petty’s “blues” album. It’s got more in common with the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds or the Allman Brothers Band than it does with say, Howlin Wolf or Muddy Waters. The Heartbreakers really stretch on this record. And frankly, try on a few different styles, including a reggae styled tune, than just straight up blues. I had to drive to the outskirts of town yesterday to go to the DMV and I put on Mojo as I barreled down the highway and I must say… this album might be a better “Highway Companion” than the album that bears that name. And now the Petty camp has re-released the record, now dubbed Mojo (Extra Mojo Version) with three extra songs, only one of which was previously available.

There are a lot of great tunes on this record to begin with. If you haven’t ever lingered over this record, I highly suggest you do. The opening track “Jefferson Jericho Blues” is the pinnacle of blues rock. It leads into “First Flash of Freedom” a trippy almost Allman Brothers-esque track. At almost seven minutes it reminds of that bands’ tune “Dreams.” “Running Man’s Bible” is up next and in my ears this should  have been the first single. It’s bluesy but it slinks along. As always Mike Campbell’s guitar is searing. “A Trip To Pirate’s Cove” is another Allman-y kind of track. “Candy” is a chugging, straight blues number. With different lyrics it could have been a train song.

“No Reason To Cry” kicks off the middle of the album and it’s an acoustic driven, country ballad. Frankly, I had forgotten about this track until I was racing down the highway and it’s a beautiful song. And a nice change of pace on the record. “I Should Have Known It” may have blues flourishes but it’s hard rock. Petty almost snarls the lyrics over a monster riff. I always thought this was the first single but I may be wrong. The guitar solo at the end is worth the price of admission. “U.S. 41” is a great blues tune and if I ever do a playlist of “Road Songs” this song will be on it.

After the riffy “Takin’ My Time” and the slinky blues of “Let Yourself Go” with great harmonica no less, Petty does a great reggae influenced track, “Don’t Pull Me Over.” I love the blues but this song almost steals the whole show. It tells the tale of a pot smuggler… “Please Mr. Policeman… don’t pull me over.” There are so many highlights. “Lover’s Touch” is a great blues rock tune. “High In The Morning” is another tune that should have been a single. It’s a total ear worm of a track. “Something Good Coming” is another wonderful ballad…

Now to the reason for this post – the great bonus tracks. “Little Girl Blues” is a bluesy rave up that was available as an iTunes exclusive when the album came out. I never hear anybody talk about this song. It sounds like a late 60s blues rock band. There are also two tracks that had never been released before. “Help Me” is a cover of an old Sonny Boy Williamson II track. There were 2 unrelated Sonny Boy Williamson out there… it’s a long story. Petty and the Heartbreakers just kill on this cover song. They sound like the Animals. Great organ and bluesy guitar. I don’t know who plays the harmonica but get that man a beer! If I heard a band playing this song in a bar, I’d be sitting down, ordering something strong, perhaps a rye whiskey, and staying for a while. The other song, “Mystery Of Love” is a Petty original and I’m a little stunned it didn’t make it on the original album. It’s another slinky blues track. When Petty sings “I’ve done things I can’t defend…” I feel it in my solar plexus. I’m delighted to add this track to the pantheon of great Petty tunes.

If you’re a fan of Petty, Mojo, the blues or blues rock you need to hear these tunes. I bought them immediately this morning. Of course, I owned “Little Girl Blues” already. These two very strong blues tunes prove that Mojo wasn’t just a genre exercise for these guys. They were committed to the blues and they play it with passion and skill. If you’ve never heard Mojo before, I urge you to put on this Extra Mojo Version as soon as possible… maybe open a cold beer… and prepare to groove on the blues. Many people think of the blues as being depressing or sad music. This music proves that there can be a hell of a lot joy in the blues… and joy is in short supply these days…

Cheers! and Happy Birthday Tom, we all miss you down here at B&V.

New Song: Lenny Kravitz’s “TK421” – He’s Here To Turn You On, Baby…Even While Brushing His Teeth

~ kcorsini ~ 6 Comments

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*Photo of Lenny Kravitz, proving he is one cool rock star…

Lenny Kravitz has returned with a brand new song – and quite the video – for the first time since 2018’s Raise Vibration. The new song is called “TK421.” While I wasn’t that high on Raise Vibration – although admittedly it had it’s moments – I did love the first track from that LP, “It’s Enough.” Much like that experience, I really like this funky new song. What that means for the LP, who knows? More about the song in a bit… but I think we must talk about the video.

I don’t usually comment too heavily on videos, but Lenny is bringing sexy back in a big way with this video. The video follows Lenny through what I can only assume is his usual morning “routine.” He awakes in the morning – well, it could be afternoon, the sun is up anyway – and naturally Lenny sleeps au naturale. And might I say, it’s nice to see his long dreadlocks are back. Once Lenny shakes off the sleep, he does what any naked sleeper does, he walks to the window and opens the drapes. When you’ve got amazing abs like Lenny, you apparently want to share them with the world. I hate to admit it, but I’m the exact same age as Lenny. I’ve had a gym membership since my 20s but clearly I’m not working out hard enough… but I digress. Anyway, standing naked in front of the window Lenny decides… it’s time to dance. Let’s just hope the neighbor’s kids are at school already or the authorities might be showing up soon.

After that morning ritual (?) it’s off to the shower where naturally he smokes a big spliff and once again shows off the Lenny abs. At this point I think I may have lost the Rock Chick to sudsy Lenny. After cavorting in his towel, it’s into some leather trousers and a sleeveless t-shirt. Then it’s time to play the guitar in front of the mirror. Apparently Lenny is a Star Wars fan as “TK421” is a reference to the Storm-troopers from those movies… It’s rumored that “TK421” may be a nick name for Lenny’s… well, Willy. After much cavorting on a hand shaped chair, where the protruding thumb is strategically placed, it’s time to leave the palais and head out to greet the day… Lenny’s mornings are certainly more energetic than mine. I usually have to make the bed and clean out the cat’s litter box. I guess some people just know how to live… Here’s the video but uh, you might want to be careful if you’re in a public space:

Ahem…

In terms of the song, as mentioned, I really like this thing. It’s starts with a blast of synth or distorted guitar and then the funk starts. It’s like a mellower “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” I defy anybody to hear these drums and not leave their seat. It kind of brings Prince to mind. A funky rocker, oh yes please. Lenny has eschewed the heavy political message of his last first single, “It’s Enough” for a blast of pure, sexy fun. The world is on fire, lets take our clothes off and dance, baby. What’s not to love. Lenny used a show biz name, Romeo Blue, prior to becoming, well, Lenny Kravitz and he’s said that this upcoming album is an attempt to reconnect with that early persona and the music he made back then. I’m certainly intrigued… Here’s a link to the new track, just in case the video is too much for you.

Lenny’s new album comes out in March of next year. It’s called Blue Electric Light. I think this first single bodes well. I know I’ll certainly playing the video for the Rock Chick before bedtime… at this point, I need all the help I can get.

Cheers!

Playlist: B&V’s Favorite Songs About The Anticipation And Glory of… Night

~ kcorsini ~ 11 Comments

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“The sunshine bores the daylights out of me…” – The Rolling Stones, “Rocks Off”

There has always been something magical to me about nighttime. I was always a night owl. I was the kid who was hard to wake up in the morning and even harder to make go to and stay in bed. I’d stall on the stairs until it looked like my dad was going to leap up and strangle me… I don’t know if that night owl thing was why I always preferred night to day? Days always seemed the same. Wake up in the bright glare of the sun, go to halfway house that was school, come home, eat dinner, go to bed. At night anything seemed possible. The sky dropped over the western horizon, painting the sky a bunch of brilliant reds and purples seemingly to herald a change in the energy and perspective of the world and then the shadows crept over everything and a billion stars winked down at us. When I came home from school I could fall asleep in the drop of a hat… but at bedtime, how could I possibly go to sleep? Daytime just seemed… superfluous. It was just the time between the nights.

My dad would come home from work in the evenings, change out of his suit, eat dinner and collapse in front of the television. We rarely went anywhere at night when I was a kid. But on those rare occasions where I got to leave the house after dark – to run something over to a neighbor, or perhaps some event was going down at the school – I always felt like I’d stepped out of biosphere into an unseen world… under the cover of darkness… and I’d feel all pumped up, energized. At home, I always felt like there was shit going down somewhere and I was trapped watching Charlie’s Angels… not that there was anything wrong with Charlie’s Angels. That show was very formative to my adolescent years. Ahem. Anyway, I think I suffered from “FOMO” before it was even a thing. I always felt like I was missing out on something.

This nighttime madness didn’t get any better during my teen years, or perhaps better described as my miscreant years. Running around the neighborhood with my buddies like we were on some different, undiscovered planet until that 11pm curfew hit made me feel alive. Of course there were a lot of times we’d sneak out after curfew, but those records are sealed. Monday through Friday was the drudgery of school but come Friday and Saturday night, out in the night air my heart came alive. We’d hang out in the concrete drainage ditch behind our houses drinking beer we’d stolen from our parents. Every now and then girls would appear and that upped things exponentially. Night meant maybe getting a little buzz on and the hope of a kiss that always seemed to hang out of reach. Sunset beats the hell out of sunrise for me… The dark changes everything.

I can remember being in the back seat of my college girlfriend’s two-seater car – her older sister was in the passenger’s seat – home on Christmas break. When I’d come home for Christmas there were many nights I was out with friends but a lot of times, since it was family vacation time, I’d fall back into the home routine of watching my dad come home, change, eat, flop down in front of the TV. But I remember distinctly riding in the hatchback portion of this tiny car, my then girlfriend flying down the highway towards Westport on a Tuesday with the radio blaring Pete Townshend’s “Give Blood” and looking up through the sunroof at the stars in the sky and thinking… I don’t ever wanna die. I want to live in this moment forever.

Even into adulthood – and admittedly I stayed single longer than most folks – as darkness fell, having that feeling that the night was electric. I’d step out of my apartment to jump in my friend Alf’s car and it felt like all the stars were connected to my brain. Of course, the older you get the more complicated the night can become. There was always that excited anticipation that great things were going to happen – drinking, partying, women, late night breakfast – but as we age the price we pay gets higher. Although, coming in as the sun comes up like a vampire fleeing the night still puts a smile on my face.

I was at the 311 concert here in KC on Sunday night. The Rock Chick loves those guys. There was a young, high school girl there by herself (her dad worked at the venue) and she leaned over to my wife as the sun went down with excitement written all over her face and smiling said, “I saved up for months to come here tonight.” She already had her concert hoodie that she’d just purchased pulled on. It got me thinking about the excitement that night brings, especially when mixed with rock n roll. And naturally, it led me to an old playlist I’d put together a few years back. Naturally, I expanded it for purposes of B&V. But all these songs speak to the anticipation and excitement of night. Whether you’re looking forward to a party, to sex, to wild times, all these songs seem to speak to that. I could have gone all metal here but that’s not the vibe I’m looking for… so no Krokus “Screaming In The Night,” sorry. I also left off the greatest song ever written about the night, Bob Seger’s “Night Moves,” because it seems a little sad towards the end… too nostalgic perhaps? “When you just don’t seem to have as much to lose, Strange how the night moves… With autumn closin’ in,” perhaps hits a little too close to home. I will admit, I had to force myself to remove my favorite Sinatra track, “The Way You Look Tonight,” from the original playlist. I dedicate that to the Rock Chick whenever I hear it, “I’ll be thinking of you, and the way you look tonight…”

As I said, these songs are all pretty upbeat, but I do take a few mellow detours… the night is complicated so why wouldn’t this playlist be as well? Like all B&V playlists, you can listen straight through or shuffle. If there’s a song you don’t care for, skip it. More importantly, if you have a song you think would fit, put it in the comments and I’ll add it on Spotify. Pour something strong and enjoy the night…

  1. Van Morrison, “Wild Night” – “Girls walk by dressed up for each other” is the most accurate line ever written. They aren’t dressing up for us boys. Fashion is blood sport. Here’s wishing you a wild night!
  2. Bruce Springsteen, “Night” – I’ve always loved this deep track from Born To Run. It encapsulates everything I’ve written in this post.
  3. Led Zeppelin, “Night Flight” – “Meet me in the middle of the night…”
  4. Kinks, “All Day And All Of The Night” – I can remember being so whipped I wanted to spend all of the day and all of the night with someone. Thankfully it passed… primal riff.
  5. Steely Dan, “Night By Night” – A story of a man, perhaps an outlaw, living on the fringes of existence, livin’ night by night. How I lived in my late 20s, early 30s.
  6. Judas Priest, “Living After Midnight” – A song that will make you go speeding down the highway past your intended exit… They say nothing good happens after midnight… I can say from experience that’s bullshit.
  7. Bob Seger, “Hollywood Nights” – I’ve never been to Hollywood, but give me the drums in this song, a fast car and let’s go.
  8. Cage The Elephant & Beck, “Night Running” – A blast from something recent. The concept of being out running all night sends me back to those glorious junior high days with my miscreant gang.
  9. The Rolling Stones, “Undercover (Of The Night)” – Rocking, funky… love Charlie Watts’ drumming here. Really looking forward to Hackney Diamonds.
  10. Motley Crue, “Tonight (We Need A Lover)” – A song that is perhaps what we’re all truly anticipating as night falls…
  11. Fleetwood Mac, “Isn’t It Midnight” – One of my favorite Christine McVie tracks. People think Fleetwood Mac were mellow… listen to this track and think otherwise. Or put on the newly released Rumours Live and you’ll hear the rock n roll.
  12. Paul McCartney, “The World Tonight” – “I go back so far, I’m in front of me…” McCartney captures that feeling of being connected to the whole world at night…
  13. Eddie Money, “Take Me Home Tonight” – Say what you want about this working man’s rocker, but I love Eddie Money. Although admittedly Ronnie Spector makes the tune.
  14. U2, “Last Night On Earth” – Reminds me of a girl I knew… always borrowing from tomorrow to pay for yesterday.
  15. Eagles, “Heartache Tonight” – Yes, many nights ended in heartbreak but do the Eagles have to sound so happy about it?
  16. The Cars, “It’s Not The Night” – A Cars deep track that always just grabbed me. It captures the drama that nighttime often brings.
  17. Little Steven, “Ride The Night Away” – One of those, “tonight we ride” kinda songs. From the fabulous Soulfire.
  18. The Babys, “Midnight Rendezvous” – Who remembers driving all night to a midnight rendezvous?
  19. Bob Seger, “Nine Tonight” – “She says she wants some rockin’, she’s got the right man…” Prime Seger. Had to go with a live version, they don’t have the studio one.
  20. Motley Crue, “Tonight” – Raw, early Crue.
  21. Dr. John, “Such A Night” – Our singer finds himself on the horns of a dilemma… “Sweet confusion under the moonlight.”
  22. INXS, “Need You Tonight” – Perhaps my favorite INXS song?
  23. Billy Squier, “Lonely Is The Night” – From his great LP Don’t Say No. Many nights ended up lonely… but I wouldn’t trade those late night adventures for anything.
  24. Van Halen, “Summer Nights” – Van Hagar speaking the truth about summer nights. “Summer nights and my radio…”
  25. Bruce Springsteen, “Prove It All Night” – “A kiss to prove it all night.”
  26. Warren Zevon, “The Rest Of The Night” – “Why stop now?” If I had a dollar for every time we said this…
  27. John Mellencamp, “Again Tonight” – Going out knowing you’ll probably end up in the same trouble as last night… sign me up.
  28. Led Zeppelin, “In The Evening” – My favorite track from In Through The Out Door, an album maybe only I love. “In the evening, when the day is done…”
  29. Phil Collins, “In The Air Tonight” – His most famous track with the myth of his watching a murder…
  30. Paul McCartney, “Every Night” – Slow burner of a track. Sums up how I felt in my 20s… “Every night I wanna go out and get out of my head…”
  31. John Lennon with Elton John, “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” – Crazy track where John and Elton throw everything but the kitchen sink into it.
  32. Eagles, “One Of These Nights” – “I’ve been searchin’ for the daughter of the devil himself, I’ve been searchin’ for an angel in white, I’m waiting for a woman whose a little of both.” Aren’t we all?
  33. Black Sabbath, “Turn Up The Night” – From the great Dio era of Sabbath. And yes, turn it up indeed.
  34. Fleetwood Mac, “Tango In The Night” – I’m not into dancing, but this guitar solo makes me wanna try.
  35. Joe Walsh, “All Night Long” – Had to sub in a live version from an Eagles’ LP. Great song about partying all night long.
  36. Triumph, “Hot Time (In This City Tonight)” – This is how we all feel on Friday night, with the big weekend ahead of us. From the great Allied Forces.
  37. B.B. King, “In The Midnight Hour” – Many have done this one, but few like B.B.
  38. Cheap Trick, “Tonight It’s You” – When you need tending, but only for the night…
  39. Billy Squier, “Rock Me Tonight” – Yes, please rock me. Another great Squier tune. “I’m rockin’ tonight, I’m walking on air,” a feeling I’m highly familiar with.
  40. The Beatles, “Hard Day’s Night” – A great track also found on our Labor Day Playlist.
  41. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, “Waiting On Tonight” – Petty really captures that feeling of anticipation as you look forward to the sun going down.
  42. AC/DC, “You Shook Me All Night Long” – A night well spent… “American thighs.” Brian Johnson is poet.
  43. Steve Winwood, “Talking Back To The Night” – Beautiful image of a sax player and then a poet, on the edge of madness, talking to the night… I’ve been out on that limb…without the poetry.
  44. Jackson Browne, “The Night Inside Me” – Jackson describes the exact feelings I have out in the night… it’s like the night’s inside me. I love the line, “Maybe I’ll go back to Spain…”
  45. Bruce Springsteen, “Bring On The Night” – An outtake from The River. I’ve always thought the E Street Band sound like the Animals on this track, but that’s probably only me.
  46. Foreigner, “Night Life” – These guys rock on this song. Lou Gramm sounds unhinged. Who of us hasn’t felt that way on a good night.
  47. Rush, “Fly By Night” – Who amongst us hasn’t realized one night, it’s time to get out of here…”Fly by night, away from here, Change my life again, Fly by night, goodbye, my dear.” Reminds me of a bad night before New Year’s Eve in San Francisco. Flew home… quickly…never looked back.
  48. The Runaways, “Is It Day Or Night” – These woman could so rock. I am no longer calling the Runaways a guilty pleasure. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, what else do you need?
  49. The Beatles, “The Night Before” – Things that seem so good in the night, have a way of looking very differently during the daytime.
  50. Bruce Springsteen, “Spirits In The Night” – A group of young people, “all duded up for Saturday night” get drunk and high and road trip up to “Greasy Lake” and believe they’ve turned into ghosts.
  51. Hole, “Heaven Tonight” – Hole is a grunge-era band I always dug. This track starts off with a jangling guitar that makes me think of the Byrds. Great song from a great album.
  52. Elton John, “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” – I’m a lover, not a fighter but Elton rawks here.
  53. Bob Seger, “Betty Lou’s Getting Out Tonight” – Betty Lou must have been a very popular girl…or at least a girl with a few issues.
  54. The Rolling Stones, “Let’s Spend The Night Together” – The goal of every young boy and perhaps young girl… also dutifully covered by David Bowie.
  55. Boston, “Let Me Take You Home Tonight” – The tune starts off as a nice “come on” track with acoustic guitar but soon blows up like “Hey Jude.”
  56. The Smashing Pumpkins, “Tonight, Tonight” – Epic prayer to the night… “You can never ever leave Without leaving a piece of youth…” Deep thoughts, baby.
  57. Eric Clapton, “After Midnight” – Someone’s dad once said, “Nothing good ever happens after midnight.” Frankly that was always my favorite part of the night, “The Wee Small Hours,” as Frank sang.
  58. Patti Smith, “Because The Night” – Patti takes a Springsteen tune and brings the drama. “Desire is hunger is the fire I breathe, love is a banquet on which we feed.”
  59. Paul Simon, “Late In The Evening” – I’ve loved this song since the first time I heard it in Jr High school, on my clock radio. Probably because he references smoking a joint. Ah, the life of a musician – get high, come in and play guitar and groove on the crowd moving in front of you.
  60. Scorpions, “Big City Nights” – This song always makes me think of college and running wild with my friends.
  61. Ray Charles, “Night Time Is The Right Time” – Ray Charles, the Genius, laying down the wisdom.
  62. Rod Stewart, “Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright)” – “Stay away from my window, Stay away from my back door too…”
  63. Sam Cooke, “Twistin’ The Night Away” – If you’re not listening to Sam, you need to be.
  64. The Doors, “Moonlight Drive” – I spent way too many nights driving down dark highways…
  65. The Donnas, “Tonights Alright” – Under the radar rocking women!
  66. Van Halen, “Dance The Night Away” – One of VH’s signature tunes. It was a rare hit for the band.
  67. The Cars, “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight” – “Be true…”
  68. Mick Jagger, “Wired All Night” – One of Jagger’s best solo tunes. From Wandering Spirit, a great LP, the best of his oft-maligned solo catalog.
  69. Traveling Wilburys, “Last Night” – Our hero, thinking he found love, merely got robbed. It’s always fun to be hungover, drinking a Bloody Mary, lamenting the mistakes of last night.
  70. Richard & Linda Thompson, “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” – Great song about wanting to go out, spend some money, and talk a little treason.
  71. Thin Lizzy, “Dancing In The Moonlight (It’s Caught Me In It’s Spotlight)” – Our hero drunkenly dances on the sidewalk as the moon lights his way.
  72. The Police, “Bring On The Night” – And we end where we started… with an anticipatory wish that the sun would fade and we could just bring on the night…

Those are our favorite songs about night. Although, admittedly I had 125 songs when I started this playlist. As always, if you have a track that would fit in here, please mention in the comments section. I’m sure there are some gems I overlooked.

Hope all of you have a great night every night and you find whatever you’re looking for out in that darkness. Tonight I’ll be sitting on my deck, sipping a bourbon and looking skyward…

Cheers! & Good night!