"Don’t Talk” : 10,000 Maniacs TV debut on Letterman 1987

On this month in 1987, 10,000 Maniacs made a memorable TV appearance, performing “Don’t Talk” on Late Night with David Letterman. The track came from their recently released third album In My Tribe, which saw the band finally garner mainstream success. While the Jamestown, New York group had built a cult following, In My Tribe marked their breakthrough to a larger audience.

Formed in 1981, 10,000 Maniacs originally included vocalist Natalie Merchant, guitarist John Lombardo, and a rotating cast of musicians. Their mix of melancholy melodies and socially conscious lyrics gradually earned them notice. But after two indie albums, Lombardo left the band in 1986, with Merchant taking greater control of the songwriting.

For In My Tribe, Elektra Records brought in acclaimed producer Peter Asher, who steered the band toward a more radio-friendly sound. Though initially resistant, the group embraced Asher’s vision. The polished yet poignant results made In My Tribe their first major hit.

The Cat Stevens cover “Peace Train” was originally the lead single, but later removed from the album due to controversial remarks by Stevens. Instead, the majestic jangle-pop of “Like the Weather” became the breakout track, making the Top 40. Anchored by Rob Buck’s chiming guitar lines, Merchant’s lyrics poetically evoke seasonal depression.

Equally impactful was the haunting “What’s the Matter Here?”, tackling the sensitive issue of child abuse. Merchant adopts the perspective of a conflicted neighbor witnessing domestic violence next door. Meanwhile, the lush “Gun Shy” examines the dichotomy between civilian and military life.

Throughout In My Tribe, 10,000 Maniacs perfected their blend of beautiful melodies and thought-provoking words. Songs like “Don’t Talk” and “City of Angels” confront alcoholism and homelessness with empathy and intelligence. Even when singing about darker themes, Merchant’s maternal voice provided reassurance.

In My Tribe ultimately went platinum and was praised by critics, including Rolling Stone. Robert Christgau applauded Merchant’s “deprivatized metaphors” that say something profound about social issues. The album cemented 10,000 Maniacs as top college rock contenders, while hinting at wider popularity to come.

In the following years, 10,000 Maniacs issued more acclaimed albums before Merchant left for a solo career in 1993. But In My Tribe remains their definitive work, beautifully balancing gravity and accessibility. On gorgeous yet socially conscious songs like “Don’t Talk,” 10,000 Maniacs achieved a thrilling synthesis that deservedly resonated with legions of thoughtful listeners.

Guitar virtuosos of the Week : Jeff Beck on Letterman “What Mama Said” written by Jennifer Batten, Jeff Beck, and Tony Hymas from 'Who Else'

 You see this is where Jeff leaves me somewhat cold, virtuosity for virtuosity’s sake drives me nuts and is well illustrated here. Technique gone manic at the expense of feeling and cleverness at the expense of expression?! Just me? Maybe . . . . . . . but this is extraordinary no matter your taste and persuasions

I found it on Facebook on Tommy Bolin Archives page . . . . .who say:

“What Mama Said” written by Jennifer Batten, Jeff Beck, and Tony Hymas is from 

Who Else! which was the seventh studio album by Jeff, It was released on March 16, 1999 through Epic Records. The album reached No. 99 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and marks the end of a decade-long absence of original material from Beck since the release of Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop in 1989. Stylistically it showcases the first addition of electronic and techno music into his repertoire, along with the blues-based instrumental rock and jazz fusion of previous albums.

Fellow guitarist Jennifer Batten, having often cited Beck's influence on her playing, is featured as a collaborator and subsequently joined him on tour for three years. The album features the collaborative songwriting of Tony Hymas with Jeff. “Brush with the Blues" became a signature tune and concert staple, and along with "Angel (Footsteps)" made it onto his 2008 concert album Live

 

FLAGGIN DOWN THE DOUBLE Es : Plugz Bassist Talks Backing Bob Dylan in Raucous Letterman Performance

 By sheer coincidence (I don’t think . . . . . synchronicity) after posting the links yesterday to the newly spruced vids of Bobbie playing an early Letterman, Flaggin Down The Double Es maestro Ray Padgett posted an interview with the bass player Tony Marsico and a truly astonishingly fascinating read it is too . . . . . . . 

Plugz Tony Marsico Talks Backing Bob Dylan 

Months of rehearsals led to one of the most unusual, and memorable, performances of Dylan's career

Ray says:

On today’s date in 1984, Bob Dylan gave one of the most memorable performances of his career. He appeared on David Letterman’s fairly-new late night TV show backed by a fairly-new band: The Plugz. It would be the only time he’d play with this young Latino punk group – publicly, at least. They had been quietly rehearsing for months at Dylan’s Malibu house. All for three songs on national TV: the Sonny Boy Williamson blues tune “Don’t Start Me Talkin’” (the only time Bob’s ever played that one) followed by two cuts from his recently-released Infidels: “License to Kill” and “Jokerman.”

It’s about as direct an intersection as Bob ever had with punk rock. The sound was raw and ragged, in contrast to the far slicker Infidels. Very ragged, in the case of “Jokerman,” which featured an unplanned instrumental interlude while Bob fumbled around finding the right harmonica.

To this day, this Letterman appearance is remembered by fans as a classic. One performance from the show, “License to Kill,” was included on the recent Springtime in New York box set. There’s also a little Plugz display at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa. An impressive legacy for just three songs.

The band technically comprised just two of The Plugz – bassist Tony Marsico and drummer Charlie Quintana – alongside their friend JJ Holiday on guitar. I called Marsico up last week to find out how it all went down. . . . . . . . . 

 

Backstage at Letterman, L-R: Tony Marsico, Bob Dylan, Charlie Quintana, JJ Holiday

One of Tony’s cheat sheet from the Malibu rehearsals. Look at all the songs – originals and covers – they rehearsed. Many of the covers Bob’s never played live (“My Guy?” “Back in My Arms Again”?? “Gimme Some Lovin’”???) apparently Bobby loved playing Gimme Some Lovin’!

Enjoy - I surely did!

Forever Young just because . . .

 BOB DYLAN LIVE ON LETTERMAN

"FOREVER YOUNG"

WORDS ARE STUPID . . . . . . . .




On this day in music history: June 23, 1981 - “Tom Tom Club”, the debut album by Tom Tom Club is released in the UK (US release is in November 1981). Produced by Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Steven Stanley, it is recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas from November 1980 - April 1981. The album is a side project by Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz and bassist/wife Tina Weymouth, following the recording of Talking Heads’ “Remain In Light” album. When the band decide not to tour in support of the album, keyboardist/guitarist Jerry Harrison records and releases his own solo album “ The Red and the Black”, while lead vocalist David Byrne completes “My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts” with collaborator Brian Eno. The group take their name from a dancehall in the Bahamas that they visited during their previous visit to the islands. Expanding on the Funk and African rhythms used on “Remain in Light”, Frantz and Weymouth are also influenced by the underground Hip Hop culture in New York incorporating it into their project. “Tom Tom Club” also features King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew and Weymouth’s sisters and brother on backing vocals. Frantz and Weymouth’s US label Sire Records initially passes on releasing the album. Taken aback at the decidedly pronounced R&B/dance vibe of the record, they are unsure how to market it, feeling that it will alienate Talking Heads largely white fan base. The album is initially released in the UK through Island Records. Club DJ’s in the US discover the second single “Genius Of Love” (released in September of 1981), quickly making it a sensation on the dance floor and generating a huge demand for it. It’s only after the single sells over 100,000 copies as an import, that Sire schedules it for release later in the year. It spins off two singles including “Wordy Rappinghood” (#1 Club Play, #7 UK) and “Genius Of Love” (#2 R&B, #1 Club Play, #31 Pop). The albums innovative and distinctive cover art as well as the animated music videos for both singles are designed by famed pop artist James Rizzi (directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton, and animated by Cucumber Studios in London). “Genius” only grows in popularity over the years as it is repeatedly sampled and interpolated into other songs, including forming the basis of Mariah Carey’s chart topping single “Fantasy” in 1995. The album is remastered and reissued on CD in 2009 as a two CD deluxe edition (UK & Europe only). It is also remastered and reissued as a limited edition 180 gram vinyl LP on pink (Newbury Comics exclusive) and translucent green vinyl, by Real Gone Music in 2016. “Tom Tom Club” peaks at number twenty three on the Billboard Top 200, and is certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.         with thanks to the most excellent Behind The Grooves by Jeff Harris


 . . . . . . and yes we bought the 12"single (still have it down in the vaults) and love this one it's clever . . . . . .just like an off shoot of the Talking Heads should be . . . . . . . 


Found these and they made me smile . . . . . . . 


the original despite awful vid . . . . . . 


and the result is this on Letterman in 1992



Dark Sneak Love Action!

you know how you're just hovering around the internet and checking out music links and youtube video of Aretha Franklin and you see a reference in the side bar to someone you like or some artist you are interested in, it might be a headline or just a name and that's how I found this . . . . . . . . . . . . 




I have to say I like all three of these gentlemen but Tom is . . . . . .well, special I guess about covers it