The Five Best Vocal Performances Of Any Paul Carrack Songs

Could someone within the realm of pop music sing the telephone directory and make a successful career out of it? I feel that ludicrous statement could be applied to the wonderful English rock/pop vocalist Paul Carrack who, over a varied career spanning 30 years or more, has proved himself to be an outstandingly gifted singer (and no mean songwriter). As a solo artist or in bands such as Ace, Squeeze and Mike and The Mechanics, he's applied a meticulously crafted, spine-tingling delivery to practically everything he's worked on (hence my telephone directory reference) and, in no particular order, I would like to list 5 of those songs that I feel best reflect his unique talent:
1. Eyes Of Blue - From his fifth solo album Blue Views, released in the UK in 1995. Quite a standard song, but elevated to something extraordinary by the great man's vocal. There exists film of a live performance executed in the key of A, as opposed to the recorded version in C, with only his own keyboard accompaniment and it is truly stunning (you can search for this gem easily enough on You Tube).
2. Tempted - From the 1981 Squeeze album East Side Story. One of Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford's most soulful songs, produced by Elvis Costello no less, phrased beautifully by a master at work, it is a perennial favourite of many Squeeze fans.
3. Over My Shoulder - From the 1995 Mike & The Mechanics album Beggar On A Beach Of Gold. A fine example of Carrack's silky vocalising, underrated songwriting ability and whistling prowess! It was that album's most successful single in the UK, reaching no. 12 in the charts.
4. How Long - The hit single from way back in 1974 that served to introduce the world to Paul Carrack's vocals. Still pretty much exquisite, although I would say not yet a fully rounded voice, it was to be the zenith of Ace's existence and their only chart entry. They were to disband in 1977.
5. The Living Years - Released in the UK in December 1988, under the Mike & The Mechanics brand and described later by Burt Bacharach as one of the finest lyrics of the previous ten years, Carrack appropriated the lyric with supreme sensitivity and almost gospel-like fervour in its later stages. A deserved hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
There are, in truth, so many Paul Carrack songs I could list here, but this is just a personal selection which I hope will inspire others to comment.

You might also like to check out another UK artist I found recently with a similar talent to Paul - James Henry. If you like Paul Carrack songs, you'll probably enjoy James Henry, so click the following link to get a free download of James' song The Sun Is Cracking The Flags - a fine, melodic pop song, with excellent production values and a splendid lead vocal.

Five Essential Paul McCartney Albums You Should Have

As an integral part of The Beatles, it is widely acknowledged that Paul McCartney is one of the most talented, versatile and hard-working pop composers that has ever lived. Since their break-up in 1970, ratified by a court ruling some 12 months later which dissolved The Beatles as a business partnership, McCartney has continued to produce music on a regular basis of a consistently high standard, although perhaps not scaling the heights he achieved with the Fab Four.
He has released something in the region of 40 solo albums to date, some of them one could argue with content comparable to his work in The Beatles. I would like to put forward a selection of albums that epitomise the man's breath-taking abilities as a musician, producer, bandleader and all-round good egg!

• Band On The Run - released 7 December 1973; Q Magazine in the UK later placed this at number 75 of the top 100 greatest British albums of all time. It reached no 1 in the album charts and was the top-selling UK album of 1974. Stand out cuts include the title track, Let Me Roll It and the Dustin Hoffman inspired Picasso's Last Words (Hoffmann had told McCartney what they were and asked him if he could write something about it, only to be astonished as McCartney began to create the chorus right in front of him)
• McCartney II - released 16 May 1980; reaching number 1 in the UK and number 3 in the US, it divided critics at the time but is now seen as McCartney at his multi-faceted best, from the bluesy guitar breaks of On The Way, the electronica of Check My Machine and the euphoria of Coming Up
• Chaos And Creation In The Backyard - released 12 September 2005; produced by Radiohead collaborator Nigel Godrich, it showed a more reflective approach than of late and spawned hit singles Fine Line and Jenny Wren
• Venus & Mars - released 27 May 1975; a worthy follow-up to Band On The Run, it harboured the singles Listen To What The Man Said, Letting Go and a barnstorming Jimmy McCulloch song Medicine Jar
• McCartney - released 17 April 1970; amidst the aggrieved collapse of The Beatles, McCartney put out a collection of recordings he'd been working on alone during the previous six months, ignoring pleas from the other Beatles to delay release against Let It Be. The overall low-key production was punctuated by an absolute jewel, Maybe I'm Amazed.

The Best Paul McCartney Band Guitarists, 1970-2010

Paul McCartney is one of the greatest multi instrumentalists to have ever inhabited the world of rock. His prowess on all the main rock 'n roll instruments, from drums to bass guitar, keyboards and lead guitar - notwithstanding his all-encompassing vocal abilities - mark him down as an unusually gifted person.
For the purposes of performing in public.....well, not even McCartney could play everything under those circumstances, so he has regularly populated his touring bands with musicians of the highest calibre.
As a lead guitarist, McCartney himself is no slouch. Just check out the vicious solo break in The Beatles' Taxman (yes, that's him), the tasteful series of licks found in the earlier Ticket To Ride or the languid blues licks in On The Way, from the solo, McCartney II album.
There have been some exceptional guitarists who've plied their trade with him over the years and I would like to recall a few of them and their recorded achievements with the former Beatle.

• Jimmy McCulloch - Former guitarist with the band Thunderclap Newman, it was Jimmy who embellished that band's monster hit Something In The Air with those characteristic jangly lines. Jimmy joined Wings in 1974 and exploded over the Venus & Mars album, showing how accomplished he was on songs such as Letting Go, Theme From Crossroads and most memorably his own composition, the prophetic Medicine Jar (he died of a drug overdose in 1979)
• Henry McCulloch - He had a relatively short stint in Paul's early 70's version of Wings, after gracing Joe Cocker's Grease band, playing on the albums Wild Life and Red Rose Speedway. The solo on My Love is a fitting testament to his craft, as were his subtle, Gibson Les Paul flourishes on tracks such as One More Kiss and Big Barn Bed.
• Robbie McIntosh - Formerly of The Average White Band and The Pretenders, Robbie was the lightning fast axe-man of the 90's for Paul, his dexterity and wit shining through on the track from the album Paul Is Live, aptly called Robbie's Bit. His work on the Off The Ground album was also a model of effervescent precision.
• Rusty Anderson - Hard to choose between him and Brian Ray, both the current alternating lead guitarists in Paul's live line-up, but I'd say Rusty shades it. His mastery of the Gibson ES335 and SG models is something to behold, testament to his stellar CV which counts such luminaries as Neil Diamond, Meat Loaf and Carole King.

A guy who wouldn't be out of place as a Paul McCartney band guitarist is a newcomer by the name of James Henry. If you recognise the players above, you might be knocked out at some of the guitar work in James's music; you can get a free download of his song The Sun Is Cracking The Flags via the link below. Definitely worth investigating.

The Five Squeeze Songs I Would Take To My Desert Island

For those outside the UK, there exists a long running BBC radio show called Desert Island Discs, on which famous guests are asked to select several articles they would have with them on their fictional, unreachable desert island, including books, sentimental items or pieces of music. It was fronted for many years by its one-time creator, the late Roy Plomley, but the current incarnation is presented by ex-newsreader Kirsty Young.
I am a huge admirer of the South London pop band Squeeze, who rose to prominence in the late 70s and early 80s, purveying a timeless version of guitar-laden, English pop beloved of The Beatles, The Kinks and many others.
A close friend of mine, knowing my liking for the songs of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, suggested I come up with a list of five ideal Squeeze tunes that I would take to my desert island - and it was a choice I spent some time considering.
After much deliberation, I arrived at the following list of superb Squeeze songs:
• Some Fantastic Place: A light, McCartney touch to the vocal, a meandering chord progression that leads the listener down unsuspecting melodic avenues and a lyric of some pathos from Difford, fashioned out of a real life tragedy concerning the death of a close friend - all combining to make a lasting thing of pop beauty and a welcome, early 90s return to form
• Tempted: Produced by Elvis Costello and sung by the wondrous Paul Carrack. It is a sinuous slice of English soul, with Tilbrook and Costello making short vocal interjections in the second verse, all of it topped off by Carrack's delicious keyboards
• Pulling Mussels From A Shell: One of Difford's inspired, Ray Davies-like lyrics about the experiences of being on a British, low-budget package holiday (lyric: but behind the chalet, my holiday's complete, and I feel like William Tell, Maid Marian on her tiptoed feet)
• Up The Junction: A title borrowed from a 1963 Nell Dunn book and a 1965 TV drama starring Carol White, it expressed similar predicaments regarding accidental pregnancy and the effects such an occurrence can have on vulnerable, young protagonists
• Annie Get Your Gun - Released on October 8th 1982, it was to be the band's last single before they broke up for the first time. A rousing rocker, it featured a tasty Tilbrook guitar break part way through, another pristine vocal and some further, lyrical obscurity from Difford. A song of unrelenting cheerfulness.

If you have a liking for the Squeeze songs above, then you may like to check out a UK artist with a similar, musical style - James Henry. He has a wonderful single out soon, entitled Don't Let It Happen; you can download his previous single "The Sun Is Cracking The Flags" for free by clicking the link below.

TV Catapulted Early Rockabilly Musicians To Superstardom

Rockabilly music represented change. It was just one aspect of a rapidly changing world. Post World-War II America as a whole was changing more quickly than it ever had before. The soldiers were home and money was freed up from the war effort to be directed once again into consumer production. And as is usually the case, the war had spurred invention and innovation. As a result, consumers were using many more household gadgets, not the least of them, the television. And this surge in the adoption of the TV in American homes gave rockabilly artists a promotional tool that had never been exploited to such a great extent before.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, there were several well established local and regional radio musical programs. The most famous was of course the Grand Ol' Opry. The Louisiana Hayride was another popular show. Country artists who could earn appearances on these radio programs had great exposure and a serious boost for their careers.
Many rockabilly artists also landed spots on these shows. Although Elvis was rejected by The Grand Ol' Opry in his early years after his initial success in 1954, he appeared on The Louisiana Hayride several times. It was there that he met his first drummer, D. J. Fontana.
But TV offered even more than radio. For the first time, fans could see their heroes as well as hear them. This was especially significant for a performer such as Elvis who was as visually stunning as his music was aurally stunning.
Several popular variety TV shows featured rockabilly acts during the mid to late 1950s. Elvis, Carl Perkins, and other rockabilly greats appeared on shows such as The Milton Berle Show, The Perry Como Show, and if they'd really reached the big time, The Ed Sullivan Show. These shows and others brought the image of these artists to thousands of people who otherwise would never have seen them.
This new vehicle for introducing musicians to a mass audience helped make a completely new generation of pop stars. Those acts that could take the best advantage of the new opportunity--either naturally or by adaptation--could make sudden and astounding advances in their careers. An artist's or a band's visual presentation became even more important that it had ever been. These musicians had to make the best of a TV appearance or it might never happen again. They thus learned to factor a new dimension into their performances.
This new generation of televised musical acts included many rockabilly artists. Along with Elvis and Carl Perkins, The Collins Kids, Wanda Jackson, Gene Vincent, The Burnette Brothers Rock and Roll Trio, and many others found their way onto the small tube.
It was a new era for music and it coincided with a new era in mass media. Just like rock and roll, the television proved to be here to stay. And in the long and rich history of rock and roll music, the TV has played a critical role in keeping our rock heroes in front of our eyes and in our consciousness.

Choosing The Right Software To Make Your Own Beats

In the ever-expanding music industry, the beat is the first thing that will get a song noticed. This is why one should try to get unique beats, which will draw attention quickly. There are two main ways to do this; you can buy ready-made ones or make your own online. Both methods have their upsides and downsides too. For instance, buying the beat will get you up and running quickly. However, the costs might add up quickly, especially if you are just getting started.
If you decide to make your own, you can have something truly unique. This can help propel your song to top charts. If you do not acquire the right software, you can be sure that your efforts are not likely to bear fruits. If you wanted to sell them, no one will be interested.
In order to choose the best, you need to follow certain tips. You should start by looking for something with an user-friendly interface. This way you can start using it immediately you get it. It must also offer training in form of tutorial videos or other form of orientation.
It is also good if you are provided with a trial option before you buy the full version. This will give you assurance that the output from the actual software will be worth the effort. It should also be offered at a fair price.
Sometimes, working alone can be frustrating. This is why it good software programs that allow one to network with other in the industry is great. This will ascertain that you get immediate feedback on what you engage in. You can also get great tips from the others.
If you get a program offering all these qualities, you can make beats quite easily. Even with no experience in music, you can start making great stuff after a short while. Remember, whatever the beat is meant for, it has to be appealing in the first place.
Don't forget that if you don't want to go to the trouble of making your own beats on your computer or online, you can always purchase beats using the online stores available to us now. It's amazing how many things have gone digital, even music licensing and finding rap instrumentals can be done using the internet.
Everybody who has ever thought of making rap music in their life should probably give it a try. Now that finding beats and finding places where you can purchase beats is so easy, it is the best time ever to get started.

Tips for Buying Music Memorabilia

So you love music and want to start collecting music memorabilia. But where do you start? How can you be sure you're getting real music items from the past and not a cheap substitute? The great thing about collecting music memorabilia is most items will likely go up in value over time. As you're building your music collection, you're also building value for a lifetime. It's something you can pass to your kids, which is a plus if they happen to love the same type of music!
Types of Music Memorabilia
Most dealers that sell collectibles for the music industry label their goods according to the genre of music. There are many categories, including pop, rock, country/western, jazz, opera, classical, big band, etc. You don't have to be a big fan of all the music categories to collect music products. You're actually much better off to specialize in one particular category. This enables you to add to your collection on a regular basis without having to search all over the web for various items.
Some collectible websites specialize in music memorabilia while others offer many collectibles including sports memorabilia, celebrity autographs and movie memorabilia, game room decorations, horse photos for horse racing, and more. Focusing on one type of music (such as jazz) gives you more buying power when you do find multiple items in that category.
Types of Collectibles
Music memorabilia can be just about any item related to music from the past or even famous stars of today. Look for celebrity autographs on albums, clothing and photos. There are autographed guitars and many products you can add to your collection. Other items that might have the theme of a favorite song and/or artist include mouse pads, t-shirts, caps, key chains, print records, posters, sunglasses, jewelry and more.
When buying signed guitars and other items with celebrity autographs, do insist on getting an authenticity certificate from the dealer. There are many scams posing as legitimate collectors or dealers-especially on the Internet. Buy vintage items from a credible source; check with Better Business Bureau for any complaints.
Make an Offer
No matter what the price tag, always make an offer on higher priced music memorabilia. Many dealers will take your offer if it's reasonable because they want to move their merchandise. Avoid making an offer too low, however, or the dealer won't bother trying to work with you in the future.
Check out online resources for buying vintage music products from past stars including Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and other well-known artists. If you need to find a gift for a music lover, these are great ideas for a man cave or game room decorations. It's an interesting way to build something of value that you enjoy!