THE EVEN DOZEN JUG BAND

MI0001942794.jpg

The Even Dozen Jug Band

The Even Dozen Jug Band was a one-off collaboration from 1964 and the first project for a couple seriously talented—and important—artists.  It's sort of amazing that music like this existed in 1964.  As far as folk music goes, it was one of the more pretentious periods of songwriting.  Topical folk songs written by "singing journalists" like Phil Ochs were very a la mode.  Even Dylan's pre-electric shift from apparent protest songs to love songs and confessional ballads was controversial in many Folk circles.  There was nothing topical about The Even Dozen Jug Band—though, if you ask me, "Evolution Mama" should be used in a evolution vs. Creationism documentary.  Their whole sound just reeks of fun.  It's super vaudelillian, filled with violins, guitars, mandolins, kazoos, harmonicas, washboards—you name it! Their interpretations of traditional songs are awesome.  Simply a joy to listen to.  


As I suggested earlier, The Even Dozen Jug Band was a bit of a launching pad for some seriously notable musicians.  These musicians included John Sebastian (lead vocalist and songwriter from The Lovin' Spoonful) and Maria Muldaur.   

The Even Dozen Jug Band

BILLY'S LIVE BAIT BY GEAR DADDIES

MI0002069932.jpg

Billy's Live Bait by Gear Daddies

Gear Daddies are a 25-year old Minnesota Alt-Country/Country Rock staple.  Apparently, they still put on one helluva show.  Billie's Live Bait is their second album and it was released on Parlophone in 1990.  There aren't any gems here, however, everything is very listenable and well-written. Billy's Live Bait succeeds not because of epics and instant classics, but because of ordinary, likeable, small pleasures.  Such consistentcy makes this a worthwhile listen from start to finish.  It's a terrific album to have in your car for a long drive.  And now that I think of it, after a few listens, you'll probably find yourself singing along to "Stupid Boy," "Wear Your Crown," "Don't Look At Me" and "Gonna Change."  Minneapolis is a city that loves to rock.  But if your tastes are geared more to the Country side of the Twin Cities—like The Jayhawks, for example—Gear Daddies will reel you right in.

Billy's Live Bait by Gear Daddies

GREAT ALBUMS WITH GREAT ALBUM COVERS

We love great albums.  We love great album covers.  When you get both in one package it totally enhances the experience, right? Right.  So let's cut the bullshit commentary—which, let's face it, isn't enhancing the experience at all—and let's get right to it. 

Great Albums With Great Album Covers

 

MI0002763335.jpg

A Wizard, A True Star by Todd Rundgren

MI0001862479 (1).jpg

Abraxas by Santana

MI0002360584 (1).jpg

Bitches Brew by Miles Davis

MI0002320321.jpg

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis

MI0001996061.jpg

Nevermind by Nirvana

MI0001857704.jpg

Sunburn by Blake Babies

MI0002420567.jpg

The Heart Of Saturday Night by Tom Waits

MI0000012359 (1).jpg

Crazy Rhythms by The Feelies

MI0001420593.jpg

Beauty And The Beat by The Go-Gos

MI0001892745.jpg

Entertainment! by Gang of Four

MI0000513141.jpg

School Days by Stanley Clarke

MI0000041041.jpg

Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ by Bruce Springsteen

MI0002382768 (1).jpg

Toys In The Attic by Aerosmith

MI0000026061.jpg

Ram by Paul and Linda McCartney

MI0001981579.jpg

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra

MI0001636245.jpg

The Iceberg/Freedom Of Speech...Just Watch What You Say by Ice-T