A TRIBUTE TO HUGH MCCRACKEN AND PHIL RAMONE

Hugh McCracken

Phil Ramone 

Studio guitarist, Hugh McCracken and producer/engineer, Phil Ramone, were two legends who often worked together to create wonderful and amazing music.   The only reason I even know who they are is because so many of my favorite albums were made in part because of them.  Many of these albums are internationally recognized as some of the best albums of all time.  On March 29th and March 30th, McCracken and Ramone both passed away.  They can never be replaced.

I'm not sure I would have ever created a blog like this without guys like Hugh McCracken and Phil Ramone. Part of what I'm trying to do on www.jamiedoesmusic.com is acknowledge some of the amazing things that happen behind the scenes in music and the people who are responsible for them.  Make no mistake, Hugh and Phil were some of the most prominent figures in music.  On a personal level, I'm sure my familiarity with these pioneers assisted me in making my first inroads as a music business professional.  Specifically, I think Phil Ramone is listed as someone I admire in one of the first cover letters I sent out.  

Here are some albums in which both McCracken and Ramone appear together.

The Stranger by Billy Joel

Still Crazy After All These Years by Paul Simon

Other albums that feature Hugh McCracken's guitar playing include:

Ram by Paul McCartney

Gaucho by Steely Dan 

The Diary of Alicia Keys

Other albums that were recorded, produced or engineered by Phil Ramone include:

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto 

Paul Simon 

There Goes Rhymin' Simon by Paul Simon

Phoebe Snow

Welcome To My Nightmare by Alice Cooper 

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan 

THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE BY JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake's new album, The 20/20 Experience, is like a really beautiful Wedding. Everything seems great.  The venue is breathtaking.  The bride looks really gorgeous in her dress.  Hell, they served sushi and mini strip steak sandwiches before the ceremony!  Did I mention that it's a Destination wedding in Malibu? Well, it is.  Oh, and the father of the Bride actually told you this: "we may have something down for you at our new company.  Oh, but you'd have to move to Hawaii.  Would that be a problem for you?"  You're like, "no, I don't think it would be a problem, Mr. McTimberlake."

You finally sit down.  Now, you're whispering to your wife how—can you believe this—you're actually having a good time.  Then, Rev. Justin Timberlake comes and says "Dearly beloved..." You hate to admit it but, this is really moving.  

There's just one problem.  He's going on and on and on and on.  

Jeez, it's been an hour.  Now, it's been two hours.  And he keeps pausing as if he's finished.  But, he's not.  He goes on for another hour.  Now, you're checking your watch.  Fuck, it's really only been 30 minutes. Thank God, he's done.   It's time for the bride and groom to exchange their vows.  The bride begins and it is beautiful, life-changing stuff.  But, she, too, is going on for an hour—I mean, an hour and a half.  You check your watch.  Fuck, it's actually been an hour and a half.  Finally, she's done.  But, no!—now it's the groom's turn.  He'll be quick, right? You need to pee.  He goes on for two hours.  It's boring as shit.  

Finally, it's finished.  Everything started out so well! But, you're so glad it's over.  But, then again, it's not over.  There's the reception—and it's outside.  You're thinking, "are these people dumb? This is California. It get's cold at night!" True, it does.  It's frigid outside.  

Finally, at midnight, it's over.  Fuck these people.  You never liked any of them to begin with.  You can't wait to go home and take off your suit and tie.   

The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake

SINGLES GOING STEADY: "THE E-STREET SHUFFLE" BY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Bruce Springsteen and the original—though unnamed—E-Street Band

Oh dear.  Listen up.  If you're ever in a car with me and I ask you to put this song on, please just ignore me. Sure, I'll be disappointed and I'll beg you to reconsider.  I'll try all sorts of ways to manipulate you into changing your mind.  I'll be a babbling little baby.  Let me go through it, reader.  Your life—and all our lives—are more important than me indulging in the opening track from Bruce Springsteen's 2nd Album, The Wild, The Innocent And The E-Street Shuffle.

Now if I happen to be driving, chances are we're all screwed! I will put this song on and no one will know happen next—especially me.  I will dance.  I will not stop at red lights.  I will not yield to any pedestrians.  I will exceed the speed limit, in a dangerous and reckless way.  

You see, this song does magical things for me.  And hopefully it will do magical things for you.  Indispensible.

Everybody form a line and do "The E-Street Shuffle!"

"The E-Street Shuffle"