On That Note: Late-Musicians, 2017

cyclones500

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Good morning, Fanatics. Welcome back to “On That Note,” MeanDean/cyclones500 weekly music series.

In the "“*** You, 2017” thread, I listed a few notable musicians who died this year. For “It’s My Vault” this week, I’ll close the year with a few of my favorite artists and songs from among that legendary group. In many cases, I’m posting songs that might not be considered the artist’s biggest hits, but still excellent stuff.

My list is only the “tip of the tip-of-the-iceberg.” Feel free to add links to late-artists whose work you admire. Fill in the blanks for me!
Coming in multiple installments.

PART A

Pat DiNizio (1955-2017)
Singer, guiarist, and primary songwriter, The Smithereens, formed in 1980, Carteret, N.J.
“Behind the Wall of Sleep.” from “Especially For You,” 1986



Awesome lyric:
Well she held a bass guitar and she was playing in a band
And she stood just like Bill Wyman, now I am her biggest fan


Grant Hart (1961-2017)
Best-known as drummer, singer and half of the songwriting juggernaut in Husker Du (with Bob Mould). My sample comes from his solo work.

Now That You Know Me,” from “Intolerance,” 1989.



Tom Petty (1950-2017)
I could make an OTN installment for Petty (that time will come,).

“Saving Grace,” from “Highway Companion,” 2006



“I Should Have Known It,” from “Mojo,” 2010 (with The Heartbreakers)



“Fault Lines,” from “Hypnotic Eye,” 2014 (with The Heartbreakers)

 
PART B

Chuck Berry (1926-2017)
No introduction necessary — as proven in the responses so far.

“You Can’t Catch Me, 1956, Chess
There’s a longtime claim that John Lennon ripped off a line from this track for “Come Together” --- “Here come old flat-top/he was moving up with me…” I’m guessing it was more homage than theft. Berry was a groundbreaker for rock ’n’ roll guitar, enough to overshadow his gift of storytelling and knack for lyricism. This is an example of the latter.



Malcolm Young (1953-2017)
Co-founder, rhythm guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist for AC/DC. Not the most-heralded member of the quintet, but his riffs are the blueprint for the band’s career, in-tandem with the rhythm section. My selection: A song I consider one of AC/DC’s most underrated, co-written by Malcolm, Angus and Bon Scott.

“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” from “T.N.T.,” 1975



David Cassidy (1950-2017)
“Somebody Wants To Love You,” The Partridge Family
Cassidy’s career in entertainment didn’t end with TPF, but his most memorable output came as part of the Pre-Fab Family (which was based on real-life Family of Song, The Cowsills). So this is mostly a nostalgic inclusion for me. In the Partridge Family catalog, this song is underrated. Video montage is cool, — not quite “Monkees-cool,” but it’s fine in TV-show-music-video from that period.



Gregg Allman and J. Geils
When it comes to full body of work, I’m out of my element here in both cases, so I won’t overreach. Instead, I’ll wing it. Music fans with more knowledge of either can add to the discussion. A mostly random selection from each.

Gregg Allman (1947-2017)
“Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” The Allman Brothers Band, 1972, written by Gregg Allman, largely based on emotions after the death of his brother and band co-founder Duane.



J. Geils (1946-2017)
“Rage in the Cage,” The J. Geils Band, from “Freeze Frame,” 1981
More of an ensemble-piece than a focus on Geils’ specific contribution … maybe that’s appropriate. JGB was a "true collective."

 
Yes, Lennon got sued by Berry's song writing publisher. He agreed to record it and other songs owned by the publisher. He included the song on his 1975 oldies collection, "Rock and Roll Music". There were several suits and counter suits.
Sue me Sue you blues... (Sorry - George Reference)

https://www.beatlesbible.com/people/john-lennon/songs/you-cant-catch-me/
 
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PART C (of 3)

Chris Cornell (1964-2017)
To reiterate the thread intro, I’m no completist when it comes to Cornell’s contribution. But at least 3 qualify as standouts to me. If nothing else, Cornell is an underrated rock vocalist.

“Loud Love,” Soundgarden, from “Louder Than Love,” 1989




“Burden in My Hand,” Soundgarden, from “Down on the Upside,” 1996




“Like a Stone,” Audioslave, 2003

 
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She had passed away from ovarian cancer last November, but I didn't find out about it until watching the CMAs and their 'in memoriam' tribute section. Holly Dunn was one of my favorites from that era (late 80s/early 90s) of country music when the neo-traditionalist sound really took off. She was just 59 at the time of her death. These were a few of her biggest hits...

"You Really Had Me Going" reached #1 on the Hot Country Singles chart


"Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" reached #1


"Only When I Love" reached #4
 
Loving the additions to the list. Thanks all! Keep it coming.

Here's a Campbell clip that goes way-back. I didn't attempt to do a large-scale summary of his career, too expansive and outside my zone.

Glen Campbell (1936-2017)
“Universal Soldier,” 1965

 

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