This is the song that inspired this series. I already had Elvis Costello in my top 5. But when I first heard this song a few decades back, I had a new favorite Elvis song. You’re hearing the Dirty Dozen Brass Band take EC to a new level.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
My final horn-related rock song of the year: Chicago. Thanks to a good dad, I grew up with a lot of vinyl in rotation: Statler Brothers and Marty Robbins. Willie Nelson and Barry Manilow. Santana and Pink Floyd. This weird New Age band called Mannheim Steamroller (before the Christmas albums) and folk groups like Steeleye Span. And Chicago. Lots of …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Angel of Harlem
It happens to be a cold and wet December day here. Since those are the opening lines to this one, it’s a good excuse to play the Memphis Horns again.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Victoria
I love the Kinks’ studio version, but this quicker live version is a lot of fun. I almost named my daughter Victoria.
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: Sledgehammer
When I was a kid, my mom tossed out, “Yuppies are just hippies who grew up and got jobs.” If she’s right, this would be their cynical anthem. It also features one of the most iconic videos of the 1980s (from the studio that later brought us Wallace & Gromit). Surely this is one of the greatest albums of the …
Horn Sections Make Rock Better: A New Series
I am slowly realizing this is my blog and I can do what I want. So I’m going to post rock songs that prove horn sections make rock better. Yes, I will define rock somewhat loosely.