ROCKOLLECTIONS: APRIL SHOWERS- LET IT RAIN PT.6

[Mike Pell]

When I was recording this second half of the show, it actually was RAINING!
A real downpour- the kind you want to walk in...well, maybe not, lol!
And April Showers has since been living up to its name.
I had decided to go Folk in this chapter beforehand, and that Sweet Rain made it so much more enjoyable.
Included in this episode is one of my Go-To-Guys...TWICE!
The urgent thought, during the old Cold War, of Rain as Song Metaphor for Nuclear War and Radioactive Fallout- hang on to something if you have never heard these- the poetic words will come fast and furious!
A Randy Newman song dripping with sadness and sarcasm, I'll be playing my favorite version interpreted by someone who may surprise you.
Followed quickly by one that will pick you right up and make you feel glad you have those good times, bad times, true friends.
All the ingredients that are usually contained in these shows are here, but with a Folk & Folk/Rock bent.
I will give Rain a rest next week, then continue the following one with what I think will be the Series Finale- although man, I have so many Rain Songs left!
Next week, it's Off To The Races.
But first, give this one a listen- a close, get-back-to-when-the-lyrics-mattered listen!
You won't be disappointed.

 

Here's the link to the rain falling on the roof or beating on your windows, at WLSO.FM:

 

http://wlso.fm/wordpress/archives/2253

 
Mike

[Mike Pell]

Jon,

You are a mutant, lol!

The most effective songs are often depressing- we just can't take them that seriously.

It's true!

That was Bob Dylan from 1962, so maybe you like the earlier brilliant Bob Dylan.

Don't be afraid, the secret would be safe with me, lol!

Too bad you don't like Elvis, but to tell you the truth the older I got, the more I realized how great he was.

And once again I will be underappreciated for playing that particular Elvis because of next week's show- just another example of my genius being...oh never mind, lol!

As for that song he did in the 70's that's kinda decent, I agree with whatever the hell you are saying, lol!

Thanks for listening and writing, and the always laughs,

Mike

[Mike Pell]

RJ, songs in the mailbag for you too.

Mike

[Mike Pell]

Coming up Jon me lad!

[Mike Pell]

RJ,

If I was gonna go Folk, I couldn't think of a better way to start about Rain than that one by Peter, Paul & Mary.

A folkie friend of mine used to sing it if he was performing and it was raining.

It is blasphemous to think there is a better, more powerful version of A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall than Bob Dylan's original, even though Edie Brickell is married to Paul Simon, I think, lol!

That was already an oldie when I first heard it on FM, and it knocked me out with those contrasts in the lyrics.

I have seen Born On The Fourth Of July, so undoubtedly I have heard the other version, guess it just didn't make that much of an impression, I didn't think of it until you mentioned it.

And I love the Randy Newman song done by Melanie, and other good ones are out there.

Early Mornin' Rain was another I came late to, but not by much- I first heard it in 1967 or '68.

That strumming acoustic guitar and the bass, coupled with the tune and the lyrics blew me away- it's is one of the main songs that turned me to Folk.

So for me it's got more than atmosphere, although it may be as essential, lol!

I had a feeling you would like Gordo's Rainy Day People, since you are short many of his songs, so honestly I expected I would get the Golden Pell for it!

And I thought closing the show with Elvis, with not only the emotion in a terrific song, but with that title and subject in the face of next week's Kentucky Derby show was a stroke of...er...well...something, lol!
Thanks for listening and writing- see, if you hang in there with me I'll come right back with one you regard a winner,

Mike

[Jon]

Sure, that Steve Earle tune would be nice!

[Mike Pell]

I got them Jon.

Thank you very much.

Anything you heard you want?
Mike

[Jon]

Not as depressing (to me) as the last one even though this had some depressing songs. Am I a mutant or what?

I like the Bob Dylan song, he doesn't sound too much like Bob Dylan. I'm thinking maybe I do actually like Dylan but am just afraid to say so. 

The only song I couldn't get into was the last, 'cause it's Elvis. I have never been nor will I ever be an Elvis fan. Guess folks will have to deal with that (except there's a song he did in the 70's that's kinda decent, don't know the name of it because, if I did, that would make me a fan. Which I'm not.)

[RJhog (Admin)]

Gordo hit's a 2-Run tater!  More on that later.

 

The opening track didn't exactly blow me away, but again, you yourself knocked it out of the park with that second track (Gordo).

 

I can't remember if I knew Bob Dylan wrote A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall or not.  It's a tremendous song, but I'm probably gonna cause a few gasps when I say I prefer the version off of the soundtrack to Born On The Fourth Of July by Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians. 

 

I didn't really get the song by Melanie, but Gordo followed her up with the 2-Run shot.  He get's the Golden Pell for Rainy Day People, but my favorite song of this show was Early Mornin' Rain.  That song is so full of atmosphere.  Is it not?

 

And closing the show with Elvis.  One of my favorite Elvis tunes.  Listen to the emotion in his voice.  Incredible.

[Jon]

Keep an eye on your email this weekend, I'll be sending you a couple things.

[Mike Pell]

Jon,

Good of you to stop by, lol!

Maybe a doubleheader tomorrow eh?

You know, that might be the best way to listen.

On the real radio, both halves are played back-to-back with just ads or PSA's in between.

Mike