...and a quick, funny story about Richard Thompson. (And I so agree with the general gist of the rankings, if not the exact order--how could that be, since we are different humans! RT's output since, oh, 1977, has been dependably very good. And that, in a weird way, costs him in overall impact).
So, the story. I have a dear, dear friend named Ben Seretan, a wonderful musician whose new record, Allora, is one of my faves of 2024; The Minutemen and Sonic Youth jam with Televison and Ditch-era Neil Young. He's one of those annoying f**kers who can be handed a 19 1/2-string Ghanian hand dulcimer, and within ten minutes be jamming "Brand New Cadillac" on it.
So I took him to see Richard for the first time at Town Hall here in NYC. RT is one of the most genuinely "modest" great guitarist, often under-highlighting his greatness (I will never get over about FIVE songs on "Amnesia"...fading in the middle of guitar solos!) But this night, it seemed like he just wanted to BLOW, and extended solos, went OFF in astonishing ways. The kind of playing that engenders ovations during the moment.
Afterwards, we were on 43rd Street, and I looked over and Ben was kind of staring off into the distance. I asked, "are you OK?"
He turned to me, and said "I gotta go home and PRACTICE!" I lost it.
I did an author event with Franz for "Someone Should Pay for Your Pain", and he is indeed a wonderful writer, and genuinely decent and interesting dude. Very much want to read this.
Oddly, U Texas Press does not have copies of the book available, nor does Ingram. Nor does NYPL have it. I shall go to The Strand and stalk the stacks...
Can endorse the Franz Nicolay recommendation. Recently saw him give a talk/show at the inimitable Club 603 in Baltimore and was mesmerizing. As for Slap Shot, beyond the comedy, the gritty details of minor league life are unblinkingly on display. The Hanson Brothers resurfaced 34 years on in this video shown at the 2011 NHL awards show. Rivals the best ESPN athlete parody commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-W5drWcOME
That clip from the hockey awards is wonderful! Always nice to see the Hanson Brothers. Did you catch Dylan when he showed up on Pawn Stars? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316JC5kUSjQ
I don't like the new feature--I love it!
Hell yes! Thank you!!
...and a quick, funny story about Richard Thompson. (And I so agree with the general gist of the rankings, if not the exact order--how could that be, since we are different humans! RT's output since, oh, 1977, has been dependably very good. And that, in a weird way, costs him in overall impact).
So, the story. I have a dear, dear friend named Ben Seretan, a wonderful musician whose new record, Allora, is one of my faves of 2024; The Minutemen and Sonic Youth jam with Televison and Ditch-era Neil Young. He's one of those annoying f**kers who can be handed a 19 1/2-string Ghanian hand dulcimer, and within ten minutes be jamming "Brand New Cadillac" on it.
So I took him to see Richard for the first time at Town Hall here in NYC. RT is one of the most genuinely "modest" great guitarist, often under-highlighting his greatness (I will never get over about FIVE songs on "Amnesia"...fading in the middle of guitar solos!) But this night, it seemed like he just wanted to BLOW, and extended solos, went OFF in astonishing ways. The kind of playing that engenders ovations during the moment.
Afterwards, we were on 43rd Street, and I looked over and Ben was kind of staring off into the distance. I asked, "are you OK?"
He turned to me, and said "I gotta go home and PRACTICE!" I lost it.
Hi Elizabeth (and Tim!)
I did an author event with Franz for "Someone Should Pay for Your Pain", and he is indeed a wonderful writer, and genuinely decent and interesting dude. Very much want to read this.
Oddly, U Texas Press does not have copies of the book available, nor does Ingram. Nor does NYPL have it. I shall go to The Strand and stalk the stacks...
Can endorse the Franz Nicolay recommendation. Recently saw him give a talk/show at the inimitable Club 603 in Baltimore and was mesmerizing. As for Slap Shot, beyond the comedy, the gritty details of minor league life are unblinkingly on display. The Hanson Brothers resurfaced 34 years on in this video shown at the 2011 NHL awards show. Rivals the best ESPN athlete parody commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-W5drWcOME
That clip from the hockey awards is wonderful! Always nice to see the Hanson Brothers. Did you catch Dylan when he showed up on Pawn Stars? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316JC5kUSjQ
Ha! That is a great clip. I wouldn't put it past Dylan to suggest that particular album to be the one he signed....
Hahahahahaha... he totally had to be in on this. But I also assume he's a real fan of the show!
Love it. Was thinking and hoping you’d add something like this 👍
I'm gonna be That Guy and defend Dream Attic's If Love Whispers Your Name as RT's greatest guitar solo, with a gorgeous vocal and lyrics to boot.
Thanks for this!