Don’t call it a comeback…I been here for years. SbS 10. Music newsletter

Great comebacks! Def Lep, Cash, Foo. Next - Week 977 first of 2025. Re-listen - Week 686. RIP Garth Hudson: The last of The Band. Teenager of the Year B Day. More Hurt background. PJ Live Porch. Epic!

In this post:

• Music Question: Great comebacks!

• Next - Week 977 first of 2025. Week 686. Originally aired on the radio on June 19, 2019

• Music thoughts: RIP Garth Hudson: The last of The Band. Teenager of the Year turns 30.

• YouTube Videos. More Hurt background. And a brilliant PJ “Porch” performance. A must see. Was anyone there?

People often think a comeback just means getting back to where you started. It's way more than that. It's about figuring out what you're really made of, finding new ways to do things, and maybe even reaching higher than you ever did before! Setbacks suck, but they can actually make you stronger and wiser if you let them. 

This week’s question: Musical Comebacks

Chris: I’m starting with the Def Leppard story. This goes beyond a band. It’s a testament to the enduring power of human spirit and the unwavering bonds of brotherhood. And you thought Def Leppard were just a rock band.

In 1984, drummer Rick Allen's car accident resulted in the amputation of his left arm. Allen's drumming was an integral part of their signature sound. Instead of succumbing to despair, Def Leppard rallied around their fallen comrade. They postponed their highly anticipated album "Hysteria" - Allen's recovery was more important. 

Allen embarked on a remarkable journey of physical and emotional rehabilitation. He reimagined his approach to drumming. Allen, with the help of Simmons electronic drums, developed a new way to play. He modified his drum kit to allow him to play with one arm, using his feet for both bass drums and additional toms. This pioneering approach demonstrates the boundless potential of human ingenuity.

3 years later, in 1987, "Hysteria" proved to be a resounding triumph - catapulted Def Leppard to global stardom. Allen's triumphant return to the stage, particularly his emotional performance at the Monsters of Rock festival, became a defining moment in rock history, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Rick Allen's story isn't just about music; it's about proving that even when life throws you a curveball, you can still come back stronger. Losing his arm could have ended his career - instead he found a new way to play. And let's not forget his bandmates – they were there for him every step of the way. Their story is a reminder that with the right support, you can overcome anything.

—-- so it looks like it’s just me. I shall continue —-

Chris: “The Man in Black”, Johnny Cash summed-up in one word: Legendary. There was a lull in the 1980s. Rick Rubin saw Cash in concert in the early 90’s and offered to sign and record him. Then in 1994 - the release of "American Recordings" - reintroducing the Man in Black to a new generation of fans. Solidifying his status as an enduring icon.

Rubin stripped away the elaborate production that had characterized much of Cash's later work. This album was raw. Acoustic performances that really capture Cash's voice. The inherent power of his songwriting came through again. A simple reminder.. The result was a haunting and intimate album that showcased Cash's vulnerability and timeless artistry.

"American Recordings" was all over the place: Traditional folk tunes, Contemporary covers (we’re looking at you Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt"), and original compositions. Cash's gravelly voice, imbued with a lifetime of experience and wisdom, resonated deeply with audiences. The album's stark simplicity and emotional depth was transcendent, captivating listeners across generations.

How “Hurt” was made is a brilliant watch/listen.

"American Recordings" stands as a testament to the enduring power of great music.

Chris: 1 more? Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl's Comeback. One I did not see coming!

After the tragic suicide of Kurt Cobain in 1994, which ended Nirvana, Dave Grohl found himself at a crossroads. Grohl was dealing with immense personal loss and the uncertainty of his musical career. What followed was/is a brilliant  comeback – the formation of Foo Fighters.

Initially, Foo Fighters was essentially a Grohl solo project. In the aftermath of Nirvana, Grohl recorded an album's worth of songs by himself. Playing all instruments except for one guitar part on "X-Static." Thank you to the brilliant/amazing Greg Dulli. I could listen to this dueling guitar intro all day. And when the drums hit! Chris Bro happy boy. Released in 1995 - it was Grohl's way of dealing with his grief and expressing his musical identity outside of Nirvana.

A surprising success, with hits like "This Is a Call" and "I'll Stick Around." To tour and record further, Grohl formed a band, which included notable musicians like Pat Smear (formerly of the Germs and briefly with Nirvana). 

From Drummer to Frontman (A crazy what if…): Grohl's shift from the back of the stage to the front was monumental. He proved his versatility, not just as a drummer but as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His energetic performances and charismatic stage presence is something to behold. Musically, Foo Fighters have evolved, blending punk, hard rock, and even acoustic elements. 

Why It Was a Great Comeback: Personal Healing. Rock Cultural Impact. Legacy.

In essence, Foo Fighters was not just a comeback for Dave Grohl; it was a reinvention that has lasted decades, showcasing his resilience, musical talent, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

Next - Week 977 first of 2025. Week 686 . Originally aired on the radio on

Here's a whirlwind tour through some fantastic tune on this week’s NEXT:

My Morning Jacket - Time Waited: A dreamy, reflective track that showcases Jim James' soulful vocals, blending love's fragility with a sense of eternal presence. Ranked among the greatest live bands of their generation. 

MJ Lenderman - Wristwatch: Offering a mix of introspective lyrics and a catchy, laid-back melody. From serving ice cream in Asheville NC to everyone’s indie rock darling

Betty Taylor - Hollow: Taylor's voice carrying both melancholy and hope, making for a deeply moving listening experience. Indie hooks paired with honest poignant lyrics. Daydream indie sound.

Neato - Ginger Lemon: All about fun vibes, with its funky beats and playful lyrics, it's like a refreshing twist of citrus in your musical playlist, perfect for those sunny day drives.

Franz Ferdinand - Build It Up: With their signature post-punk revival sound. Building up energy with its infectious rhythm and sharp guitar riffs. A stylish mix of rock and dance music - Hook driven guitar music.

Manic Street Preachers - Hiding in Plain Sight: Echoing with political undertones, this track from the Welsh rockers is both a critique and a lament, offering a blend of melody and message. Album 15. Soul searching lyrics meeting some of their head-on addictive melodies.

Bob Mould - Here We Go Crazy: Mould's signature intensity is on full display here, with a guitar-driven explosion that captures the chaos and exhilaration of life's wild rides. Bob has become the elder statesman of alt rock.

Jason Isbell - Bury Me: In true Isbell fashion, this track is a beautifully crafted narrative, exploring themes of legacy, love, and the human condition with his poignant storytelling. It's from his upcoming solo acoustic album, Foxes In The Snow

Guster - When We Were Stars: A song that captures the essence of looking back at youthful dreams with a mix of wistfulness and joy, carried by Guster's harmonic richness.

Ringo Starr featuring Billy Strings and Larkin Poe - Rosetta: A delightful collaboration that breathes new life into Ringo. Fresh bluegrass element - showcasing the timeless appeal of his music.

Travis - Raze The Bar: This track combines their melodic pop sensibilities with a darker, more introspective theme, raising the bar for emotional depth.

The Lumineers - Same Old Song: With their characteristic folk-rock sound, this song speaks to the repetitive nature of life's cycles, delivered with heartfelt vocals and storytelling.

Benjamin Booker - Show And Tell: Gritty guitar work and soul-searching lyrics. Hushed vocals. Chiming Guitar. First album in seven years.

— Live music is good for your soul —-

The National - I Need My Girl (Live in Rome): A live rendition that adds layers of emotion to an already beautiful song, with Matt Berninger's voice echoing through the Italian night.

The Tragically Hip and Feist - It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken (Live No Dress Rehearsals): This live performance is a powerful tribute to resilience, blending the Hip's rock with Feist's ethereal vocals for an unforgettable experience.

The Rolling Stones - Shattered (Live Welcome To The Shepherds Bush): A raucous, live version of their classic, where the Stones prove they can still shatter expectations with their timeless rock 'n' roll energy.

Each track here adds a unique flavor to the musical landscape, proving the diversity and richness of today's music scene. Thank you for listening to new music!!!

Week 686 . Originally aired on the radio on June 19, 2019

Hits

We Were Promised Jetpacks - Someone Else’s Problem. Damn good guitar build…damn good band name.

Doc Robinson - This Time Around. They’ve been making great music for quite a long time. Got love looking back. Good song to remind one - you have to do better. And will learn from the past.

Misses

None. As you can tell by the lack of HITS. Not my best week. Quite Mid. The kids still use that, no?

Just 1 song

I'm a sucker for a guitar…and a good build. So this time around it's an easy pick. We Were Promised Jetpacks

Garth Hudson - Last Surviving Member of The Band

Garth Hudson, the virtuoso keyboardist, saxophonist, and accordion player who was the last surviving original member of the iconic rock group The Band, died peacefully in his sleep on January 21, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Born on August 2, 1937, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Hudson was steeped in music from a young age. Mastering a variety of instruments. His formal training in classical music and jazz set him apart, making him a unique figure in the rock music landscape.

Hudson joined The Band (originally known as The Hawks) in 1961. Fellow band member Robbie Robertson: "He played brilliantly, in a more complex way than anybody we had ever jammed with. Most of us had just picked up our instruments as kids and plowed ahead, but Garth was classically trained and could find musical avenues on the keyboard we didn’t know existed. It impressed us deeply."

His musical journey was shaped by his association with Bob Dylan. From 1965 to 1966, Hudson and The Band backed Dylan during his controversial tour where he "went electric.," A period that was both musically explosive and historically significant. Dylan has spoken fondly of Hudson, once saying, "Garth, he’s the master. He could play anything from Bach to a blues riff that would make your jaw drop." This collaboration not only solidified Dylan's transition into rock but also showcased Hudson's versatility and depth.

The Band - with Hudson's musical genius - helped define the Americana genre, merging rock, folk, country, and R&B into a sound both timeless and innovative. I love that it’s the Canadians that rocked Americana. 

Let’s hear from the ones that knew him. Musicians across generations have paid tribute to Hudson's influence:

Robbie Robertson described him as "far and away the most advanced musician in rock 'n' roll."

Levon Helm in his memoir "This Wheel’s on Fire" praised Hudson's teaching, saying, “Just having Garth as a teacher was an honor.”

Harry Hew, a Canadian writer "The best line I ever heard with respect to Garth is, 'Music is his first language.'"

Barney Hoskyns, author of a biography on The Band "He is genuinely the most original and brilliant and moving keyboard player that has ever operated within rock 'n' roll."

Hudson's touch is unmistakable - a few songs to start with:

"Chest Fever" became a signature piece for Hudson - and really shined live - where his organ solo was an event in itself.

"Up on Cripple Creek" features his innovative use of a clavinet through a wah-wah pedal, creating a swampy, distinctive sound.

"The Weight" showcases his piano work.

"Rag Mama Rag" is highlighted by his galloping piano, adding to the song's infectious rhythm.

"Ophelia" from the album "Northern Lights - Southern Cross" features Hudson playing all the brass and woodwinds, showcasing his versatility.

His last public performance was in April 2023. He played Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady."

His memory lives on through the music, the stories, and the countless musicians he influenced. 

Chris: ​​30 years. Happy B-Day to Black Francis's "Teenager Of The Year". Solo album from The Pixies frontman. The album is a whirlwind of 22 concise tracks that bursts with creativity and energy. It’s a wild ride through Black Francis's imagination. Blending classic American rock 'n' roll with a punk-inspired weirdness that sounds utterly fresh.

The album's re-release on gleaming gold vinyl by 4AD is a fitting tribute - a timeless record that can still captivate listeners - even three decades later.

Pearl Jam at PinkPop92. Porch. Just insane

Chris: Another great watch/listen of Hurt

That’s it this week. Thank you for reading/listening. Music is Life. Music is Magic.

And remember if you love someone hug them right now.