This blog I dedicate to underappreciated musical artists, albums, and songs. Any of which may have gotten some attention, but for some reason no longer get the attention they deserve. (Kind of like Vietnam Veterans… or for that matter many of our veterans, with the exception of the really annoying over zealous ones that are there to DEMAND pity from those of us who couldn’t even fathom joining the military if we wanted. That is a different blog though.)
The first on this list are two brothers which were featured in Mushy’s blog not too long ago, Stevie Ray Vaughn and his brother Jimmy Vaughn. Both guitar virtuosos made major accomplishments to music that for the most part were very seriously forgotten. In fact, when the news report came out that Stevie had gone down like so many other in a tragic plane crash all the media could seem to report was that Eric Clapton was not on the plane.
Speaking of planes, the next tributes goes to a man whose claim to fame was a song about one such tragic plane crash, Don Mclean. He makes the list not because of his hit American Pie, but because of the rest of the album. As the average hippie might say, “It really seemed to jump out and speak to me, ma-an.” Vincent, one of the tracks on this album is just brilliant. It deals with things that, at one point or another, all of us have thought about and puts them into perspective.
In terms of perspective, the next mention goes to Jim Croce, for the song Time in A Bottle. I realize that this song has gotten a lot of press but then you should look at the album of the same name and realize the person wrote some great music. He was responsible for many great love songs of the era. If nothing else, I rediscovered his music at a time in my life where he was quite influential.
While his music may not be his own, Richard Cheese must pull a little of his inspiration from any number of influences. He takes current standards and puts a completely different spin on them, showing little idiosyncrasies that otherwise would be long forgotten. All I can say is that Closer by the Nine Inch Nails shall never be closer than it is now. It will always have a special place in my heart because of the man, Richard Cheese.
The last of these tributes, for the time being, goes to a friend of mine in Nashville, Rachel Pearl (or on HerSpace). I personally feel like blues and jazz musicians don’t get enough exposure in days of queer boy bands and actors who think they are musicians. (Sorry Mr. Ayckroyd, but you are an actor who plays a faux musician on the silver screen, no matter what you do under said pseudonym to promote blues and jazz artist who are under appreciated.) Besides, she has a voice that is warm like a late August evening as the sun begins to set with a personality to match. Not to mention she puts on a hell of a show when she takes the stage.
So as I raise my glass to these musicians, I realize that there are many that I have left at the wayside. I suppose I will just have to revisit this topic on another day. So here’s to all of the underappreciated musicians, songs, and albums. I am sure there will be more to flowers to bloom as the long time passes.
