Down home rock and roll

A lot of rock and roll fans are surprised to learn that all but one of the members of The Band were from Canada. Their sound has a decidedly backwoods country feel, and their subject matter is as American as apple pie.

One song that captures this essence is "Up On Cripple Creek". Lyrics mentioning the Mississippi River, Lake Charles Louisiana and Cripple Creek (a mining town in Colorado) firmly set the location of the song.

What sounds like a mouth harp is actually a Hohner Clavinet run through a Wah-Wah effect pedal. It adds a bit of a funky feel to the song, and was later used by many an artist to funkify a song.

Take a few moments to discover some of the background on the song, and how it was recorded. It will give you a new appreciation for this classic rock staple.

Rock And Roll Remakes Wednesday #5

Okay, I messed up. With my zany schedule I thought yesterday was Tuesday, but now that it's Thursday I realize it was Wednesday...the day we get to hear a cool rock and roll remake.

It only seemed logical to poke a little good-natured fun at myself by selecting the song "Saturday Night Special". Originally done in 1977 by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and covered here by 1980s heavy metal band Armored Saint. For a metal band, they stick pretty close to the original but crank it up a notch or two.

However, even though it was done by Armored Saint, I think the original is more rockin'. Listen to both versions, and see what you think...

"For twenty dollars you can buy yourself one, too."

Hopefully my mistaking Wednesday for Tuesday on Thursday is forgiven with a song about Saturday.