In those early days Southside Johnny & Jukes were at least as good as Springsteen although Bruce is the better lyricist. Given the interplay of musicians between E street and & Jukes I'm obviously not the only one who thinks that. I must pull out the old Asbury Jukes vinyl one day.

Whilst in 76 everyone remembers the Sex Pistols, its Parker & Rumour from those years who impress the most. I'm not dismissing the Pistols - Bollocks was/is one of the greatest rock  albums of all time (well - it would have been more perfect and powerful as an extended 6 track EP - but there you go) but Parkers songs and the music, especially on Howlin' Wind are perfect. Its the sort of album you can pull out and give to young blokes and have it blow them away by showing them how it rocks and propels onwards, incorporates seamlessly the best lessons from electric Dylan, Van, the Band, MC5, J Geils - not to mention their fresh but respectful covers of black groups with The Trammps - "Hold Back the Night", and Jackson 5 - "I Want You Back'

GP missed the commercial rewards - I never understood why.

Lots of underrated heroes - Willy De Ville is also another.

Although to be fair the cognoscenti - like you and me - always saw the brilliance in both.

Parker was lone of the new angry young men along with Costello and Joe Jackson.

Great artists all.

His first two albums are his best as I recall.

Three arguments for Pete Townsend's genius:

"My Generation" stuttering

Lyrics to "Substitute":  "The north side of my town faced east and the east was facing south."

"Tommy". Granted, a mess but if you listen to it on the road it is the best hour you will ever spend in your car.

Styleforum posts a concert I was at in 1970. Not only that but excerpts from the best DJ I ever heard at around 10:08 - Mike Raven.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=buIic_w2KWM#!

Oxbridge educated, former army officer and ballet dancer and later horror film actor and sculptor. What the yanks call a renaissance man No jingles no dumbing down. Informative anorak stuff
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Raven

Correction not Marcus but Darcus Howe

...and from Our Generation to advertising American Express from his Trout farm.

...clever the British establishment, that's how they've lasted so long.

...they'll be playing 'God Save the Queen' by the Pistols in front of her next.... then a Knighthood for Jonny R.

....like Mick and Paul!

Aye, poor Strummer, never forget picking up Mojo and reading of his demise three months after the event. Gutted.

Red Norvo for me last night, some rare Discovery albums from the early 50s.

When you're in the mood nothing can beat a bit of jazz on vibes.

Today, from the stash....

Artist: The Cult

Album: Love.

Choice Cut: She Sells Sanctuary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I8mWG6HlmU

Probably the best opening of a Rock song....EVER!!!!

formby - where do you do your listening to Zep etc?

I'm always wondering how you are dressed and what sort of funny old bloke dancey thing you do.

Pics?

Or even a simple list - family out at a film, lounge room, big old floor standing speakers, 1.5 days growth, jimmy saville hair, black torn ramones t shirt, dads jeans, bare feet, ciggie in mouth, can of Bourbon & coke in hand...small dog looking on quizzically.........

Same question as for Formby for you Pat.

Route 66 was always one of my dream songs. Nat King Cole version often. Many times I got out the maps of USA and traced it and looked up towns, dreaming of being in a big caddy or something, motoring on down, getting my kicks.