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02-19-10 Footnotes
Show 221: Rivers Cuomo of Weezer backed by the Cathy Santonies, Yeasayer Review
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1 Proving the adage that everyone is a critic, the Vatican has released its first official Top Ten List of albums. The official Vatican paper, L’Osservatore Romano, has endorsed records by Oasis, The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Fleetwood Mac. And perhaps for the title alone, they also included Carlos Santana’s Supernatural. But, it made a point of not including Bob Dylan, however, on the grounds that generations of less-talented Dylan acolytes have “harshly tested the ears and patience of listeners with their inferior imitations, thinking that their tortured meanderings might interest somebody.”
2 In other music news, rock producer Ian Burgess passed away last week. As Jim explains, Burgess was one of the architects of the hyper-aggressive, yet melodic, indie rock sounds of the 1980’s. He worked with a number of Midwest bands such as Naked Raygun, Pegboy and Big Black. He also served as a mentor to Big Black founder-turned producer Steve Albini. To honor Burgess, Jim and Greg play “I Don’t Know” off Naked Raygun’s 1985 album Throb Throb.
3 During our feature segment Jim and Greg are joined by Weezer lead singer Rivers Cuomo. However, it’s not Weezer that accompanies him. It’s the Chicago rock band The Cathy Santonies. Before visiting the studio, Rivers asked Jim and Greg to choose his songs and choose his backing band. Then after a brief sound check, they launched in completely unrehearsed. It’s a return to Rivers’ garage rock roots that preceded Weezer’s massive 1994 self-titled debut. He and the band have gone on to record a number of successful albums since then. However, as he explains to Jim and Greg, life as a musician has not been without conflict. In fact, Rivers Cuomo might be one of the most angst-ridden front men out there. Whether it’s being accused of being too soft (Pinkerton) or too much of a sellout (The Red Album), Rivers has always had his critics. Despite that he seems to be having fun, especially when rocking out. Check out his live performance with The Santonies.
3b The Cathy Santonies are guitarist-vocalist Mojo Santoni, bassist-vocalist Radio Santoni, guitarist Jane Danger and drummer Kaylee Preston. They are named after an often talked about but never seen character on Full House. Here’s where Chicago fans can catch them next month.
4 The record review this week is of Odd Blood by Yeasayer. The Brooklyn-based band released their highly-acclaimed debut in 2007. And like Weezer, they faced the dreaded sophomore album pressure. But, Jim and Greg agree that they deliver. Jim has already nominated “Madder Red” for hook of the year. Yeasayer has upped the songwriting on Odd Blood, but Greg wishes they had maintained the mystery and allure of the last record. He hears some obvious references and hopes they don’t go too far in the pop direction on their next release. That said, Odd Blood gets a double Buy It.
Songs Featured in Show #221
Paul Simon, "Graceland," Graceland, 1986
Big Black, "Stinking Drunk," Atomizer, 1986
Naked Raygun, "I Don't Know," Throb Throb, 1985
Weezer, “My Name is Jonas” Weezer (Blue Album), 1994
Rivers Cuomo and The Cathy Santonies, “Undone (The Sweater Song)” Weezer (Blue Album), 1994 The Cathy Santonies, “Piranha” 2009
Weezer, “No One Else,” Weezer (Blue Album), 1994
Weezer, “El Scorcho,”
Rivers Cuomo and The Cathy Santonies “The Good Life,” Pinkerton, 1996 Live on Sound Opinions
Rivers Cuomo, “Beverly Hills,” Make Believe, 2006
Weezer, “I Don’t Want to Let You Go,” Raditude, 2009
Rivers Cuomo and The Cathy Santonies, “In the Garage/Heartsongs” 2010 Live on Sound Opinions
Rivers Cuomo and The Cathy Santonies “Can’t Stop Partying,” Raditude, 2009 Live on Sound Opinions
Weezer, “(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To,” Raditude, 2009
Yeasayer, “Ambling Amp,” Odd Blood, 2010
Yeasayer, “Madder Red,” Odd Blood, 2010
Astrud Gilberto & Stan Getz, “The Telephone Song,” Getz Au Go Go Featuring Astrud Gilberto, 1964
The Appleseed Cast, “A Dream For Us,” Two Conversations, 2003
Nightmares on Wax, “Ethnic Majority” Carboot Soul, 1999
John Lennon, “Oh My Love,” Wonsaponatime, 1998
John Lennon, “I’m Losing You” Wonsaponatime, 1998
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