The Playlists
I’m a snob when it comes to music. I like to think that I have developed a diverse and motley collection of musical interests. But at the same time, I realize that our musical tastes are developed when we were young, and normally don’t stray very far. That’s not always true, and I know many folks who have embraced a far more adventurous musical path.
I love great cover songs, especially by the artists and bands who, besides being great musicians, are also serious music lovers: Springsteen and E-Street, Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Mavericks, & The Smithereens. The Beatles started as a cover band.
C’est la vie. These playlists represent the stuff that I like.
The Bridge & Tunnel Boys Playlist is short compilation of Billy Joel & Bruce Springsteen songs mainly from the 1970"s.
The “Buena Vista Social Club” is 1997 album produced by guitarist Ry Cooder. The album celebrates the pre-revolution era of Cuban music, and features a series of musicians who represent the original Buena Vista Social Club. In 1940’s Cuba, clubs were segregated, and the Buena Vista operated as a black members club. These fraternal clubs are similar to the social aid and pleasure clubs that also developed in New Orleans. The clubs were typically organized around a common interest, and the Buena Vista was a musician’s club
There are some movie directors whose musical sections are an integral parts of the plot and atmospherics of their creations. I'm thinking particularly of Michael Mann and Martin Scorsese. With the Sopranos, David Chase personally selected all of the music, with assistance his producer, music director, and Steven "Silvio Dante" Van Zandt.
The Smithereens are members of the New Jersey pantheon of great music. The band formed in 1980, and have been performing for over 40 years. The Smithereens are great Beatles fans, and a setlist always includes a cover.