ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 9, 1989 By Steve Newton Hard-core Jeff Healey fans who've already worn out their copies of See the Light and can't wait for the guitar wizard's next LP may want to pick this record up, 'cause Healey goes hog wild on four tracks, including the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" … Continue reading Various Artists: Roadhouse Soundtrack (1989)
Tag: Bob Dylan
That time I asked Dr. John which musician he was most proud of working with
By Steve Newton If you're a dedicated music fan you’ve no doubt heard by now that Dr. John passed away the other day. He was one helluva musician, which is why everybody and their dog wanted to play with him. He started hanging with folks like Professor Longhair and Earl King as a teenager. When … Continue reading That time I asked Dr. John which musician he was most proud of working with
Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson on reuniting and getting lean and mean after 40: “Might even want to prove something”
kevin statham photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT. 23, 1988 By Steve Newton Whatever happened to Ian Hunter, the former leader of one of Britain's most influential pre-punk rock bands Mott the Hoople: the corkscrew-haired singer with the ever-present shades and Cockney twang; the gifted songwriter who penned such classics as "All the Way from Memphis", … Continue reading Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson on reuniting and getting lean and mean after 40: “Might even want to prove something”
The Alarm shows its Strength and promise in Vancouver
chris cameron photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, MARCH 18, 1988 By Steve Newton One of my favourite albums of 1985 was Strength by the Alarm. It was a totally inspiring bit of guitar-driven rock that blended the bristling anger of the Clash with the soulful humanity of U2. I predicted back then that these guys would be … Continue reading The Alarm shows its Strength and promise in Vancouver
Album review: The Everly Brothers, Born Yesterday (1986)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, APRIL 18, 1986 By Steve Newton The Everly Brothers' second "comeback" album is a worthy successor to their first, EB84. The latter album sported a nice hit single written by Paul McCartney ("On the Wings of a Nightingale"), and once more Phil and Don have carefully chosen other people's … Continue reading Album review: The Everly Brothers, Born Yesterday (1986)
Album review: Various Artists, Big Bad Love Soundtrack (2002)
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 25, 2002 By Steve Newton This is my favourite soundtrack album of the year, so far; I must have played it 20 times already. It’s essentially a showcase for the rough-hewn backwoods boogie of North Mississippi hill-country blues artists Robert Belfour, T-Model Ford, Junior Kimbrough, and R. … Continue reading Album review: Various Artists, Big Bad Love Soundtrack (2002)
Willie Nelson bares his down-home soul on Revolutions of Time box
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, DEC. 14, 1995 By Steve Newton I’ve gotta admit that I’m not a real huge country-music fan. I actually view what’s known as “new country”—that lightweight, vacuous, fabricated piffle churned out by the Nashville music mill these days—with the same jaundiced eye reserved for lowly “gangsta rap”. But there’s … Continue reading Willie Nelson bares his down-home soul on Revolutions of Time box
Fabulous Thunderbirds guitarist Jimmie Vaughan says his favourite thing about music, and life, is style
charles campbell photo ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 9, 1987 By Steve Newton Like the title of their latest album, the Fabulous Thunderbirds of Austin, Texas, are a Hot Number these days. Their previous LP, the Dave Edmunds-produced Tuff Enuff, sold nearly a million copies, and their latest disc, also produced by Edmunds, will probably move … Continue reading Fabulous Thunderbirds guitarist Jimmie Vaughan says his favourite thing about music, and life, is style
That time I asked 18-year-old guitar star Derek Trucks who he’d most like to jam with
his wish to jam with B.B. came true By Steve Newton The first time I interviewed Derek Trucks--back in March of 1998, when he was just 18--I mentioned that he'd already played with famous folks like Bob Dylan and Buddy Guy, but wondered who else he'd most like to jam with. He mentioned a couple … Continue reading That time I asked 18-year-old guitar star Derek Trucks who he’d most like to jam with
The greatest concert experience of my life: Bob Dylan with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Greek Theatre, June 13, 1986
By Steve Newton As far as rock concerts go, I've been a very lucky mofo. My 30-some-odd years as a music journalist have provided me with scores of awesome memories. But the one that stands out as tops is seeing Bob Dylan with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California, on … Continue reading The greatest concert experience of my life: Bob Dylan with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Greek Theatre, June 13, 1986
Newt’s Top 10 albums of 2001
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, DEC. 13, 2001 By Steve Newton Cranky bugger that I am, I often use my allotted space to vent my displeasure with the popular, live music–killin’ DJ scene, but this year I don’t feel like it. Oops, what’s that down there in my Strokes entry? John Hammond Wicked Grin … Continue reading Newt’s Top 10 albums of 2001
Bob Dylan lyrics and Vancouver acid inspired the Guess Who’s “Undun”
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, AUG. 2, 2001 By Steve Newton Most red-blooded Canuck-rock fans over 40 have memories of their favourite Guess Who tune. Some prefer the riff-driven bluesiness and sneering attitude of “American Woman”; others are more drawn to the celebratory, peace-and-togetherness vibe of “Share the Land”. There may even be a … Continue reading Bob Dylan lyrics and Vancouver acid inspired the Guess Who’s “Undun”
Tom Petty will play some of the Newt’s fave tunes in Vancouver
I've seen Tom Petty in concert a bunch of times, and two of those gigs are worthy of my Top 10 Concerts of All Time. Or they would be if I actually compiled my Top 10 Concerts of All Time. I'm saving that one for a rainy day.The first time I saw Petty and his … Continue reading Tom Petty will play some of the Newt’s fave tunes in Vancouver