CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

Michael Bennett writes

Friday iPod/MP3 Shuffle -- Happy Birthday Syd Barrett Edition

Today, let’s celebrate a great talent who flamed out too soon. Syd Barrett was the original creative force propelling Pink Floyd, with classic singles like “See Emily Play” and the album Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. Unfortunately, drug use and mental health problems led to his departure from the band in 1968. He put out two influential solo albums (in particular, Robyn Hitchcock has taken a lot from Syd) but declined too much to continue, passing away at the age 60 in 2006. Let’s pay tribute to this unique and talented artist by grabbing your iPod or MP3 player, hitting shuffle, and sharing the first 10 songs that come up.

1. The Adverts — Fate Of Criminals (Anthology): This ’70s British punk band should not be overlooked. Frontman T.V. Smith was a terrific songwriter, who had a real knack for creating dramatic guitar tunes. Indeed, the band was probably more punk because of subject matter and attitude, as they had a grandeur that wasn’t that far away from acts like Bruce Springsteen.
2. Brian Wilson — I Got Rhythm (Reimagines Gershwin): This match up of living genius with his genius inspiration probably occurred 45 years too late, but the album has its moments. Wilson basically takes this Gershwin classic and plays it like a 1965 era Beach Boys song. The playing is good, but should have been more intense.
3. Richard X. Heyman — Back To You (Hey Man!): Heyman’s second album may very well be his best. The power popper shares some characteristics with Marshall Crenshaw, as both pen similar ’60s based melodies, but Heyman’s tunes are punchier. This is especially true on this number, where Heyman’s excellent drum skills are showcased.
4. The Swingin’ Neckbreakers — Action Kid (Shake Break!): While this New York garage rock band specialized in ravers in the tradition of bands like The Sonics, they had a lot more facets than the average revivalists. This song is a prime example. Tom Jorgenson’s gritty voice and amazing bass playing are at the center of this fairly mod inspired song, which is economical, melodic and full of hooky parts. I can’t adequately describe how awesome this song is, and the performance is equally great.
5. King Crimson — Elephant Talk (Discipline): Classic song from the first King Crimson album featuring Adrian Belew. This song is in a similar vein to what the Talking Heads were doing around the same time (and, of course, Belew ended up touring with them), with Belew’s wit and intelligence meshing well with the amazing interplay of Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford, Tony Levin and Belew.
6. The Fireman — Highway (Electric Arguments): The third collaboration between Paul McCartney and Youth moved away from electronic experiments and more into straight ahead pop songs, and McCartney is having a blast. This is sort of bluesy pop-rock tune with a strong hook. A very nice album.
7. The Jam — Set The House Ablaze (Sound Affects): Never thought of any similarities between The Jam and The Adverts, but these songs have a bit of a common dramatic cast. Paul Weller lays down an apocalyptic guitar line while drummer Rick Buckler stays in the pocket, and the song builds to an appropriately fiery chorus.
8. XTC — Red (Go 2): A typically punchy early XTC number from their second album. Andy Partridge is in full spastic vocal mode, Terry Chambers is a machine on drums, Colin Moulding is busy on the bass and from all this bluster springs a catchy as hell chorus. One of the best tunes on this album.
9. Supergrass — Alright (I Should Go Coco): This sugary sweet pop confection is one of the highlights from the debut by Supergrass. This sounds like an early ’70s one hit wonder (and apparently some other song that I can’t put my finger on right now).
10. Thao & Mirah — Spaced Out Orbit (Thao & Mirah): I really enjoyed this 2010 team up of two talented singer-songwriters, although I hope if they collaborate in the future they find a way to make the songs sound more blended, as sometimes, this was like two solo EPs smacked together. This is one of Mirah’s songs, and Merrill (Tune-yards) Garbus’s production is fantastic — all sorts of nifty embellishments without overwhelming the song.