I was the 2001 Live365 Blue Valentine contest winner, and was, of course, deeply honored. Apparently songs about having your heart tromped on after it has been pulled from your chest had a mass appeal. For many, Valentines' Day is yet another opportunity to turn over the scorched earth left in the grand exits of former lovers. Songs about betrayal, heartbreak, and unrequited affection provide a bleak soundtrack where one can first reflect, then, obsess and bum. Actually, some of the tunes were merely about that kooky thing called love and, hopefully, did not compel the heartsick to gnaw an arm off above the elbow before skulking home to hang themselves. Concerning affairs of the heart, it's like Dylan said: "the struggle's where it's at."
Favorite Artists
Slim Harpo
Rivals Muddy Waters as my favorite bluesman.
9 Below Zero
Don't Point Your Finger (1981) may have been the only thing they recorded, but it's classic.
Zephyr
Their live recordings from numerous Colorado dates are sentimental favorites. Forget his solo stuff: this is Tommy Bolin at his best.
Sex Pistols
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Never Mind the Bollocks Here's the Sex Pistols
Released in the US in 1977, this obliterated the bleak music landscape dotted with arena rockers, corporation-owned record companies, folkies and discos. The birth father of grunge.
chromatosis
Obscure and classic new wave, surf, spy, exotica, weird and more.
Cool Links
AMG All Music Guide
Great research site by artist, album, song, style or label.
Quality Paperback Book Club
Get early softcover editions of your favorite books on the cheap 6 months before anyone else. It's like a book co-op for a cult.
