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Conference mr1pst::music

Title:MUSIC V4
Notice:New Noters please read Note 1.*, Mod = someone else
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Wed Oct 09 1991
Last Modified:Tue Mar 12 1996
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:762
Total number of notes:18706

155.0. "Little Village" by DPE::STARR (They call it Paradise, I don't know why) Wed Mar 04 1992 19:02

Little Village is a semi-supergroup made up of:

John Hiatt - guitar and vocals
Ry Cooder - guitar and vocals
Nick Lowe - bass and vocals
Jim Keltner - drums

(The Rockpile of the 90's???)

I picked up the album last night, listened to about half of it today. At first 
listen, I'd say that its pleasant, but not great. I do have the feeling its
the kind of album that will grow on you after a while, and you'll like it
even more down the line.

alan
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
155.1JGODCL::KWIKKELThe dance music library 1969-20..Thu Mar 05 1992 08:554
    Do they have a new album out, if so, what title does it carry?
    
    thx,
    Jan.
155.2catch them liveCHEFS::IMMSAadrift on the sea of heartbreakThu Mar 05 1992 14:569
    Saw them in London recently.
    
    The team of Cooder and Keltner continues to amaze but all in all it was
    a good show with no egos on display.
    
    I think these guys are all far too mature (and that does not mean old
    in this context) for that.
    
    andy
155.3"Don't Bug Me When I'm Workin'" ELWOOD::VEDUCCIOThe Same ThingFri Mar 06 1992 11:5020
    RE.0 

    Alan,
    I think this one is a sleeper. I bought it last week,
    sound unheard, when I found out that Hiatt, Cooder and Lowe were
    all on it. I now think that it is very good, but was less than 
    impressed after the first time I played it. It seemed to grow
    on me after a few more plays as do a lot of albums that I find
    to be more satisfying over the long haul. 
    The playing is real understated here. Nothing too flashy, but 
    songs like "Big Love", "Take Another Look","Do You Want My Job",
    "Fool Who Knows", "She Runs Ho Hot", "Don't Think About Her" and 
    "Don't Bug Me When I'm Working" to name more than a few, are sounding
     better all the time.

    I hope that they decide to play in the Boston area some time soon.

    BTW ...What the hay is a "guitar compost"?        
    
    Mike
155.4oh, and it was produced by Little Village alsoDPE::STARRThey call it Paradise, I don't know whyFri Mar 06 1992 12:3620
I'll be listening to this over the weekend, so I'll post a real review after
a few listens. 

> I now think that it is very good, but was less than impressed after the 
> first time I played it. It seemed to grow on me after a few more plays 

I agree, I think that's what's gonna happen to me also. It's a very unasuming 
album, not the kind that jumps out at you and screams "I'm great!". But its
the kind that gets under your skin, and you find yourself humming the songs
6 months later. I'm looking forward to hearing it some more!

>    BTW ...What the hay is a "guitar compost"?        

I have NO idea!!!!  8^)

The album is simply titled 'Little Village'. In the U.S., its on 
Reprise/Warner Records, catalog #26713. (It actually has an ISBN number also,
#1-880528-97-5. I thought those were only for books???)

alan
155.5LEDS::BURATIBad Conceptual ArtFri Mar 06 1992 16:0510
    I am a big Hiatt fan and bought this last night knowing nothing about it
    except what it says on the box. That's good enough for me to gamble
    $10.99 on.

    I did hear a tune on WBCN this week. I waited though about 5 more tunes
    hoping to find out what it was (because it sounded like John Hiatt
    singing) but Sheldon never said. An the worst part is that it was
    followed by a some by Jethro Tull! AARRRRGGGH!

    --Ron (not a 'Tull' fan)
155.6This is ITLEDS::BURATISave the TunasSun Mar 29 1992 23:529
    
    Man, I don't know what the rest of you are listening to but if it ain't
    Little Village, you're missing the boat. After a half-dozen listens,
    this is the coolest record in years. John Hiatt's Bring the Family LP
    hinted at the awsome talent assembled for it but here it is in all its
    full blown form. These guys are GIANTS. This is American music at its
    best. 'nuff said.

    --Ron
155.7LEDS::BURATISave the TunasSun Mar 29 1992 23:5812
>I do have the feeling its
>the kind of album that will grow on you after a while, and you'll like it
>even more down the line.

    Alan,

    You're dead right about it growing on you. It was around the forth play
    that some of the tunes started to get under my skin. Now I'm like a
    junky. But John Hiatt tracks do that to me. I think he's as good a
    songwriter as there is alive today.

    --Ron
155.8CARROL::LEFEBVREIntel Inside (tm)Mon Mar 30 1992 16:425
    Got it.
    
    Love it.
    
    
155.9LEDS::BURATISave the TunasMon Mar 30 1992 17:314
    New Musician magazine has an amusing and interesting feature on Little
    Village. They ARE Giants.

    --Ron
155.10NCBOOT::HARRISooopppsMon Mar 30 1992 22:215
    so then, lets hope the $30 i spent on the ticket is worth it.
    
    the show is monday the 13th in minneapolis.
    
    ann
155.11Hello AnnSHALOT::WELTONI attract women in distressTue Mar 31 1992 12:389
155.12closer than you thinkNCCODE::HARRISooopppsTue Mar 31 1992 19:528
    hi douglas!
    
    they're close - the concert is in the "party room" at my apt complex.
    cool landlords, eh!
    
    :)
    
    but seriously, buying 1 ticket got me an excellent seat!
155.13LEDS::BURATISave the TunasWed Apr 01 1992 21:059
    Last year John Hiatt played solo in a small club in nearby Northampton
    Mass. Tics were $30 and you're getting 4x the musicianship. I'd say it's
    a hell of a deal.

    Couple years ago I saw John Hiatt backed by the Goners. If Little
    Village live is half as good as that show, you'd better bring an
    asbestos suit and oxygen. It was a barn burner.

    --Ron
155.14RAVEN1::JERRYWHITEHey you're pretty good - NOT !Thu Apr 02 1992 13:576
    I guess I need to listen to the CD again ... maybe it'll grow on me.
    
    'Course, I thought the same way about Eric Johnson at one time too.
    
    
    Jerry
155.15LEDS::BURATISave the TunasSat Apr 04 1992 18:4015
    Jerry,

    First couple times through I didn't pick up on a single turn. Thought
    maybe the album was a dud. But I hadn't really given it a fair shake. I
    was busy talking to someone or doing something. Then I really listened
    to it a couple times (a Discman helps) and it got me bad. i have been
    skipping the first track lately. Doesn't seem to wear as well as the
    rest of the tunes. BIG LOVE: last time I listened to this track, the
    hair on the back of my neck stood up. Ry Cooder slide is wicked on that
    track. Turn it up loud. And check out Keltners drum work on INSIDE JOB.

    Of course FOOL WHO KNOWS is a personal tribute to me so I'm bias about
    that track.

    --Ron
155.16Disappointing showing on Network TVLEDS::BURATIWho's on 1stSat Apr 11 1992 16:529

    These guys were on the Tonight Show last night. They weren't very good.
    But then it was the Tonight Show, where the good stink, and the mediocre
    are pathetic.

    Anyway, don't guage them by that performance. At least not the album.

    --Ron
155.17it was ok :)NCBOOT::HARRISooopppsTue Apr 14 1992 14:1025
155.18Little Village - the BandDENVER::MALKOSKIMon Apr 20 1992 19:0814
    Is this a BAND or what? I have bunches of Hiatt and Cooder albums (and
    bunches more with Keltner as sideman) and I love these guys. I didn't
    know what to think when I bought the album but it appears that there
    goal was to be a band, a point that Cooder bore out in the MUSICIAN
    article. Thus, no egos. Note on the album that the writting credits
    read LITTLE VILLAGE, not the individuals. While Hiatt's vocals stand
    out, and Cooder's playing is as always (great), I think the rhythms
    drive this album. Keltner is a one of the finest drummers alive and his
    playing is tasteful and pointed. Very high marks.
    
    This is one of the tastiest albums around.
    
    Paul
    
155.19LEDS::BURATILanguage Sensitive ListenerTue Apr 21 1992 21:108
>I think the rhythms
>    drive this album. Keltner is a one of the finest drummers alive and his
>    playing is tasteful and pointed. Very high marks.
    
    How 'bout the rhythm work on "Inside Job"? Amazing.

    --Ron
155.20setlist for last nightSTUDIO::IDEnow it can be toldMon Apr 27 1992 15:255
    Last night's show from the Orpheum in Boston was broadcast live.  I
    haven't listened to the tape yet, but what I heard sounded great.  Can
    anyone help me out with a setlist?
    
    Jamie
155.21SMURF::LONGOMark Longo, USSGMon Apr 27 1992 15:4225
	I don't have a set list, but I attended the show and thought it was
excellent.  They played pretty much all of the Little Village record.  Also
heard was:

	From Bring The Family:

		Memphis In The Meantime
		Thing Called Love
		Lipstick Sunset (to close the final oncore)

	Featuring Ry

		Every Woman I know Is carazy 'Bout An Automobile
		Little Sister

	There was also a Nick Lowe tune played that I didn't know.

	The show was very unadorned and straight to the point, like the players.
I thought that they functioned as a unit remarkably well, sounding like a band
rather than a collection of players.  Ry Cooder must be seen to be believed...

	In all, well worth the ticket price (26.50)

	Mark
155.23Paradise at LunchUNITF::HARKINSTue Apr 28 1992 16:4336
    Anyone else fortunate enough to catch Little Village on tour?  I
    sense this group of greats may have been a one shot deal, as they
    were very low key about promoting themselves, and each are busy
    with their individual careers.  John Hiatt said that when they were
    all in the studio to record his "Bring the Family" album in '86, 
    they had such a great time, they decided they should get together
    again.  I was totally psyched to hear that Ry Cooder was coming
    to town, no less with John Hiatt, Jim Keltner, and Nick Lowe in
    tow.  Words can't express how dynamic and totally talented these
    guys are, and how perfectly they complimented one another.  Boston
    was their last stop, so I feel sorry for those that missed out.
    (Hope they come to England, Andy!)
    
    They put together a fine mix of their own originals from the album,
    some of John's greats (Memphis in the Meantime, A Thing Called Love,
    Lipstick Sunset), some of Ry's classics (including my all time 
    favorite "Across the Borderline"), and then some...
    
    Their album didn't get greatly reviewed, but Steve Morse of The
    Boston Globe wrote that he thought that they should have gone into
    the studio *after* the tour.  He also ranked their show as the best
    display of guitar playing he's heard this year (and he hears plenty!)
    It was broadcast live over 'BCN too, but haven't found anyone that
    heard it.
    
    This one's at the top of this year's list so far, and I seriously
    doubt anyone will come close.  Let's just hope Ry Cooder doesn't
    wait another 11 years to come out of the studio and John Hiatt keeps
    doing what he does best, rocking and singing those classic love
    songs.
                               
    to Music, the Cosmic Dance,
    Joanie
     
    
    
155.22my suspicion was they'd be awesomeTOOK::SCHUCHARDLights on, but nobody homeTue Apr 28 1992 16:508
    
    	I heard about this broadcast on my way to a rehearsal - damn.
    
    fwiw, i've liked this entire album right from the first listen. One
    very tight outfit, with plenty of talent. Love to play with this band.
    
    
    	bob
155.24LEDS::BURATILanguage Sensitive ListenerTue Apr 28 1992 18:5610
    From the piece in Musician it sounded like they want to keep the band
    going. When I heard John Hiatt perform Memphis in the Meantime with the
    Goners back in '89 (?) I flipped. I didn't know him from Adam (he was
    the opening act for Robert Cray) and it was his opening tune. I've never
    seen anyone work a fairly, calm sedate crowd into that kind of a frenzy
    within the span of the opening tune. Just amazing. And the rest of the
    set just got better. Ran out and bought Bring the Family (aka Little
    Village #1) and Slow Turning. Wish I could of seen LV.

    --Ron
155.25Paradise AND LunchTOOLBG::HARKINSThu Apr 30 1992 16:0417
    RE.23
    
    In reference to my earlier note, it was penned prior to knowing
    this topic existed.  I know I did a title search when I first heard
    they were coming to town in enthusiastic anticipation, and was
    disappointed not to find any similar excitement.  (I sense I added
    a "S" to Village.)
    
    Had I read the previous notes, I wouldn't have been so long winded.
    Just wanted to take this chance to express my relief in finding
    others that share the same appreciation.  Let's just hope these
    guys stick it out for the long run.  You can't get too much of a
    good thing and Lord knows what they might come up with next?!!
    
    Two cents worth,
    J.
      
155.26LOOKING FOR RECORDING OF LIVE LITTLE VILLAGEJUNCO::ROBBLEETue May 26 1992 15:148
    
     I heard on WBCN sat. May 23 a tape of Little Village's Orpheum show...
    It was so good that I'm looking for anybody who has a recording of
    it and wonder if I can get a copy???
                                           Thanks,
                                                      Doug
    P.S. Cooder's playing was outstanding not to mention this band is as
    tight as it gets...
155.27 watch out! EZ2GET::STEWARTIt's like bobbing for water!Thu Sep 30 1993 17:5112
    
    
    I bought this disc titled "Bob Telson and Little Village - An Ant
    Alone".  Didn't know who Bob Telson was, but I figured if John Hiatt's
    working with him he can't be too bad...
    
    Turns out that this is something else altogether - a story about an
    ant!  Duh!  I bought it mailorder, so I didn't have a chance to read
    the credits - which would have told me this is a different Little
    Village.  Probably won't bother to return it - it's not that offensive
    - but if I run out of clay pigeons...
    
155.28TECRUS::ROSTKeef RiffhardThu Sep 30 1993 19:398
    Re: .27
    
    I also have the Bob Telson album (got it as a free promo...I knew it
    wasn't the Hiatt/Cooder band).  
    
    I'm surprised there wasn't some legal hassle over the name.
    
    							Brian