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Croz - David Crosby 1941 - 2023 Part 2

1/28/2023

The conclusion of our 2 part tribute to perhaps the greatest harmony singer in rock history. David Crosby was a true believer in the power of music to change the world. We hope you enjoy our labor of love to spread the word. Please help us keep From The Basement with continued support. We certainly understand if you don't have a square to spare, but please enjoy the show and pass the word to everyone you feel might enjoy it. Here's the link.

If you are having difficulty listening in the USA,here's a DL on mp3.

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Dazey

1/26/2023

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The day I have been dreading for the last few months has arrived. It’s time to say goodbye to the best dog ever, Dazey. I know we’re not supposed to have favorites, be they animals or children, but in my 66 years as a dog lover I just couldn’t help it. This little bundle of love was rescued out of the hands of an evil scumbag ready to throw her into a dog fight as bait due to her being the runt of the litter. Disgusting on every level. She then wound up in the hands of a crack addict who was going to leave her in a crate on the streets of Baltimore. Needless to say, she was not in the best shape when we got her. She has gotten deep into my heart like no other, and I have loved all my dogs and all yours as well. I just think they are the purest form of unconditional love on the planet, and their name spelled backwards is no accident.

While we do have Syd and Sawyer, also rescues and I know Dazey is suffering and the time has come, there is something else that deeply troubles me. In my lifetime Dogs have never been considered a luxury, but with the prices of Veterinary care skyrocketing they are rapidly becoming just that. I know prices on everything have gone through the roof but $600 to give a dog a compassionate injection and a dignified end of life is just another in a long line of Vet bills that have blown my mind in the last few years. And that is no extras, like paw prints or special urn or any one of a few hundred items they are ready to upsell you. It’s disgusting.

What I am concerned about is that Senior Citizens and really most people are not going to be able to afford rescuing these animals, simply due to the cost. That’s a damn shame and as usual it all comes down to greed.

So bid a fond farewell to my favorite girl as she heads to that Rainbow Bridge, she will forever remain in my heart.

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Croz Presented with Love and Respect by FTB PART 1

1/25/2023

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This was a tough one. I loved David Crosby and my few interactions with him only confirmed my speculation of his deep love of music and adventurous spirit. Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant beforehand, as that old adage “Never Meet Your Heroes” was swirling around my head but within one minute it was apparent that would not be the case here. He was warm, funny and thrilled that I only desired to basically play records with him. He broke into a huge grin when I explained the concept. People of our generation spent a lot of time playing records, turning each other on to what we discovered, tracing the names on the record jackets back to dig deeper and learn all we could about how this sound came about. Music was the engine that drove our culture.

No internet, games consisted of board games or the pinball machine at the local hangout and there was one phone in the house and no matter how long the cord was, it wasn’t going in your room. Television consisted of the three Networks and in my case, a pair of independent stations in New York and PBS. That’s it. To change the channel, you had to physically go to the set and turn the knob. But music was everywhere. 77 WABC was on the air and everyone was tuned in. On Saturdays we would beg our parents to take us to Two Guys (From Harrison) to spend our paper route earnings on the latest 45’s. By 1966 the music was changing, growing with us and before long, we shifted to this new station called WOR-FM, which gave way to WNEW-FM and our world moved from black and white to color. Looking back makes me appreciate that I essentially was smack dab in the middle of what will be hailed as a Renaissance Period for music. And David Crosby was one of the creators through each twist and turn. Outspoken, sincere and most of the time, high as fuck, Croz was a magnet for trouble.

There’s no need to rehash his descent into junkiedom, it’s a tale well told. But through it all it remains a mystery how he was able to keep his voice, that remarkable instrument was still perfectly intact after everything he put it through, including prison. He also never let go of the music, his desire to keep moving forward, listening with wide open ears and passion that never waivered. Now that David Crosby has left, I prefer to be thankful that he managed to pull himself out of a deadly spiral and wind up with nearly four decades of Bonus Time, living until the age of 81. Absolutely no one around when the shit hit the fan in Texas, would have believed it.

This is the first of what will likely be a two part tribute and I hope you enjoy the show.

Please help if you can by clicking here Basement Fundraiser

PLAYLIST IS HERE

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From The Basement #197

1/20/2023

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If we project out using data generated the first three weeks of 2023 it appears we may be doing an RIP tribute weekly. I will continue to follow the wisdom of Carl Reiner, “If you’re not in the Obit, eat breakfast.” Remembrances for Lisa Marie Presley, Van Conner of Screaming Trees, a belated acknowledgment to Kim Simmons of Savoy Brown were already planned and the song I couldn’t find in time for the 2 part Jeff Beck Tribute materialized just in time. In the middle of doing the show the David Crosby news hit and hit hard causing a delay in the release of #197 from last night to tonight, unless something else happens. Expect a batch of sounds from a full New Release Bin. Ben Freidkin, Nolan Taylor, The National, Margo Price, The Weeklings, Kid Gulliver, Iggy Pop, Everything But The Girl, Circa Waves, Julian Cope and Ryan Adams remake of “Nebraska,” join a reissue from Jon Brion, an amazing recording of Steely Dan from 1974, a Steve Miller remaster and all the usual/unusual odds and ends. Oh shit! Jerry Blatter “The Geator With Heater,” “The Boss With The Sauce” has just left the planet. Please help if you can and thanks to all that have. https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8QI2qLIzpG

All the details and full playlist is just a click away....

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I Am Gutted - David Crosby 1941 - 2023

1/19/2023

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He certainly left a mark, no question about it. Like many, I have heard all the stories about what a dick he could be, but as far as I am concerned he was one of my favorite guests and a really nice man. We had an absolute blast recording an episode of Playing Records With Mike, and he knew his shit. Right before this photo was snapped, he bellowed "Would you buy a car from these guys?" And everyone has a good laugh. My daughter was filling in as Artist Hospitality that day and spent all day hanging with his son, Django and is crying right now for his terrible loss.. Croz did not suffer fools, phonies or poseurs at all, and he had no problem copping to his ability to be a complete and utter dick. But when he recognized a musical soul, he would give you the shirt off his back. We bonded over our mutual awe at the talent of Michael Hedges, which was just one of a litany of topics we covered that day. No notes, no script just a couple of music fanatics celebrating the pure joy music brings. I really loved him and send love, light and positive vibes to his family and friends at this difficult time. Instead of sadness, celebrate that for someone a millimeter away from the grave all those years ago, pulled himself together for a few decades of bonus time. My mind's eye sees him currently wearing his famous cape and harmonizing as no one else could at the afterparty.

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Jeff Beck 1944-2023 PArt 2

1/18/2023

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The second part of our tribute to Jeff Beck begins with a few different versions of “Superstition” picking right up from Part one with a rare live recording of the Bobby Tench/Max Middleton era band which predates the BBA version, as well as a live version where Jeff joined Stevie Wonder on stage as a special guest. Quickly moving into the mutual admiration Jeff and Jimi Hendrix shared, displaying intersections of influence that some may not be aware of. From that point on it’s off to the races, quite literally as we examine Jeff’s lifelong infatuation with cars. Hot Rods, Coupes and all things American. When his attempt to purchase the actual American Graffiti car was unsuccessful, he built from scratch his own replica. Considering he also built his very first guitar it really didn’t surprise anyone who knew him. We also cover some of the numerous musical collaborations he enjoyed with everyone from Buddy Guy, The Big Town Playboys, Seal, Beth Hart, Jan Hammer, Sly Stone, David Bowie, George Martin, Brian Wilson, Robert Plant, Dion, Jules Holland, Imelda May and so much more.

Moving entirely too quickly toward 70 years old, I remain thankful to have lived through perhaps the greatest music renaissance is history. Witness to absolute giants inventing and reinventing the endless possibilities music presents, yearning to push the culture forward simply because they needed to, certainly not to develop a “brand.” Satchmo, Ellington, Hendrix, Mingus, Bird, Lennon, McCartney, Richards, Jagger, Dylan, Brian Wilson, Lou Reed, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Thelonious Monk, Prince, Bowie… think about the fact that only 6 of those names remain on the planet. Jeff Beck belongs on that list. Watching him perform his craft was akin to Dimaggio, Mays, Clemente or Griffy Jr. gliding back on a 100 MPH rocket seemingly out of reach and watching in amazement as they wind up waiting for it to nestle squarely in their glove. How did he do that? A question asked repeatedly when Jeff strapped on his guitar.

Enjoy the show and please let us know by hitting like, sharing and spreading the word if you can. The first fundraiser of the year is active and we appreciate the support. We can only keep the link active for 30 days and if you can’t contribute, we completely understand. Just don’t let that stop you from enjoying the show.

Playlist is where it should be click here

If you can help with a donation, please click here

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jEFF bECK (INTERMISSION)

1/16/2023

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Had to share some of the stuff I found out there in the last few days on Jeff. I had never seen most of these.

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Jeff Beck 1944 - 2023 part 1

1/13/2023

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There are certain artists we encounter during our time on the planet that have a unique and unmistakable glow. While their work and skills are exemplary it goes beyond their talent and into what I would call special magic. Jeff Beck was magic. He showed this unique ability to make sounds with a guitar that he alone could do, it was part of him. An extension of his instrument, and while he did use some gadgetry, he didn’t need it or rely on it. His hands were either working on a car or a guitar, and this was not a tinkerer. He dug in to find where the magic was, and while what I know about cars could fit on the end of a pin, musically speaking, Jeff always delivered magic. He has been the greatest guitar player on the planet since Jimi left in 1970 and is simply irreplaceable. There will never be another in my lifetime.

The first Fundraiser of the year has been launched.
https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8QI2qLIzpG
Please help if you can, if not we understand and thank you for listening.

The playlist is here.... click

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Croz - David Crosby 1941 - 2023 Part 2

Dazey

Croz Presented with Love and Respect by FTB PART 1

From The Basement #197

I Am Gutted - David Crosby 1941 - 2023

Jeff Beck 1944-2023 PArt 2

jEFF bECK (INTERMISSION)

Jeff Beck 1944 - 2023 part 1

Mike Marrone

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