Music criticism at its worst

Oh my goodness, what a weird trip.

Just got through listening to an audiobook version of “Dusty Springfield’s Dusty in Memphis,” Warren Zanes’ installment in the “Thirty Three and a Third” series of books in which people of note examine classic albums.

Zanes, best known as a member of the early 80s country-punkers Del Fuegos and currently a suit at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, idolizes this famous Southern soul album, in which the diva Springfield collides with the rough power of 1968 Memphis.

So far, so good.

Unfortunately, his examination of the album ends almost as soon as it starts. 

Zanes offers up some great background on the factors fueling an amazing album (including Jerry Wexler and Chip Moman’s production mastery) but for the most part, he’s is off on a variety of head-scratching tangents. Zanes fancies himself as a seasoned interpretative historian but I felt as if someone had slipped me some bad Hunter S. Thompson outtakes.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame seems to welcome self-indulgent tripe. 

"You're Gonna Miss Me"

“You’re Gonna Miss Me” is a terrific documentary capturing the ups and downs of Roky Erickson, whose stardom with The 13th Floor Elevators quickly devolved into drugs and schizophrenia.

The movie is harsh, capturing a dazed Erickson living in squalid conditions with his mother, who seems equally disconnected from reality. The father and four other brothers are equally bitter and troubled, although one brother -- a successful classical musician -- gains legal custody of Roky, only to then experience his own financial and emotional challenges in trying to “restore” the Roky of old.

It’s like watching a train wreck: painful to see but hard to look away. I'll never listen to "You're Gonna Miss Me" -- a classic garage rocker -- the same way again.

Fantastic music at a rock-bottom price

Amazon is currently offering 100 digital albums for $5 each, and there’s great stuff to be had, either stuff you may have always wanted or things you wanted to check out but didn't want to pay full price.

A sampling of 100 albums on sale at Amazon this monthThe offerings cover all wide range of genres, and there are dozens on this list that I’d like to buy, but here are just a few that caught my eye in particular:

• Mazzy Star, “So Tonight That I Might See”
• Blind Boys of Alabama, “I Brought Him With Me”
• Small Faces, “Ogdens Nut Gone Flake” -- I did buy this one. I’ve, of course, heard of the Small Faces -- their lineup was loaded with stars -- but never really gave them the time of day. This is a fantastic journey (5 stars from All Music Guide) through bluesy pop, soul, psychedelia and spoken word. 26 songs for $5 -- hard to beat that, even these days.
• The Hold Steady, “Separation Sunday” (4 stars from AMG). I also bought this one, and am looking forward to diving into it.
• Joe Henry, “Blood From Stars,” (4.5 stars from AMG). Bought this one too. After one listen it didn’t hit me like Henry’s 2007 “Civilians” did, but I suspect it’ll grow quickly.
• Beach Boys, “Pet Sounds 40th Anniversary Stereo Digital”.
• ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, “The Century of Self.”

Prices are good through December. Lemme know if you find anything worth exploring.