Ry Cooder drives me crazy. That's been going on basically since 1972, when he recorded Boomer's Story, which I consider one of the best 10 albums of my lifetime (b. 1953). You see, as an acoustic guitar player since my teen years, I kept waiting for Ry to top that album, or if that was impossible, at least do something comparable. But he never did. Cooder likes to experiment, do a little this (Mexican), do a little that (Indian). Cooder the musician, the guitar/mandolin player, is a legend among other musicians. And now as he grows older, he'd rather fart around doing protest music. I'll let you in on a little secret—I can't stand protest music. It's so preachy! That's why I don't usually post it.
Unless your name is Woody Guthrie or Bob Dylan, who really wasn't writing protest songs—his tunes were merely construed that way—I really don't want to hear it.
I'll start with Ry's No Banker Left Behind from his new album Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down. Those of you who like protest songs will probably like it, it's a catchy little tune. I posted it for you. The other Cooder tunes are for people who like great music and musicians, especially players of stringed instruments. If you like this stuff, be sure to listen to Ry's version of Blind Willie Johnson's Dark Was The Night, which I can't embed on DOTE.
Hello Dave
I wore out my first copy of Ry Cooder. Dark Was The Night was my favorite; played it over & over trying to learn those licks.
Since Boomer's Story he's driven me crazy as well. Although I have loved many of his soundtracks, esp the Walter Hill movies.
Thanks
Posted by: Diogenes | 12/11/2011 at 11:27 AM