Veteran Rockers

Clapton and Collins

Experience this episode with the music mentioned in it by clicking on this link: https://www.mixcloud.com/dashboard/my-shows/unlisted/ [https://www.mixcloud.com/dashboard/my-shows/unlisted/]. Phil Collins initially became fascinated with the genius of rock legend Eric Clapton after seeing him play with Cream in 1966. Phil never thought that less than twenty years later, not only would Eric play guitar on his debut solo record, but Phil would be asked to produce an album or two by Slowhand. In 1984, Roger Forrester suggested he use Phil as he was riding high at the time. Though Eric wasn't a fan of Genesis, the two of them were friends even before Clapton recorded with Collins on the track "If Leaving Me Is Easy" from Phil's 1981 debut solo album "Face Value." Collins produced and played drums on Eric's 1985 album "Behind The Sun." The collaboration between Clapton and Collins marked a significant moment in both their careers, blending Clapton's iconic guitar work with Collins' distinctive drumming style. This partnership not only showcased their individual talents but also paved the way for further musical exploration and innovation in the rock genre. Not everyone enjoyed this slick new sound at the time, and some critics even thought he was sacrificing his talent for commercial consumption for the masses, as the record contained a few ballads. However, many fans embraced the shift, appreciating the emotional depth and artistry that the ballads brought to the album. When Phil co-produced Eric's 1986 follow-up "August" with Tom Dowd as executive producer, the result was Eric's most successful record to date. After Eric's son Connor was born, he managed to get sober again, but this time, Eric surrendered to a program of recovery, and it showed in the music he ended the decade with. The maturity in his songwriting reflected a newfound clarity and purpose, resonating deeply with listeners who had followed his journey. His 1989 album called "Journeyman" only had one track with Phil Collins called "Bad Love," but this particular collaboration left fans and critics with a sense of nostalgia as Eric's guitar playing was reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, but Phil's slick drumming beautifully commiserated with the raw emotion of the lyrics. This fusion of styles not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted the seamless blend of rock and soul that defined the era, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. Eric's also played guitar on Phil's 1989 "I Wish It Would Rain Down," from Phil's album "But Seriously," showcasing the emotional depth that both musicians brought to their collaborations. Unlike "If Leaving Me Is Easy," you can hear Eric this time.

Prince's Purple Rain

This episode sounds better with music. You can listen on MixCloud at: https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-11-princes-purple-rain/. [https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-11-princes-purple-rain/] Prince, an American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, released his sixth studio album, Purple Rain. Warner Bros. Records released it on June 25, 1984, as the soundtrack album for the same-titled 1984 movie. Compared to Prince's earlier albums, Purple Rain featured numerous layers of guitars, keyboards, electronic synthesizer effects, drum machines, and other instruments, as well as full band performances. The production and performances of a large portion of the record had a grandiose, synthetic, and hallucinogenic luster. Although several aspects of Purple Rain's music hint at the more experimental albums Prince would release later, the song is generally considered to be the most pop-oriented of Prince's career. According to network executives, the music video for the album's lead song "When Doves Cry" was too explicit for television due to its sexual content. Tipper Gore and the Parents Music Resource Center voiced their disapproval of the risqué lyrics of "Darling Nikki," which helped lead to the adoption of Parental Advisory stickers and imprints on record sleeves.

The Kinks-Part 3 (1981-1993)

Enjoy this episode with music at: https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-10-the-kinks-1981-1993/ [https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-10-the-kinks-1981-1993/]. On this final chapter of my series on The Kinks, I discuss their challenges during the 1980's and subsequent breakup in the 1990's due to the toxic sibling rivalry of Dave and Ray Davies.

The Kinks-Part 2 (1970-1979)

Enjoy this episode with music at: https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-9-the-kinks-part-2-1970-1979/ [https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-9-the-kinks-part-2-1970-1979/]. On Part 2 of 3 of The Kinks, I talk about how The Kinks not only survived but also thrived in the 1970's. This decade would start off well with hits like "Lola" and "Strangers," but Ray's experimental theatrical songwriting for a string of concept albums would cause the band to dwindle into obscurity. The Kinks managed to bounce back in 1977 by returning to their roots with "Sleepwalker" and again in 1978 with "Misfits" and "Low Budget" in 1979.

The Kinks-Part 1 (1964-1970)

Enjoy this episode with music on MixCloud at: https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-8-the-kinks-part-1-1964-1970/ [https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-8-the-kinks-part-1-1964-1970/]. Part 1 of 3 of The Kinks [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1SQRv42e4PjEYfPhS0Tk9E?si=VHrG2KZlTHSjFfQOc8Vw5g] covers the early part of their career from 1964-1970. Ray [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6spXkXEP6teMn2cu9sWbBR?si=n29FBCnATZGhVh9aKlwTEg] and Dave Davies [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3KC0ek7g2xpRg2ET1gn2nv?si=VDPUotKGQsyyZ2MlM2WzlA], brothers, founded the Kinks, who were from Muswell Hill in North London. With pal Peter Quaife on bass, they played a mix of rock and roll and R&B in their early lineup, which they called The Ravens. Shel Talmy, a record producer, heard a self-made demo tape and helped the band sign a 1964 contract with Pye Records. The group changed their name to The Kinks and signed Mick Avory as their drummer. You Really Got Me, the group's third hit, shot to the top of the UK charts, marking the beginning of music history with the iconic lineup. The song, which Ray wrote in their parents' front room and was inspired by Dave's aggressive, extravagant guitar sound, has subsequently been credited with influencing heavy metal, punk, garage rock, and even The Who, among other genres. After the huge hit, the Kinks put together an album quickly, which was quickly followed by another Top 10 single, All Day and All Of the Night.