C or D: Emitt Rhodes?

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I love love LOVE his debut (and Merry Go Round is great, too) -- I'm less hot on the followups. I read a feature in Big Takeover (yeah, sorry) sometime back on him -- I gather he's battled depression for several years to the detriment of his career.

Naive Teen Idol (Naive Teen Idol), Tuesday, 31 January 2006 03:09 (eighteen years ago) link

Classic all the way although the quality of the records did fall away as time went on, the s/t record is the best and Mirror/Farewell To Paradise less so. He had signed a deal where he had to deliver 2 records a year I think but because he was recording everything himself this was physically and mentally impossible which eventually led to him stopping releasing records and having some sort of a breakdown I think. Couldn't take the pressure that was put on him. Since then he has produced other people and continued to write songs and there have been on off rumours for a long time that he was going to release a record but due to bad luck or whatever it never makes it out. I read a

I have heard that Rhino Handmade or Hip-o-Select are working on a box of all his stuff which I'm looking forward to.

Finally, just found this interview from 1997 which might be of interest

http://www.buhdge.com/audio%20buhdge/rhodes_audio.htm

mms (mms), Tuesday, 31 January 2006 15:11 (eighteen years ago) link

Wow, a box would be great. As for how he'd be today, all I know is that the one song from 1980 on the Listen, Listen comp has the worst treacly sax imaginable...

Naive Teen Idol (Naive Teen Idol), Tuesday, 31 January 2006 19:42 (eighteen years ago) link

kind of surprised there wasn't a thread on him already.

i'd like him better if his name was "emit," as in emit death rays from my intergalactic fender rhodes.

hstencil (hstencil), Tuesday, 31 January 2006 19:59 (eighteen years ago) link

one year passes...

Just found this after finally getting as copy of his first record; it's one of the saddest things I've read in a while

http://www.lacitybeat.com/article.php?id=583&IssueNum=33

sonofstan, Sunday, 16 September 2007 20:06 (sixteen years ago) link

one year passes...

there is a comp out now on Hip-O select which combines all three of the solo albums and some other things (although not everything) that apparently sounds amazing. I really love his first album.

akm, Thursday, 28 May 2009 04:36 (fourteen years ago) link

kewl!

That's a good article ^up there too.

wilter, Thursday, 28 May 2009 05:23 (fourteen years ago) link

'you take the dark out of the night' = amazing song

iatee, Thursday, 28 May 2009 05:32 (fourteen years ago) link

eight months pass...

Sad and kind of o_O interview on WFMU that aired today.

François de Roobabe (Capitaine Jay Vee), Saturday, 13 February 2010 20:05 (fourteen years ago) link

i once had a long confused (maybe drunken) conversation with a friend where I said "this guy sounds more like mccartney than mccartney!" and my friend said "you think he sounds like mccartney? i don't hear that at all!" and we went back and forth for a long time. but it turned out i had been saying emmitt miller, the old minstrel "lovesick blues" guy and had completely confused my friend. true story!

tylerw, Saturday, 13 February 2010 20:08 (fourteen years ago) link

anyway, been meaning to get that hip-o comp -- worth it? i've only heard the s/t.

tylerw, Saturday, 13 February 2010 20:09 (fourteen years ago) link

i like that story. reminds me of the time when i was drunk and i kept saying something like: "i hate george clinton! why does everyone love george clinton so much! i don't trust him!" and my friends looked at me weird cuz i meant to say bill clinton.

scott seward, Saturday, 13 February 2010 20:12 (fourteen years ago) link

I can only imagine what a mindf**k of a record McCartney and Rhodes would've made together if they had joined forces back in the day.

François de Roobabe (Capitaine Jay Vee), Saturday, 13 February 2010 20:13 (fourteen years ago) link

but it turned out i had been saying emmitt miller, the old minstrel "lovesick blues" guy and had completely confused my friend. true story!

haha!

lukevalentine, Saturday, 13 February 2010 21:19 (fourteen years ago) link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4ZIjbRj8xs

lukevalentine, Saturday, 13 February 2010 21:20 (fourteen years ago) link

anyway, Emmit Rhodes s/t is absolute classic, it includes "Somebody Made For Me" one of my all time favorite pop songs

I like This American Dream as well

lukevalentine, Saturday, 13 February 2010 21:23 (fourteen years ago) link

what's interesting about that FMU interview? i can't listen to it right now. worth it?

by another name (amateurist), Sunday, 14 February 2010 00:12 (fourteen years ago) link

one year passes...

Maybe that should have its own thread.

Cut Creator Has A Master Plan (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 5 June 2011 14:32 (twelve years ago) link

Been listening to the Hip-O-Select. The American Dream drags a little but the s/t is great and don't notice too much of a dropoff in quality in the other two.

James & Bobby Quantify (James Redd and the Blecchs), Wednesday, 15 June 2011 14:52 (twelve years ago) link

one year passes...

anyone ever see this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLL8CsVeOiE

buzza, Sunday, 27 January 2013 22:46 (eleven years ago) link

No!

Leopard Skin POLL-Box Hat (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 28 January 2013 01:37 (eleven years ago) link

one year passes...
three years pass...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL4Tcw77LNo

velko, Sunday, 1 July 2018 00:03 (five years ago) link

dope

billstevejim, Sunday, 1 July 2018 02:33 (five years ago) link

one year passes...

I'd wondered for eons why this guy disappeared after 1973, and just read that his ABC contract demanded 6 albums over the span of 3 years and he couldn't keep up. They sued him and he started working behind the scenes instead. Imagine chasing a guy this talented away from a recording career because he worked slowly. jfc!

Johnny Fever, Sunday, 26 January 2020 10:37 (four years ago) link

five months pass...

RIP
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emitt_Rhodes

Kibbutzki (Jaap Schip), Sunday, 19 July 2020 21:03 (three years ago) link

RIP Emitt.

Sonny Shamrock (Tom D.), Sunday, 19 July 2020 21:38 (three years ago) link

I'd wondered for eons why this guy disappeared after 1973, and just read that his ABC contract demanded 6 albums over the span of 3 years and he couldn't keep up. They sued him and he started working behind the scenes instead. Imagine chasing a guy this talented away from a recording career because he worked slowly. jfc!

True but then I wonder why he didn't reduce his workload by just getting Leland Sklar and Waddy Wachtel and whoever to play on his records instead of trying to do everything himself - he'd even taken up the saxophone on his final (70s) album!

Sonny Shamrock (Tom D.), Sunday, 19 July 2020 23:42 (three years ago) link

He was really into doing stuff by himself. I actually was just looking at my vinyl Farewell To Paradise (his last album for ABC/Dunhill), and his liner notes are very defensive about controlling all aspects of his music as an artist.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Sunday, 19 July 2020 23:54 (three years ago) link

I've always been amazed he never found work as a professional songwriter, but I guess he was a little too early for that to be a viable career path.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Sunday, 19 July 2020 23:56 (three years ago) link

Farewell To Paradise liner notes (for context, I believe he already been sued by ABC/Dunhill for breach of contract before recording the album)

If gold is valuable because it is scarce, then sincerity must even be more valuable because there is so precious little of it. I'm seldom attracted to liner notes. I've only taken the time to read just a few...those I have, in so many words, praised whomever for his or her musical genius. I find it difficult to do the same.

If I possess a talent, it surely must be patience. Someone said something about the world stepping aside when a man knew what he wanted. I've known for some time and the world hasn't yet made it any easier for me. Those things I cherish most I worked long and paid dearly for. I am a recording artist not just a songwriter or musician. I have taken total responsibility of my art. Avoiding the temptation of using others to conceal my weaknesses. My works are sincere and entirety my own.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 20 July 2020 00:22 (three years ago) link

Re-Upping broken Youtubes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgmioAfzhXE

The Merry-Go-Round on Hollywood Palace w/Don Knotts

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 20 July 2020 03:12 (three years ago) link

Cool! Have The Bangles weighed in yet?

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 03:16 (three years ago) link

Susanna tweeted, but she's the only one I follow. Dunno about the others.

Johnny Fever, Monday, 20 July 2020 03:21 (three years ago) link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLYUJbvBFU4

"Birthday Lady" promo film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypoMlWQ9xwU

"Really Wanted You" promo film.

I remember seeing a clip of him on the Whistle Test, but it's not up atm.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 20 July 2020 03:22 (three years ago) link

There's also a Palace Guard clip up ("Falling Sugar") but I don't think Rhodes is in it. The guy miming drums doesn't look like him.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 20 July 2020 03:40 (three years ago) link

That Brooklyn Vegan notice has some good stuff but too many popups. They do have vimeo embeds though, so there's that. Anyway here is a link to the doc, The One Man Beatles. https://vimeo.com/266426996

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 03:42 (three years ago) link

This is probably his last interview: https://mediumfidelitymusic.wordpress.com/2020/07/19/example-post-3

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 04:07 (three years ago) link

Flatmate who confirmed his passing is in the vimeo.

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 04:13 (three years ago) link

anyone ever see this?

― buzza, Sunday, January 27, 2013 3:46 PM

No!

― Leopard Skin POLL-Box Hat (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, January 27, 2013

will finally watch this!

buzza, Monday, 20 July 2020 04:24 (three years ago) link

It's kind of bittersweet and sad and depressing- surprise! - but well-done and affectionate. Now is a perfect time to watch.

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 04:38 (three years ago) link

A few of the singles off the last album, none of which I have listened to yet, are credited to Emitt Rhodes, Richard Thompson and The Bangles. Not 100% sure what this means.

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 04:45 (three years ago) link

Seems to mean backing vox by Vicki and Debbi Peterson and electric guitar by Richard Thompson. Pretty nice.

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 04:52 (three years ago) link

They're stray singles from a project just prior to that last album, with Thompson & The Bangles featured guests.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 20 July 2020 04:52 (three years ago) link

Seems like two of the three songs on the singles are on the album as well.

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 04:58 (three years ago) link

His voice seems to have followed the opposite trajectory of that of Alex Chilton’s.

Left Eye Frizzell (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 20 July 2020 05:02 (three years ago) link

XP My bad. I misread something about them not being cut for or included on that album.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 20 July 2020 05:04 (three years ago) link

They were released and then pulled a few years earlier because of a legal issue.

"...And the Gods Socially Distanced" (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 20 July 2020 05:05 (three years ago) link

three weeks pass...

Morbius's sister recently posted a high school photo of him on Friendbook and for a beat or two I really thought it was something from the Emitt Rhodes group. #OneThread

Spiral "Scratch" Starecase (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 30 October 2020 21:19 (three years ago) link

one month passes...

My top artist of the year, 0.005%ile.

Robert Gotopieces (James Redd and the Blecchs), Wednesday, 2 December 2020 18:17 (three years ago) link

And The Merry-Go-Round came in number five.

Robert Gotopieces (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 4 December 2020 02:45 (three years ago) link

you love to see it

budo jeru, Friday, 4 December 2020 03:16 (three years ago) link

I owe it all to you guys and this thread. Mulțumesc!

Robert Gotopieces (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 4 December 2020 03:26 (three years ago) link

it's been a journey for sure!

budo jeru, Friday, 4 December 2020 03:34 (three years ago) link

Yeah, a real journey...to the nearest Red Lobster!

"what are you DOING to fleetwood mac??" (C. Grisso/McCain), Friday, 4 December 2020 04:09 (three years ago) link

lol

budo jeru, Friday, 4 December 2020 04:16 (three years ago) link

Never gets old.

Robert Gotopieces (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 4 December 2020 14:43 (three years ago) link

one month passes...

the photos from the magic mountain music festival are super cool

budo jeru, Saturday, 9 January 2021 17:48 (three years ago) link

Wonder if anyone ever revealed who "You're a Very Lovely Woman" was supposed to be about.

Next Time Might Be Hammer Time (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 9 January 2021 18:56 (three years ago) link

Finally watching that video I just posted. Not sure if there is anything new in it.

Next Time Might Be Hammer Time (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 9 January 2021 19:03 (three years ago) link

I walked by a hand car wash on an industrial street of woodside queens this morning and heard With My Face On the Floor blasting. It was an odd location for that.

dan selzer, Monday, 11 January 2021 19:38 (three years ago) link

This cool, new-to-me track giving me heavy Emitt Rhodes vibes though I think Rhodes would've taken this up several notches lyrically
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QziYUqeSVe0

SQUIRREL MEAT!! (Capitaine Jay Vee), Saturday, 16 January 2021 10:17 (three years ago) link

one month passes...

HB, ER!

The Ballad of Mel Cooley (James Redd and the Blecchs), Thursday, 25 February 2021 18:45 (three years ago) link

two weeks pass...

So he got a Grammy RIP nod.

The Ballad of Mel Cooley (James Redd and the Blecchs), Tuesday, 16 March 2021 13:27 (three years ago) link

And something kind of sweet on social media about him.

The Ballad of Mel Cooley (James Redd and the Blecchs), Sunday, 21 March 2021 19:09 (three years ago) link

So he got a Grammy RIP nod.

As did Keith Olsen.

Naive Teen Idol, Tuesday, 23 March 2021 02:09 (three years ago) link

Ah, didn’t know. That’s great.

The Ballad of Mel Cooley (James Redd and the Blecchs), Tuesday, 23 March 2021 02:25 (three years ago) link

one month passes...

#WhenWorldsCollide

I also think any Eagle who says they weren't blowing rails and listening to this song from five years earlier on repeat when they wrote "Hotel California" is lying.https://t.co/F7RAWxN0lB

— Tyler Mahan Coe (@TylerMahanCoe) May 7, 2021

blue whales on ambient (C. Grisso/McCain), Saturday, 8 May 2021 03:12 (two years ago) link

!

Working in the POLL Mine (James Redd and the Blecchs), Thursday, 20 May 2021 01:53 (two years ago) link

But came to post this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7kR8IcJGR8

Working in the POLL Mine (James Redd and the Blecchs), Thursday, 20 May 2021 01:54 (two years ago) link

I came to watch the Merry Go Round (and Jerry Butler) but stayed for the Happy Jack dance party.

dan selzer, Thursday, 20 May 2021 03:14 (two years ago) link

!!!

fact checking cuz, Thursday, 20 May 2021 03:17 (two years ago) link

Ha, dan otm.

Came to post that today is apparently a special day for Emitt.

AP Chemirocha (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 29 May 2021 16:37 (two years ago) link

three weeks pass...

Just saw a Father's Day weekend photo of Emitt on F-Borad, very sweet.

Rich Valley Girl, Poor Valley Girl (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 19 June 2021 19:50 (two years ago) link

six months pass...

New cover of "Promises I Made" by Black Keys guy mentioned here.

Feels a little too slow to me upon first listen, but the story is nice.

“And of course the Emitt Rhodes song at the end [Promises I’ve Made]. I think that was the first song I recorded, and it was on the day that Emitt died. That was what set the fire for everything because I liked this new recording set-up and how it turned out, so I just kept going”.

The Door into Summerisle (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 7 January 2022 19:52 (two years ago) link

Sounds like he was trying to make sound like something off Abbey Road. #onethread

The Door into Summerisle (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 7 January 2022 19:53 (two years ago) link

one month passes...

Sixth anniversary of the release of Rainbow Ends today.

Solaris Ocean Blue (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 26 February 2022 15:15 (two years ago) link

three weeks pass...

I just won a vinyl American Dream (2nd edition) on eBay!

Precious, Grace, Hill & Beard LTD. (C. Grisso/McCain), Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:24 (two years ago) link

Wow!

Mardi Gras Mambo Sun (James Redd and the Blecchs), Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:36 (two years ago) link

one month passes...

Mrs. Redd is watching some new Star Trek thing and there is an Emitt-looking guy on the screen right now.

Johnny Thunderwords (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 7 May 2022 01:12 (one year ago) link

No doubt headed to the Space Lobster.

That vinyl copy of American Dream I got is gorgeous...the prior owner(s) took really good care of it. Might be my favorite Emitt release.

Also noticed some Emitt included on the playlists last shared here: Obscure Singles Heard at CVS

“Isn’t It So” is my jam.

Don't Renege On (Our Dub) (James Redd and the Blecchs), Saturday, 14 May 2022 00:46 (one year ago) link

three weeks pass...

And then someone else close to him eplied about the relatively happy ending.

Double Elvis on the Dime (James Redd and the Blecchs), Tuesday, 7 June 2022 22:47 (one year ago) link

two weeks pass...

Where is that? Do you have to register to see it?

Naive Teen Idol, Wednesday, 22 June 2022 21:39 (one year ago) link

What, the reply? They mentioned it on Friendbook.

Ride into the Sunship (James Redd and the Blecchs), Wednesday, 22 June 2022 21:42 (one year ago) link

five months pass...

Is “Isn’t It So” about his mother? Although it is obvious written to seem as if it is about an ex.

Soda Stereo Total (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 16 December 2022 20:30 (one year ago) link


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