Archive for August, 2009

21st August
2009
written by Matt The Cat

Women Want Cadillacs, They Don’t Want No Man…

Cadillac Songs

This week, I’m adding luxury, class and style to the typical car-themed show by dedicated the entire program to songs about Cadillacs. No other car in American Popular Culture has been more sought after and no other car let’s everyone else around you know that you’ve made it to the “big time”. You left town in your daddy’s old Ford, but you return in a brand new Cadillac.

You’re gonna hear songs from Bo Diddley, The Ravens, Larry Dowd, Bruce Springsteen and Dizzy Gillespie just to show the variety of styles features on this week’s podcast.

Then, vote for your favorite version of the classic, “Brand New Cadillac” as The Clash take on Vince Taylor.

So get into your Caddy and go…on with the show!

Click HERE To Listen To The Friday Night Cat Fight

14th August
2009
written by Matt The Cat

Draggin’ The Strip…

Drag Racing Songs

Were draggin this week on the FNCF

Rev up those engines and prepare to burn some rubber as we dedicate an entire Friday Night Cat Fight Podcast to songs about drag racin’. I’ve left out some of the ol’ standbys since you can still hear those all over the radio in favor of some of the lesser heard draggin’ tunes. Of course Jan & Dean and the Beach Boys will make an appearance, but we’ll also hear from Wally George, Leon Smith and The Hubcaps as well.

You’ll get a chance to vote for your favorite version of the ultimate drag racing song, “Hot Rod Lincoln”. So fire up those hopped up motors and get ready to burn your ears for that quarter mile on The Friday Night Cat Fight Show.

Click HERE To HEAR The Friday Night Cat Fight Podcast

13th August
2009
written by Matt The Cat
Les Paul
1915 – 2009

Les Paul, a true, undisputed musical genius passed away at 94 after complications from pneumonia in White Plains, NY. Paul will forever be remembered as a technological pioneer in the realm of electric guitar development and sound recording as well as a great pop artist in his own right. Les Paul’s contribution to the foundation of rock n’ roll can hardly be fully measured. He developed the first solid-bodied electric guitar in the mid-1940s, that would become a rock standard in the mid-1950s. He pioneered multi-track recording as well, which gave artists the ability to experiment on recordings. Imagine how limited The Beatles or Pink Floyd would have been without the freedom of overdubs and multi-tracking? They and countless others owe a bit of gratitude to Mr. Paul.

During the 1950s, Les Paul with his wife and singing partner Mary Ford scored many hit records on Capitol. They had a signature sound with Mary’s double-tracked vocals and Les’ soaring, multi-tracked guitar. Les never quit innovating and through the years, he continually updated his signature “Les Paul” guitar for Gibson Guitars. Sometimes using the word “legend” to describe someone feels thin or flat, but it was and is a perfect way to refer to Les Paul. He was and is a legend and he continued to play live gigs right up to his August 13, 2009 death.

This past November, my wife Kelly surprised me with a birthday trip to Cleveland, OH, The Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Fame AND the American Music Masters concert tribute to Les Paul. Guitar gods from Billy Gibbons to James Burton showed up to pay tribute to the “Wizard Of Waukesha, WI”. Les closed down the show with presence, humor and some great guitar playing. It was a night that I’ll never forget. I never got to see Les’ weekly live gig in Manhattan, so I am very fortunate that my wife made sure I got to see and hear the great Les Paul before he died.

So please take a moment today or over the next couple of days and put on some great guitar music. Even if it’s not a Les Paul record that you put on, listen for Les’ influence, because baby, it’s in there!

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