SIDEMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT VOL. 2

 

SIDEMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT VOL. 2

The goal of the SIDEMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT series is to shine a light on the guy standing to one side of the lead singer.  Some of the artists showcased on VOL. 2 rose to the occasion like Lita Ford, who along with Joan Jett had a career after The Runaways or Thomas Dolby who stepped out of the shadows of Lene Lovich’s band.  

Former Monkee Michael Nesmith paved the way for many country rockers, but found his first solo success as a songwriter—when Linda Ronstadt had a hit with his Different Drum.   Andrew Gold had been Ronstadt’s bandleader, & opening act, before he started scoring hits himself.  Johnny Ramone was the most militant bandleader since Buddy Rich, but never stepped out as a solo artist aside from this tribute album track: Viva Las Vegas.

Randy Meisner only sang lead on a few Eagles songs, & after he left the group, he recorded his own version of Take It To The Limit.  The Bangles’ only-occasional lead singer Debbie Peterson formed Kindred Spirit with Gina Schock of The Go-Go’s.  Gina left before they recorded anything--& was replaced by Siobhan Maher of River City People.  Their Ask Me No Questions is maybe the best track here.

There are TWO former Cars here (used cars?) keyboardist Greg Hawkes, & shit-hot guitarist Elliot Easton, and a former-Sex Pistol, Steve Jones. The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, & Small Faces sideman Ron Wood delivers his version of Stay With Me (Live).  He also supports his fellow Faces bandmate & perennial Stones sideman Ian McLagan as he sings the title track from his solo album Troublemaker.

Hard rock guitarists Billy Duffy, Mick Mars, & Brad Gillis drop by, & there’s also a beautiful bunch of second-or-third-bananas: Walter Lure, Al Jardine, Rick Vito, Paul Burlison, & Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar.