Morris Day and the Time, or, How I Made Peace With a Fake Jerome
Shame on me. I should’ve known better. But now I know: “Morris Day & the Time” is not the same thing as “The Time“.
A few weeks back, a local Old School radio station, Mega 104.3, threw itself a 10th birthday party at one of the cool, retro venues in town, Phoenix’s Celebrity Theater. The bill: 70’s R&B outfit GQ, disco/funk/jazz group Brick, and the evening’s headliner, Morris Day and the Time.
Morris Day and the Time? Hell yeah I’m going! So in the days leading up to the big night, I’m checking out the “Original” Time’s Facebook page and wondering why they’re not plugging their gig in Phoenix. I’m reading their tweets, and notice no chatter at all about any upcoming gigs (if you’re following them, you see approximately 2-3 tweets a day about their new album to be released this fall – ad nauseam, day after day with no details).
But still I don’t connect the dots. I meet up with my friend Jen and head to the Celebrity Theater excited as all hell to see Jimmy, Terry, Jesse, Morris, Jellybean, Monte, and maybe even ol’ Jerome.
So we were close to the stage (which is in the round, by the way, rotating slowly clockwise & counter-clockwise), about 6 rows back. First, GQ was introduced. Out walked a single solitary man – “Mr. Q”, I soon found out – aka Emmanuel Rahiem LeBlanc. He played guitar and sang a short set of his hits along to a full backing track. Interesting, and I came away thinking, “Man, you gotta hand it to Mr. Q for having the balls to keep the GQ thing going on his own.”
Next up: Brick. Most of you have heard “Dazz” I’m sure. Here…
And Brick killed it! They were great. The star of the show was without a doubt Mr. Jimmy Brown – singing, dancing, and alternating flawlessly between sax, trumpet, and flute. He’s gotta be in his mid to late 60’s, and he just won over the crowd from the first song. It was a Disco Jazz Funk workout – great stuff, and completely unexpected. Jimmy Brown: a consummate showman.
So after Brick tore it up, the mood was just right when Morris Day and the Time were introduced, and out walked the boys in the band.
“Huh”, I thought, “that doesn’t look like Jesse..”
“Okay, that looks like Jellybean.”
“Well, that’s not Jimmy Jam.”
“And that’s definitely not Terry Lewis on bass.”
“That looks like Monte on keys.”My “A-ha” or “What the fu–” moment came when a short chubby guy in a hat came out with a mirror, playing the part of valet. A fake Jerome!! Nooooo!!
The immediate feeling was disappointment. I felt like I was watching a Vegas tribute act, where each member tried to resemble the originals. Yeah, Morris came out and they launched into “Cool” and “Wild & Loose”, but it just didn’t feel right. It seriously took me 20-30 minutes before I loosened up and accepted “Morris Day and the Time”, and got back into the spirit of the night. The rest of the crowd didn’t seem to mind a bit. There was crazy Morris Day, after all, working his 30 year old schtick in the flesh.
Granted, it was good to see drummer Jellybean Johnson. It was good to see keyboardist Monte Moir. Obviously it was fun to see Morris sing those great songs: “Jerk Out”, “Jungle Love”, “The Bird”, “777-9311”, “The Walk”. And no disrespect to the musicians either, including bass player Ricky “Freeze” Smith and guitarist Tori Ruffin.
But I was led to believe I was gonna see the real thing.
It turns out I didn’t do my homework. A couple of my Prince peeps on Twitter acknowledged that Morris regularly tours with this band as “Morris Day and the Time”. And one of my buds, Mr. Popblerd, was right when he remarked that it’s bad for the brand.
So buyer beware. Morris Day and the Time is not The Time, or, rather, The Original Time Band – I mean The Original 7ven. Confusing, I know – but when you’ve worked for Prince, everything’s complicated.
You’ll have a good time with Morris Day and the Time. You just need to make your peace with a fake Jerome.
The Friday Five: September 2, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
“AC/DC Bag” by Phish (from 2004-06-18: KeySpan Park, Brooklyn, NY, USA, 2004)
Nothing like easing back into the Friday Five with a jammy bit o’ goodness from Vermont’s finest. After six days without power, I probably resemble a touring phan more than I’d care to admit.
“Crank Me Up” by BulletBoys (from BulletBoys, 1988)
Well it isn’t “Smooth Up in Ya,” or “For the Love of Money,” so … next!
“Now” by Prince (from The Gold Experience, 1995)
“Don’t worry about my name, it’s 2 long 2 remember. I could tell U now, but we’d be here ’till next September” For as clunky, and dated, as some of the material on The Gold Experience is, it still kicks a good bit of ass.
“Beck’s Bolero” by The Jeff Beck Group (from The Rolling Stone Collection: 1967-1969, 1993)
Duh-da-da-da-duh-da-da-da-duh-da-da-da-duh-duh-duh
“Snakes in Schubas” by Jason Mraz (from Selections for Friends, 2007)
So before I close this out, I want to thank Jeff Giles for picking up my slack last week. I also want to give a plug, and plea, for everyone to check out After the Flood: A Compilation to Benefit Upstate New York Victims of Hurricane Irene. It’s a few bucks for a good cause, and in return you’ll get a great collection of tunes from some of New York’s finest singer/songwriters.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: August 26, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
It’s been a long time since the “Home Edition!” banner has flown. As you read this I’ll either be signing checks with too many zeroes, or hauling my families life into a new domicile. Either way, I knew I wouldn’t have a chance to hit shuffle and drop a five for you all this week, so I’m turning the spotlight to Jeff Giles, Editor in Chief of Popdose, Dadnabbit, bourbon drinker, and all around swell guy. I’m sure you’ll be in good hands. – Michael Parr
1. “It,” by Prince (from Sign o’ the Times, 1987)
This is one of probably 75,000 songs in my library that I’ve never listened to. Well, not until now, anyway. I have the Prince library because I know I’m supposed to, but I avoided the little purple wonder when he was at his commercial peak, and I think even his most ardent fans have to admit that the post-symbol years have been pretty bumpy. Anyway, I like this. And given Michael’s intense Princelove (or is that Princelovesexy?), it makes for a fitting leadoff.2. “Have I Told You Lately,” by Van Morrison (from The Best of Van Morrison, 1990)
Fuck you, MediaMonkey. I mean, yeah, I know it isn’t Van’s fault that Rod Stewart put his greasy fingerprints all over this song a few years later. But still. Fuck you.3. “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah,” by The Pogues (from Rest of the Best, 1994)
It’s as dumb as a bag of rocks with Paris Hilton’s face painted on it — and it’s also one of my favorite Pogues songs. Every night, a cover band should be playing this in a sweaty, over-crowded bar somewhere. It makes life feel like a montage from The Commitments.4. “You’re the Only One,” by J. Geils Band (from Monkey Island, 1977)
An understated gem from one of the band’s less-remembered records, “You’re the Only One” blends Magic Dick’s trademark harmonica with a sad, soulful Peter Wolf vocal and some lovely Mellow Gold harmonies. If this had been a hit instead of “Centerfold,” who knows what might have happened?5. “Naked Girl,” by Jeremy Fisher (from Flood, 2010)
The first time Michael heard this track, he did the IM equivalent of grabbing me by the lapels and screaming in my face, “WHY ISN’T THIS A HIT?!?” I didn’t have any idea then, and I don’t now. Just a perfect pop song, from the impeccably crafted arrangement to the sun-kissed vocals. And really, who hasn’t done something stupid to see a naked girl? That’s universal truth right there.What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: July 15, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
“Behind the Wheel (Vince Clark remix)” by Depeche Mode (from Remixes 2: 81-11, 2011)
Both Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder make appearances on this second remix collection from Depeche Mode.
“Kept” by Matt Nathanson (from Modern Love, 2011)
I first discovered Matt Nathanson through his appearance on Live From Daryl’s House; and no sooner completely forgot about him. Save for his big hit “Come on Get Higher,” I’d be hard pressed to name another song. His new record, however, is quite good.
“Baba O’Riley” by Pearl Jam (from Live at the Gorge 05/06, 2007)
This is probably my favorite Pearl Jam cover. I remember buying a bootleg import back in the early ’90s that closed with an insanely raw version of the tune.
“Colonized Mind” by Prince (from Lotus Flow3r, 2009)
ZZzz …
“Michelle (1965 stereo mix)” by The Beatles (from Rubber Soul, 2009)
Let me take this space to express my extreme jealousy of those of you getting to see Macca at Yankee Stadium this weekend.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: June 17, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
“Last Chance” by Maroon 5 (from Hands All Over, 2010)
I was severely underwhelmed by this record. Given its pedigree, you would expect more, but I found myself pondering that age-old question: “where’s the beef?”
“Severed Hand” by Pearl Jam (from Pearl Jam, 2006)
I listened to this record earlier this week and was reminded just how much I dig it.
“Welcome to the Club” by The Brothers Johnson (from Blast!, 1982)
Get down with the git down!
“Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit” by Wu-Tang Clan (from Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, 1993)
Form like Voltron!
“The Marrying Kind” by Prince (from Musicology, 2004)
This one is incomplete with out it’s funkier sister “If Eye Was the Man in Ur Life.” As a matter of face, I’m switching off the shuffle now.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: May 27, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
“My Country” by tUnE-YaRdS (from WHOKILL, 2011)
This is the first time I’m hearing anything from this record, which comes very highly recommended by my Popdose alum—and frequent flyer with the Friday Five—Michael Fortes. It reminds me a bit of Ween, filtered through a Sonic Youth colored lens. I’ll have to queue this up for the long weekend.
“Anna Begins” by Counting Crows (from Films About Ghosts: The Best of…, 2003)
This is, for me, Adam Duritz’s greatest moment as a songwriter.
“The Same December” from Prince (from Chaos and Disorder, 1996)
For every bit of praise I lavished on Come a few weeks back, I have to decry Chaos and Disorder. Does anyone else recall the full court press promotional tour for this record? I swear, there must be a dozen television performances of “Dinner With Delores” out there.
“Transatlanticism” by Death Cab for Cutie (from Transatlanticism, 2003)
Buy Codes and Keys. Seriously, you’ll thank me.
‘Bonita Applebum (radio edit)” by A Tribe Called Quest (from Bonita Applebum, 1990)
With this, I’m kicking off the Friday Dance Party.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: May 13, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
“One Way or Another” by Blondie (from Just Can’t Get Enough: New Wave Hits of the ‘80s, Volume 1, 1994)
I don’t begrudge any artist making a few bucks via licensing, but I swear, if I have to hear “One Way or Another” one more time…
“Heaven” by Warrant (from Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, 1989)
Oh, goodness. I’d hang my head in shame, if it weren’t for the fact that I still kind of like this song.
“Take Me Home” by Phil Collins (from No Jacket Required, 1985)
iTunes seems to be in a mood today, eh?
“Space (acoustic remix)” by Prince (from Space, 1994)
Originally from Prince’s Come, I actually prefer this stripped down version to the one that is featured on the record. Looking back, Come is a quality album.
“March of the Pigs” by Nine Inch Nails (from March of the Pigs, 1994)
Well, that is one hell of a way to wrap up this week’s five.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: April 29, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
“Manifest Destiny” by Jamiroquai (from The Return of the Space Cowboy, 1994)
If only every plonker that bought Travelling Without Moving for “Virtual Insanity” had reached back one release, they’d find the acid jazz informed soul-funk of Return, and be all the better for it.
“The Body That Loves You” by Janet Jackson (from janet., 1993)
One hundred percent throwaway track from an otherwise awesome record. At this point, though, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis could do no wrong. Must be something in the waters of Lake Minnetonka that removes local artists ability to edit themselves.
“One Mic” by Nas (from Stillmatic, 2001)
I’ll be damned if I know anything about reppin’ this or any hood, but I know there are few that can challenge Nasir Jones in this moment. Built on a sliver of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” the track maintains the stark intensity of the original, bubbling over as Jones’ frustration manifests in increasingly tense verses and resolves with the request for a more simple life.
“Again” by Lenny Kravitz (from Greatest Hits, 2000)
I’m just going to go ahead and say it … what the fuck ever happened to Lenny Kravitz? The featured new tune on his greatest hits package, this tune is plain lazy. Don’t get me wrong, I dig it, but it is late ‘90s power balladry 101. Where’s the “dig my heart out of my chest with this rusty spoon” emotion of a tune like “It Ain’t Over, Till’ It’s Over”? Further than that, this came out over ten years ago! Paging Mr. Kravitz … I’m doing something I don’t often do, and hitting the “skip forward” button.
“Knockin’ Da Boots” by H-Town (from MTV Party to Go, Volume 5, 1994)
Aww yeah! That, boys, is the sound of some panties dropping.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: April 22, 2011
Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.
The Five:
“On Mercury” by Red Hot Chili Peppers (from By the Way, 2002)
“No World for Tomorrow” by Coheed and Cambria (from Good Apollo I’m Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow, 2007)
“Uptown” by Prince (from Abu Dhabi 20ten, 2010)
“Club Tropicana” by Wham! (from The Best of Wham!: If You Were There…, 1999)
“Utee” by Rosa Lee Brooks (from West Coast Seattle Boy: The Jimi Hendrix Anthology, 2010)What’s on your shuffle today?
The Makings of Rain
If I had to point to one performance that sums up everything I like about Prince, it would be his August 3rd, 1983 benefit show at First Avenue in Minneapolis (the day I turned 13!). It was not only the debut of new guitarist Wendy Melvoin (just 19 years old at the time), but the debut of many of the tunes from Purple Rain
, which wouldn’t be released until the summer of 1984. In fact, some of the recordings you hear on the Purple Rain album come from this show (“Purple Rain” and “Baby I’m a Star” to name a couple). The circulating video bootleg is called The Makings of Rain, and it is essential viewing for Prince fans. It’s out there. I recommend you track it down.
This is classic Prince in every sense for me: young, vibrant, sensual, sexual, urgent, commanding…here is an artist coming off a very successful album and tour (1999
), and about to unleash (what I consider) his masterpiece upon the world.
So every once in a while, part of the performance pops up on Youtube. Here’s the unreleased classic “Electric Intercourse”.