The Blues Brothers

Mr. D received one of the BEST presents he’s ever been given, this weekend. #2 son came to visit and brought along a belated birthday present for Mr. D. Knowing that his father is a big Blues Brothers’ fan and the fact that he’s asked specifically for it for about four years, #2 managed to get a “relation” to paint this wonderful painting.

The artist is Tony Mose. We are extremely excited to now have a one-of-a-kind commissioned painting by Tony. Of course, #2 just moved way up on the inheritance scale. In recognition of our wonderful new art and Mr. D’s mini-obsession, here’s a dossier on The Blues Brothers.

First, if you haven’t watched this movie lately, do yourself a favor and rent it this week. Of course, the story line is totally irrelevant but the music is in a word….superb. So many great artists and so many great scenes. The “Bluesmobile” is particularly memorable.

As we follow Jake and Elwood on their “mission from God” to save St. Helen of The Blessed Shroud for “The Penguin”, we get to visit with Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker and the Godfather of Soul hisself, James Brown and be thoroughly entertained by some of the funniest scenes of any movie.

I especially enjoy the “Rawhide” Scene:

as well as this beauty towards the end:

The movie ended up spawning a hit album for Jake and Elwood Blues, titled Briefcase Full of Blues.

Track Listing:

1. “Opening: I Can’t Turn You Loose” (Redding) – 1:50
2. “Hey Bartender” (Dixon) – 3:01
3. “Messin’ With the Kid” (London) – 3:35
   • Originally by Junior Wells
4. “(I Got Everything I Need) Almost” (Walsh) – 2:50
   • Originally recorded by Toronto’s Downchild Blues Band
5. “Rubber Biscuit” (Johnson, Levy) – 2:57
   • Originally recorded by The Chips
6. “Shot Gun Blues” (Walsh) – 5:23
   • Also by Downchild Blues Band
7. “Groove Me” (Floyd) – 3:46
8. “I Don’t Know” (Mabon) – 4:14
9. “Soul Man” (Hayes, Porter) – 3:28
10. “‘B’ Movie Box Car Blues” (McClinton) – 4:08
11. “Flip, Flop & Fly” (Calhoun, Turner) – 3:38
12. “Closing: I Can’t Turn You Loose” (Redding) – 0:51

Although not shown in the movie, Rubber Biscuit became a much loved Blues Brothers’ hit.

and, here’s a rare “live” performance of The Blues Brothers shortly before Belushi’s death in 1980 :

Ackroyd sure blows a mean harp….The Blues Brothers are one of those engimatic symbols of a “time” and a generation. I think it’s summed up best by the Blues Brothers themselves….

Good. Stuff.