2007

Papa Neddy is a clever sonuvabitch, and while he’s preparing to take his kids around to collect some Fun Size Snacks, he made us a Friday Mix Tape…

When is a pillow case not a pillow case? When it’s redeployed as a candy sack in late October. So open that thing wide, cause we’re coming at you with bonus tracks. That’s right, boys and girls: a special Halloween edition for all of you. Enjoy!

01 Frankenstein — Phish: October 31, 1994
02 The Boogie Monster — Gnarls Barkley: St. Elsewhere (2006)
03 Dracula — Medeski, Martin & Wood: Shack Man (1996)
04 Monsters — Band of Horses: Everything All The Time (2006)
05 Zombie — Fela Kuti: The Best, Best of Fela Kuti (2000)
06 They Are Night Zombies!! — Sufjan Stevens: September 29, 2006
07 This Place Is Haunted — Devotchka: How It Ends (2004)
08 Ghost — Apollo Sunshine: Apollo Sunshine (2005)
09 Halloween Head — Ryan Adams: June 20, 2007

• CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK’S FRIDAY MIX TAPE

Artists have used nudity in their work since the days of the Greek Empire, so it’s no surprise that a few rock bands have used images of the naked body on their album artwork. Some bands use nudity to stir controversy, while a few others actually summon artistic intent to make their naked decisions.

For a while during the ’70s and ’80s it seemed like every week there was a new controversy over album art, but we don’t hear about that as much anymore. Two big factors have led to a decline in artists submitting albums with graphic covers. First, the obvious: CDs have a much more limited space for album artwork than vinyl. But more importantly, Wal-Mart has taken over physical distribution of albums, and they don’t stand for anything with even a hint on controversy. Apparently no one ever takes off their clothes in Bentonville, Arkansas.

This week’s B List takes a look at 10 controversial album covers that would never find their way into the racks at Wal-Mart (and, hey, nice racks). Some of these are quite graphic, so we’re gonna post them all after the jump and issue a big fat Not Safe For Work warning before we get down to business. So read on for our quick study of titties and penises on album covers…

Sixteen years ago today the world lost the man perhaps most responsible for this site’s possible existence. Bill Graham escaped Nazi Germany, stole Buddy Hackett’s car, discovered Santana, delivered Otis Redding to white audiences, brought the Allman Brothers to national prominence, indirectly kicked Zeppelin out of the United States, put on The Band’s Last Waltz and promoted just about every worthwhile show and festival that didn’t conclude with a fatal stabbing.

Photo by Michelle Vignes

He’s a truly memorable figure. So on this day, the anniversary of his untimely death returning in a helicopter from a Huey Lewis & The News concert, we honor the man some consider to be the best supporting actor in the history of music.

• Read the book: Bill Graham Presents: My Life Inside Rock and Out
• Previously on HT: Live Nation CEO Changes Name to Bill Graham

I’m all for alleged OiNK founder Alan Ellis’ freedom from prosecution and cult hero status, but someone needs to help this dude out with his analogies. Ellis told The Telegraph

Nazz Nomad provides interesting tracks for us to check out on a regular basis over at Bleedin’ Out. Just this week he posted an interesting mix of bands his wife