The thing about Stan is that he has always been akin to writing film soundtracks - but his songs are really poor for that medium - they are fantastic for what they are - they are books set to music for the mind, they make for awful music videos, and his music videos are indeed completely awful - such a hard thing for a guy who made such much great music in the 80's that went unnoticed. Bless the guy - forget film and embrace what a wonderful song writer he is, which is much more commendable.
I have to admit, I have never really known anything about Stan Ridgway until today. I have been a fan of Mexican Radio (the song) for many years but never ventured further into the Wall of Voodoo. Today I learned that Stan Ridgway and I are from the same small hometown and we are only a couple of years apart in age. I don't know if I ever saw or knew him, but I think he would have been an interesting guy to hang out with. Now i'm looking forward to checking out his material.
Stan Ridgeway is a true American original. what is it about the towns out in back of LA and on the other side of the mountains that produce such singular voices? Frank Zappa, Don (the Captain) Van Vliet, Tom Waits, Stanard Ridgeway are all just brilliant. Stan in particular makes music that really sounds like where he's from in Barstow.
@lpslover214 Totally agree. The "Mosquitoes" album completely channels a man (or woman) arriving in a place like Barstow or Needles, staying for a few days, and ending the stay with a much-needed drink....after which the bartender who served it ends another long, hot, dreary day ("Mission In Life").
His voice is compelling. His songs create their own videos in my mind, not that this one isn't any good, but mine's better. I can't play this song without being ready to live with it running through my head for hours, or days.
The thing about Stan is that he has always been akin to writing film soundtracks - but his songs are really poor for that medium - they are fantastic for what they are - they are books set to music for the mind, they make for awful music videos, and his music videos are indeed completely awful - such a hard thing for a guy who made such much great music in the 80's that went unnoticed. Bless the guy - forget film and embrace what a wonderful song writer he is, which is much more commendable.
SuperFreedomRock 2 weeks ago
I have to admit, I have never really known anything about Stan Ridgway until today. I have been a fan of Mexican Radio (the song) for many years but never ventured further into the Wall of Voodoo. Today I learned that Stan Ridgway and I are from the same small hometown and we are only a couple of years apart in age. I don't know if I ever saw or knew him, but I think he would have been an interesting guy to hang out with. Now i'm looking forward to checking out his material.
MisterRMD 1 month ago
Stan Ridgeway is a true American original. what is it about the towns out in back of LA and on the other side of the mountains that produce such singular voices? Frank Zappa, Don (the Captain) Van Vliet, Tom Waits, Stanard Ridgeway are all just brilliant. Stan in particular makes music that really sounds like where he's from in Barstow.
lpslover214 7 months ago
@lpslover214 Totally agree. The "Mosquitoes" album completely channels a man (or woman) arriving in a place like Barstow or Needles, staying for a few days, and ending the stay with a much-needed drink....after which the bartender who served it ends another long, hot, dreary day ("Mission In Life").
RobDog65 1 month ago
My theory is that there is a troll sitting under a bridge somewhere with a blackberry who does nothing but hit "dislike" on these videos.
Branimir9000 10 months ago 16
@Branimir9000 what do you actually understand under the definition of a "troll"?...
13101988andoni 1 month ago
80's were AWESOME!
NotOrdinaryInGames 1 year ago
My fave song by the man, shows off his great pipes,touchtunes had it on till someone yanked it off.
southguy99 1 year ago
This song played at sunset is a tradition of many years at Combat Railfans Shawmut campouts.
emilkarpo 1 year ago
His voice is compelling. His songs create their own videos in my mind, not that this one isn't any good, but mine's better. I can't play this song without being ready to live with it running through my head for hours, or days.
guitarvocs 1 year ago
Stan could make a record of him farting and granted it would not be great... But it still would be good.. He is amazing..
jachead 1 year ago
Wish Stan would release his latest CD. First it was going to be out in Sept then in January.
lunaridgeway1 1 year ago
great tune!
ManganeseMan 2 years ago
One of my favourite records of all time!!! If i had the money I would re do the video and re release it with Stans permission!
supergormas 2 years ago