Youtube Gold: No matter what you’re doing right now, I know you could use a little more fringed-vest-wearing Van Morrison in your life. Here he is performing a pretty f’ing awesome version of “Cyrpus Avenue” live at the Filmore East in 1970. 

(Source: rootsnbluesfestival)

Youtube Gold: James Brown performs “I Got You (I Feel Good)” live in 1985.

Just had an awesome weekend, feeling great

Youtube Gold: The Stones’ 1975 tour started with a bang; with the band being pulled through Manhattan on the back of a flatbed truck with their new guitarist Ronnie Wood, as they played their new hit “Brown Sugar”. This clip is an absolutely epic performance from that 1975 tour of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” at the L.A. forum. You can purchase the entire recording of this show here, it is ABSOLUTELY worth it. 

Youtube Gold: In honor of Eric Clapton’s 67th birthday, here is one of my favorite Youtube  videos in existance: Delaney & Bonnie performing “Poor Elijah” with Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock (from Derek & the Dominos) and Dave Mason (from Traffic). Absolutely outstanding. 

Youtube Gold: Bob Dylan once said “Tupelo Honey has always existed and Morrison was merely the earthly vehicle for it.” Well put, Bob. Here’s Van the Man performing “Tupelo Honey”, one of my all-time favorite songs, live in 1980, with an incredible solo by the talented PeeWee Ellis, sax player for James Brown.

(Source: rootsnbluesfestival)

“Hey if you detect some country blues pickin’ in the song you’re about to hear…you’re right.”

Youtube Gold: Derek & the Dominos perform “It’s Too Late” on the Johnny Cash Show in 1971

Youtube Gold: Ray Charles doing his breakdown of “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles.

(Source: rootsnbluesfestival)

Youtube Gold: Here’s an excellent way to spend your time: 27 minutes of a 22-year old Bob Dylan performing on Canadian TV program Quest in 1964. His set includes “The Times They Are A Changin’”, “Talkin’ World War III Blues”, “Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”, “Girl From The North Country”, “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and “Restless Farewell”. Enjoy.

Youtube Gold: coming back from a long weekend is soo hard. Jump start your day with a little Talking Heads. Here they are performing “Crosseyed & Painless” in 1980 with an awesome slowed-down and stoney intro.

(Source: rootsnbluesfestival)

Youtube Gold: PSA from Otis Redding reminding you to “Try a Little Tenderness” today. It’ll work. 

(Source: rootsnbluesfestival)

Youtube Gold: Tom Jones performing “Long Time Coming” with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (CSNYJ), making the most insane short-term supergroup ever (besides the Dirty Mac).

Rest in Peace, Etta James. An amazing woman. Here is the late singer performing an incredible version of “I’d Rather Go Blind” with Dr. John. 

Youtube Gold: Al Green broke his arm in 1974, put the busted arm in a silk sling, and proceeded to put on some absolutely amazing performances! Here’s the Reverend Green appearing on Soul Train, belting out “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)”. 

Youtube Gold: Ronnie Lane taking over lead vocals as the Faces perform “Richmond” at the Top of the Pops in 1971. 

I’m waitin’ here in New York Citythe rain is falling.
There’s no one who caresthere’s no one who loves me here.

Youtube Gold: Nina Simone performing an impassioned, and slightly angry, version of “How it Feels to Be Free” live in 1976.