Listening to Paul Pena on Radio Paradise

so so good.

Posted 2 years ago by lily34 [ Reply ]

awesome piece of happy sounds man 10 it : )

Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2 [ Reply ]

Thanks for sharing the Steve Miller story. Shame this song isn't available on iTunes...

Posted 9 years ago by hopper99 [ Reply ]

Never heard of him or any of his stuff before. Good solid blues rock

Posted 10 years ago by dubberdan [ Reply ]

easmann wrote:

Yup. I'll never know now what I would have thought of this had I not known the back story, but thanks to RP and its listeners, I do know, and it makes all the difference.

Did you see that film on him? It falls a little short of a convincing story. Watching the film, it felt like they were scraping to make Pena seem cool, not pathetic. I didn't like it— let his playing stand on its own, it's good.

It reminds me of the first time I saw Steve Miller. We bumped into him in the alley behind the theater in Albany NY before the show and I was shocked; my massive reaction was "Steve Miller's really FAT, man." It was a good show nonetheless.

Posted 10 years ago by misterbearbaby [ Reply ]

So, why do we ever listen to the SM version? I like this much better myself. I suppose, credit where credit is due, Steve isn't bad. But this is significantly better than not bad.

Posted 10 years ago by ch83575 [ Reply ]

Paul Pena- Genghis Blues.. man ! a blast from the past ..thanks !

Posted 10 years ago by jazzbo [ Reply ]

PLEASE more Paul Pena!

Posted 10 years ago by bodyschool [ Reply ]

Hey thanks for posting that info about Steve Miller giving Pena royalties. Makes me feel less
Still, would have loved to see what else may have come from Pena had his album been released as I'm sure it would have been a hit.
Unbelievable "what if" story... Too bad it had to be that way!

Whatever people might think of Steve Miller, here's something for which he should be applauded: He never claimed credit for writing this song, either as a co-writer or the primary writer. The royalties went straight to Paul, who not only had a stalled career thanks to Grossman blocking the release album but had severe health issues (as did his wife). Pena, who was blind and eventually died of pancreatic cancer, was able to get by in the 70s thanks to the royalties from that song. (He says so in the "Genghis Blues" documentary)

Unlike certain artists with the initials JP and RP, Miller always gives songwriting credit to the original artists. And not just Paul. Remember: The old standard "Mercury Blues" was on "Fly Like an Eagle."

All this to say: Steve is truly one of the good guys of rock.

Posted 11 years ago by jfogg [ Reply ]

Awesome! Best rendition ever.

Posted 11 years ago by barks [ Reply ]

NO THIS IS NOT A COVER OF STEVE MILLER, PAUL PENA wrote this gem!
Amazing! IF you can find this album, buy it 100% pure passion for his craft! Google Paul Pena's story. Heartbreaking that the BS of the recording industry prevented his career from taking off. I even think that his story makes the listen of his album all the more REAL. Please play some other selections. I used to have this album in iTunes, somehow it got deleted and iTunes doesn't have it anymore??

Posted 11 years ago by jfogg [ Reply ]

Holy ... I thought this was Lenny Kravitz. Me = Wrong!

Super Rad!!!

Posted 11 years ago by whtahtefcuk [ Reply ]

Good Stuff --->

a2sportsguy wrote:

Whatever people might think of Steve Miller, here's something for which he should be applauded: He never claimed credit for writing this song, either as a co-writer or the primary writer. The royalties went straight to Paul, who not only had a stalled career thanks to Grossman blocking the release album but had severe health issues (as did his wife). Pena, who was blind and eventually died of pancreatic cancer, was able to get by in the 70s thanks to the royalties from that song. (He says so in the "Genghis Blues" documentary)

Unlike certain artists with the initials JP and RP, Miller always gives songwriting credit to the original artists. And not just Paul. Remember: The old standard "Mercury Blues" was on "Fly Like an Eagle."

All this to say: Steve is truly one of the good guys of rock.

More --->

This is the original version of Jet Airliner.

It was recorded in 1973, for Paul Pena's record New Train. That album went unreleased for 27 years due to a disagreement with Albert Grossman (then-owner of Bearsville Records, and Bob Dylan's former manager).

That album is awesome, with multiple great songs. Gonna Move is a standout. Jerry Garcia plays on two tracks. It's a delight.

Ben Sidran (keyboardist for the Steve Miller Band) produced New Train, and passed a copy to Steve Miller, who covered Jet Airliner on 1977's Book of Dreams.

Paul Pena lived a hard, but amazing life: he is subject of the award-winning movie Genghis Blues. He was blind since childhood, but still taught himself Tuvan throat singing (and the Tuvan language), travelled to Tuva, was the first westerner to compete in their national throat singing contest, and won a major category (and was also named audience favorite).

Radio Paradise is Music Education.... Thanks for the lesson folks!

Posted 11 years ago by zepher [ Reply ]

a2sportsguy wrote:

Whatever people might think of Steve Miller, here's something for which he should be applauded: He never claimed credit for writing this song, either as a co-writer or the primary writer. The royalties went straight to Paul, who not only had a stalled career thanks to Grossman blocking the release album but had severe health issues (as did his wife). Pena, who was blind and eventually died of pancreatic cancer, was able to get by in the 70s thanks to the royalties from that song. (He says so in the "Genghis Blues" documentary)

Unlike certain artists with the initials JP and RP, Miller always gives songwriting credit to the original artists. And not just Paul. Remember: The old standard "Mercury Blues" was on "Fly Like an Eagle."

All this to say: Steve is truly one of the good guys of rock.

He used to be bad, says so himself.

See (and hear): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elAVL1myKFA. That's Steve Miller singing and playing with Paul MacCartney.

Posted 11 years ago by Otomi [ Reply ]

Whatever people might think of Steve Miller, here's something for which he should be applauded: He never claimed credit for writing this song, either as a co-writer or the primary writer. The royalties went straight to Paul, who not only had a stalled career thanks to Grossman blocking the release album but had severe health issues (as did his wife). Pena, who was blind and eventually died of pancreatic cancer, was able to get by in the 70s thanks to the royalties from that song. (He says so in the "Genghis Blues" documentary)

Unlike certain artists with the initials JP and RP, Miller always gives songwriting credit to the original artists. And not just Paul. Remember: The old standard "Mercury Blues" was on "Fly Like an Eagle."

All this to say: Steve is truly one of the good guys of rock.

Good to hear this... thanks for sharing.

Posted 11 years ago by Cyclehawk [ Reply ]

Never cared for this from Steve Miller. This one I like!

Posted 11 years ago by Ouachita [ Reply ]

wow, thanks for the info/background! awesome piece of happy sounds man

Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2 [ Reply ]

Whatever people might think of Steve Miller, here's something for which he should be applauded: He never claimed credit for writing this song, either as a co-writer or the primary writer. The royalties went straight to Paul, who not only had a stalled career thanks to Grossman blocking the release album but had severe health issues (as did his wife). Pena, who was blind and eventually died of pancreatic cancer, was able to get by in the 70s thanks to the royalties from that song. (He says so in the "Genghis Blues" documentary)

Unlike certain artists with the initials JP and RP, Miller always gives songwriting credit to the original artists. And not just Paul. Remember: The old standard "Mercury Blues" was on "Fly Like an Eagle."

All this to say: Steve is truly one of the good guys of rock.

Posted 11 years ago by a2sportsguy [ Reply ]

Jerry Garcia also played on the original album?

Quelle concidence...........or not, knowing Bill.

Posted 11 years ago by TerryS [ Reply ]

Yeah! That's how they made music in those days

${#Dancingbanana_2}$

Posted 12 years ago by BobbyCat [ Reply ]

Sorry, but yuk.

Posted 12 years ago by asusinskas [ Reply ]

Yes, the same Paul Pena. An amazing man.

EarthMama wrote:

I saw "Genghis Blues" on Sundance years ago and loved it. Please check it out. That was the same Paul Pena???

ericconrad wrote:

You're welcome, and thank you.

Hoping for the first comment the next time this gets played:

This is the original version of Jet Airliner.

Posted 12 years ago by ericconrad [ Reply ]

ccjemmett wrote:

wow

learn something every day

was going to say what a great cover, turns out it's the original

Ditto!

Posted 12 years ago by tkosh [ Reply ]

shellbella wrote:

Good call RP! Good call!!

Ditto!

Posted 12 years ago by tkosh [ Reply ]

I saw "Genghis Blues" on Sundance years ago and loved it. Please check it out. That was the same Paul Pena???

ericconrad wrote:

You're welcome, and thank you.

Hoping for the first comment the next time this gets played:

This is the original version of Jet Airliner.

It was recorded in 1973, for Paul Pena's record New Train. That album went unreleased for 27 years due to a disagreement with Albert Grossman (then-owner of Bearsville Records, and Bob Dylan's former manager).

That album is awesome, with multiple great songs. Gonna Move is a standout. Jerry Garcia plays on two tracks. It's a delight.

Ben Sidran (keyboardist for the Steve Miller Band) produced New Train, and passed a copy to Steve Miller, who covered Jet Airliner on 1977's Book of Dreams.

Paul Pena lived a hard, but amazing life: he is subject of the award-winning movie Genghis Blues. He was blind since childhood, but still taught himself Tuvan throat singing (and the Tuvan language), travelled to Tuva, was the first westerner to compete in their national throat singing contest, and won a major category (and was also named audience favorite).

onelittlemoose wrote:

Much obliged for the education. He had an amazing life, too.

ericconrad wrote:

YES. Please read the comments.

Paul Pena was an amazing man.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pena

Posted 12 years ago by EarthMama [ Reply ]

Yeees! Thanks again Bill for another gem

Posted 12 years ago by Delawhere [ Reply ]

Not bad. A too-familiar tune done up and improved with funky r & b
Should I have heard of this artist before? Because I haven't.
Thanks, RP.

Posted 12 years ago by kingart [ Reply ]

ccjemmett wrote:

wow

learn something every day

was going to say what a great cover, turns out it's the original

ditto. thanks, RP, for the education!

Posted 12 years ago by rich95969 [ Reply ]

Oh. yes.

Posted 12 years ago by Isabeau [ Reply ]

Much, much better than wat's his names version. Heh.

Posted 12 years ago by marty88210 [ Reply ]

My thoughts exactly. I love this!!!

ccjemmett wrote:

wow

learn something every day

was going to say what a great cover, turns out it's the original

Posted 12 years ago by EarthMama [ Reply ]

Good call RP! Good call!!

Posted 12 years ago by shellbella [ Reply ]

wow

learn something every day

was going to say what a great cover, turns out it's the original

Posted 12 years ago by ccjemmett [ Reply ]

This is great will investigate further. Interesting back story as detailed on previous posts.

Love the guitar as well.

Posted 12 years ago by merkin_muffley [ Reply ]

On the outro, expect Bill's praise of this original over the Steve Miller Band cover.

Posted 12 years ago by dwlangham [ Reply ]

This is a refreshing original. I wonder if I would've thought Steve Miller's version refreshing if I had only heard years of this version... Probably not as refreshing. Thanks RP!

Posted 12 years ago by jbettencourt [ Reply ]

Lead guitar is great here and as some complicated leads are played at the same time as the vocals, I'm thinking that Paul is not singing and playing lead. Anyone know?

UPDATE: An IMDB search seams to indicate Arthur Adams as the lead.

Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth [ Reply ]

Posted 12 years ago by shellbella [ Reply ]

I never knew this song wasn't written by Steve Miller et al. Great to know! Unreleased for 27 years . . .
From Wikipedia:

"Jet Airliner" is a song composed by Paul Pena and popularized by the Steve Miller Band.

Pena wrote and recorded the song in 1973 for his New Train album.^<1> However, due to conflicts between Pena and his label, New Train sat unreleased until 2000.^<2> Miller decided to record "Jet Airliner" for his band's Book of Dreams album in 1977 after hearing the unreleased album via Ben Sidran, who produced it,^<3> and who was formerly in Miller's band. It was concurrently released as a single, and reached #8 on the Billboard chart.

Posted 13 years ago by Dunkelstar [ Reply ]

Thanks, RP, for bringing us this too seldom-played beauty.

Posted 13 years ago by d-don [ Reply ]

RP4Prez wrote:

Best misheard lyric of Steve Miller's version - "big old chair with the light on..."

I don't hear anything else any time I hear the song!

Miller is the guy who stood for "the Pompatis of Love"

Posted 13 years ago by joelbb [ Reply ]

joelbb wrote:

Better than SM's version by a long shot.

Totally agree!!

Posted 13 years ago by JIan [ Reply ]

Better than SM's version by a long shot. Damn, this cooks!

Posted 13 years ago by joelbb [ Reply ]

Nice!!

${#Dancingbanana_2}$

Posted 13 years ago by shellbella [ Reply ]

More Paul Pena. Something To Make You Happy!

Posted 13 years ago by bodyschool [ Reply ]

Best misheard lyric of Steve Miller's version - "big old chair with the light on..."

I don't hear anything else any time I hear the song!

Posted 13 years ago by RP4Prez [ Reply ]

Albert Grossman

Can Albert be brought up on a Crime Against Humanity charge for burying this album for 27 years. That is criminal. To basically shelve a man's life over what? The music speaks for itself. What does Albert have to say in his defense?

AM

ericconrad wrote:

You're welcome, and thank you.

Hoping for the first comment the next time this gets played:

This is the original version of Jet Airliner.

It was recorded in 1973, for Paul Pena's record New Train. That album went unreleased for 27 years due to a disagreement with Albert Grossman (then-owner of Bearsville Records, and Bob Dylan's former manager).

That album is awesome, with multiple great songs. Gonna Move is a standout. Jerry Garcia plays on two tracks. It's a delight.

Ben Sidran (keyboardist for the Steve Miller Band) produced New Train, and passed a copy to Steve Miller, who covered Jet Airliner on 1977's Book of Dreams.

Paul Pena lived a hard, but amazing life: he is subject of the award-winning movie Genghis Blues. He was blind since childhood, but still taught himself Tuvan throat singing (and the Tuvan language), travelled to Tuva, was the first westerner to compete in their national throat singing contest, and won a major category (and was also named audience favorite).

onelittlemoose wrote:

Much obliged for the education. He had an amazing life, too.

ericconrad wrote:

YES. Please read the comments.

Paul Pena was an amazing man.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pena

Posted 13 years ago by audiomaven [ Reply ]

I had no idea that SMB's version was a cover.

Posted 13 years ago by jagdriver [ Reply ]

I'd like this song more if it hadn't been ruined by Steve Miller.

Posted 13 years ago by snitramc [ Reply ]

"..the song Steve Miller inflicted upon us.." Great line. Couldn't have said it better.

Posted 13 years ago by ExpatLarry [ Reply ]

very fine

Posted 13 years ago by arserocket [ Reply ]

You're welcome, and thank you.

Hoping for the first comment the next time this gets played:

This is the original version of Jet Airliner.

It was recorded in 1973, for Paul Pena's record New Train. That album went unreleased for 27 years due to a disagreement with Albert Grossman (then-owner of Bearsville Records, and Bob Dylan's former manager).

That album is awesome, with multiple great songs. Gonna Move is a standout. Jerry Garcia plays on two tracks. It's a delight.

Ben Sidran (keyboardist for the Steve Miller Band) produced New Train, and passed a copy to Steve Miller, who covered Jet Airliner on 1977's Book of Dreams.

Paul Pena lived a hard, but amazing life: he is subject of the award-winning movie Genghis Blues. He was blind since childhood, but still taught himself Tuvan throat singing (and the Tuvan language), travelled to Tuva, was the first westerner to compete in their national throat singing contest, and won a major category (and was also named audience favorite).

onelittlemoose wrote:

Much obliged for the education. He had an amazing life, too.

ericconrad wrote:

YES. Please read the comments.

Paul Pena was an amazing man.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pena

Posted 13 years ago by ericconrad [ Reply ]

Much obliged for the education. He had an amazing life, too.

ericconrad wrote:

YES. Please read the comments.

Paul Pena was an amazing man.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pena

Posted 13 years ago by onelittlemoose [ Reply ]

Stratocaster wrote:

A lot better than Steve Miller Band's "Big Old Jed Had A Lighthouse".

Posted 13 years ago by kanga311 [ Reply ]

YES. Please read the comments.

Paul Pena was an amazing man.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Pena

onelittlemoose wrote:

Seriously? This is the original?

ericconrad wrote:

It's not a cover: this is the original.

bachbeet wrote:

Not a good cover at all. I'm glad I never heard this before. don't want to hear it again.

Posted 13 years ago by ericconrad [ Reply ]

thought this was Lenny Kravitz at first... really sounds like his singing, but the guitar/band is not quite Lenny Kravitz caliber

Posted 13 years ago by SirLars [ Reply ]

Seriously? This is the original?

ericconrad wrote:

It's not a cover: this is the original.

bachbeet wrote:

Not a good cover at all. I'm glad I never heard this before. don't want to hear it again.

Posted 13 years ago by onelittlemoose [ Reply ]

dwlangham wrote:

Big old Chad and Lionel, don't take me too far away.

Posted 13 years ago by lily34 [ Reply ]

never heard this before. i'm liking it a lot!

Posted 13 years ago by lily34 [ Reply ]

It's not a cover: this is the original.

bachbeet wrote:

Not a good cover at all. I'm glad I never heard this before. don't want to hear it again.

Posted 13 years ago by ericconrad [ Reply ]

bachbeet wrote:

Not a good cover at all. I'm glad I never heard this before. don't want to hear it again.

Thanks, you're definitely bringing something to the party.

Posted 13 years ago by gregormiz [ Reply ]

Not a good cover at all. I'm glad I never heard this before. don't want to hear it again.

Posted 13 years ago by bachbeet [ Reply ]

Very very Cream-y and Crossroads-y...main riff is basically the same and guitar sound either :-) 6/10

Posted 13 years ago by BeBlueSon [ Reply ]

A lot better than Steve Miller Band's "Big Old Jed Had A Lighthouse".

Posted 13 years ago by Stratocaster [ Reply ]

Never heard this version until now. Sounds great! Thanks RP!

Posted 13 years ago by Eros92450 [ Reply ]

That is spectacular! Just bought "partial" album on iTunes. Perfect to add to my roadtrip play list for this weekend!

Posted 13 years ago by jfogg [ Reply ]

In one word: awesome!

Thanks again, Bill.

Posted 13 years ago by Karmala [ Reply ]

nelamvr6 wrote:

I like this a lot better than the original!

I think this might be the original. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_Airliner_%28Steve_Miller_Band_song%29

Posted 13 years ago by dwlangham [ Reply ]

Big old Chad and Lionel, don't take me too far away.

Posted 13 years ago by dwlangham [ Reply ]

Frickin awesome good

Posted 13 years ago by stratrjb [ Reply ]

I like this a lot better than the original!

Posted 13 years ago by nelamvr6 [ Reply ]

Nice... Very Nice....

Posted 14 years ago by shellbella [ Reply ]

Well, this just kicks it. Big time!

Posted 14 years ago by sherf [ Reply ]

Have you seen the documentary "Genghis Blues"? It pertains to Tuvan throat music and Paul Pena's visit over there. Pretty interesting.

risingson wrote:

Just heard a Paul Pena singing Tuvan throat music with Kongurey "Where Has My Country Gone? on YouTube...I'm surprised Bill hasn't yet added this.

Great tip on reading about his life Bill.

Posted 14 years ago by sweettone [ Reply ]

Hey...who knew this wasn't Steve Miller?

Posted 14 years ago by pinnyrat [ Reply ]

Most RPers think this is better than the Steve Miller cover...and they're right! Had no idea Paul Pena wrote this—hadn't even heard of the guy until tonight. Interesting bio on Wikipedia.

Posted 14 years ago by kcar [ Reply ]

Just heard a Paul Pena singing Tuvan throat music with Kongurey "Where Has My Country Gone? on YouTube...I'm surprised Bill hasn't yet added this.

Great tip on reading about his life Bill.

Posted 14 years ago by risingson [ Reply ]

Something to Make You Happy - please!

Posted 14 years ago by bodyschool [ Reply ]

A version to be preferred.

Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo [ Reply ]

Better than the Steve Miller version, imo.

Posted 14 years ago by unclemrbig [ Reply ]

Never heard this version before...really dig it..

Posted 14 years ago by allabout [ Reply ]

never knew this existed, that's why I love RP! excellent version

Posted 14 years ago by jktravl [ Reply ]

FUCK YEA BILL!!

Posted 14 years ago by elliotgoettelman [ Reply ]

coyotexxx2 wrote:

This is a much better version than the Steve Miller cover. Great voice.

...absolutely fantastic!..i don't know how accurate it is to call the steve miller band release a cover, though, considering that this original was held unreleased until 2000...

:shrug:

...damned shame, that...

Posted 14 years ago by mandolin [ Reply ]

I'd say do NOT see the film "Gehghis Blues." A 20 minute short would have been cool, but 88 minutes of it made me crazy.

Posted 14 years ago by misterbearbaby [ Reply ]

When I first saw Steve Miller in New York, 1974-ish, I was hanging our on the sidewalk beside the theater before the show when his limo pulls up, Steve stepped out and I sorta blurted out "That's Steve ...Whoa! Is he FAT!" I like this Paul Pena - looks kinda skinny though.

Posted 14 years ago by misterbearbaby [ Reply ]

This is a much better version than the Steve Miller cover. Great voice.

Posted 14 years ago by coyotexxx2 [ Reply ]

I thought this was Lenny Kravitz...doing a really bad version.

Posted 14 years ago by crockydile [ Reply ]

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! This song is pure magic. Glad to know there's an original version.

Posted 14 years ago by Sasha2001 [ Reply ]

shayde wrote:

!!!!

Thank you RP for letting me know that the SMB version is a COVER! I had No Clue.

Gonna be hard making the shift. There's some magic in this version that I'm just discovering. Woot!

Same here! Lamenting my woefully incomplete musical knowledge. Thanks, RP, for shedding the light. Now I know where that outstanding drum part comes from.

Posted 14 years ago by Catatonic42 [ Reply ]

hcaudill wrote:

Who knew. This is why I love RP.

Amen. I had no idea this wasn't what's-his-name's song. Mr. Pena saves this song from the trash heap Mr. Miller put it on.

Posted 14 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

Gryn wrote:

I agree, the original has more substance!

Very true — this is great

Posted 14 years ago by socalhol [ Reply ]

snitramc wrote:

Steve Miller ruined this song. Sorry, its bad bad bad, and nothing can save it now.

Agreed.

Now if we can just put it out of our misery.

Posted 14 years ago by aelfheld [ Reply ]

Who knew. This is why I love RP.

Posted 14 years ago by hcaudill [ Reply ]

Jimmy86 wrote:

Not sure why people have to choose...

The Steve Miller Band version is a great song, and part of my youth!

And that takes nothing away from this fantastic original version!

I'm with you.

Posted 14 years ago by robco1 [ Reply ]

Not sure why people have to choose...

The Steve Miller Band version is a great song, and part of my youth!

And that takes nothing away from this fantastic original version!

Posted 14 years ago by Jimmy86 [ Reply ]

I'm kind of with you on that.

snitramc wrote:

Steve Miller ruined this song. Sorry, its bad bad bad, and nothing can save it now.

Posted 15 years ago by blackdogsailing [ Reply ]

!!!!

Thank you RP for letting me know that the SMB version is a COVER! I had No Clue.

Gonna be hard making the shift. There's some magic in this version that I'm just discovering. Woot!

Posted 15 years ago by shayde [ Reply ]

Wow, this makes the Steve Miller cover seem kinda pointless. I guess he made the song famous. But he didn't do much with it other than put his name on it, did he?

Posted 15 years ago by ziggytrix [ Reply ]

Please,,,

Posted 15 years ago by kingfish2004 [ Reply ]

So I am sitting here thinking "WTF, this guy doesn't know the lyrics!" Then i come here and find out it's the original!!

Posted 15 years ago by Tteddo [ Reply ]

I'm such a dweeb. I've heard Bill play this before, learned that it was the original, yet I thought this was Lenny Kravitz this time around. Had to come see why I don't already have it.

Posted 15 years ago by zipper [ Reply ]

phat!

Posted 15 years ago by arserocket [ Reply ]

I had no idea that SMB's version was a cover! LOL! That's why I LOVE RP!!! This is awesome. My guess is that more people could use some good old radio music education, too. Thanks to everyone on this one. It is all just one, big day. ${#Dancingbanana_2}$

Posted 15 years ago by ParkerH [ Reply ]

Steve Miller ruined this song. Sorry, its bad bad bad, and nothing can save it now.

Posted 15 years ago by snitramc [ Reply ]

oddly, i prefer the steve miller cover....

Posted 15 years ago by triskele [ Reply ]

ptooey wrote:

I tried uploading it years ago, but no joy.

So - try again! Tastes change, and there might be a place for it now.

Posted 15 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

Awesome finger pickin.

Posted 15 years ago by lmic [ Reply ]

just when ya thought ya knew your music trivia...didn't know Steve Miller's version was a cover! goes to show, Janis had it right when she said "it's all the same f*ckin day, man"

Posted 15 years ago by LongGoneDaddy [ Reply ]

chadlymn wrote:

It's a lot of fun singing this song at karaoke if you change the words to "Big old wet vagina" !!!

Oh, holy whistling Geronimo - that is SO funny! (I bet you got kicked out of the bar, didn'tcha?)

I liked this song when Steve Miller Band did it, but this is light-years better. Still a 10.

Posted 15 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

ericconrad wrote:

Man, I love the original version of this song!

Check out "Gonna Move," another excellent track off New Train.

Yes! I'm so happy to hear Paul Pena on RP!!

Posted 15 years ago by rah [ Reply ]

Another great song by Paul is " A bit of alright"

Posted 15 years ago by elliotgoettelman [ Reply ]

Interesting that Steve Miller changed the lyric from 747 to 707...

...Throat singing? Now that is some funky s___ going down...

Posted 15 years ago by robco1 [ Reply ]

Sweet! This was a song I uploaded years(?) ago and it got nixed. The album is great.

Posted 15 years ago by Coquis67 [ Reply ]

medicore song at best and this is inferior to that ol piecevof cheese

Posted 15 years ago by Pharlap [ Reply ]

It's a lot of fun singing this song at karaoke if you change the words to "Big old wet vagina" !!!

Posted 15 years ago by chadlymn [ Reply ]

Man, I love the original version of this song!

Check out "Gonna Move," another excellent track off New Train.

Posted 15 years ago by ericconrad [ Reply ]

cely wrote:

Paul Pena had a fascinating life you can find part of in a documentary called "Genghis Blues." He was a blind Cape Verdean from Hyannis, MA. He played with a lot of great bands in the early 70s when he wrote "Jet Airliner," and he managed to live off the royalties of the Steve Miller version for a long time. In the 80s he stumbled on Tuvan throat singing on short wave radio and, unbelievably, taught himself how to do it. Meanwhile, he taught himself the Tuvan language , even though he was blind and there was no such thing as a Tuvan-English dictionary. The documentary is about his trip to Tuva (Outer Mongolia) where he became the first westerner to compete in a throat singing competition. This happened in 1995 and he died 10 years later. An incredible, and little known, story.

Thank you for sharing this information! Up until recently, I'd always thought Steve Miller wrote the song (don't slap me with a fish because I have the album and never read the writing credits, okay?) - this makes the song much more amazing. I'll never be able to listen to the SMB version on the radio anymore, because it'll only make me jones for the original. Can't wait to share this with my radio-programmer friend (who prolly already knows it.) *hugs you*

Posted 15 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

I love this! Steve Miller once said in an interview, "I'm the laziest guitar player in the world." Guessing that meant he swiped a lot of good stuff from unknowns, twisted a few things, and made the booty his own. Not a problem, as long as he credited the people from whom he filched. Whatever the case, this is FAR better than the SMB version. I love the slower groove and the spicy guitar injections.

Posted 15 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

The best. Cuz. Just cuz. Earthquake does it with such funky soul.

Posted 15 years ago by jadewahoo [ Reply ]