Leo Kottke — Vaseline Machine Gun
Album: Standing In My ShoesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1854
Length: 3:08
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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(Instrumental)
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I'm not usually a big fan of instrumentals. RP plays many instrumentals. A little too many for me! But I can skip. But I don't give any reviews either. In this case one of the few instrumental exceptions for me. I start with an 8! Greetings to Alana and William from Germany. Keep it up.
The original schmoove guitarist. So many emulators.
Just saw Leo, he's 77. Maybe not as precise, but he can play, still droll. It was worth it.
Saw Leo in college, Washington State University, in the late 70s. I was assigned to get a photo for the newspaper. I crawled under the bleachers and stuck the lens of my twin lens camera between legs of the front row. All was good in the tight space until everyone started stomping in appreciation of the music. I about got squished. But the best part was Leo spotting the lens and giving me kind of a nod as he played. That was way cool. Music was great, too.
We all slow down as we get older. Still good though.
I always have to double-check and see where that groovy sound is coming from. Really like this version.
Jelani wrote:
I saw what you did there...
c.
I don't know about this tune, kind of repetitive, and the title is a bit slick for my liking.
c.
tm wrote:
Really?
Leo Kottke - master of alternate tunings and acoustic guitar. Yet idiots still comment that they don’t like it… Jelani shut your fucking mouth.
Really?
MVandemore wrote:
me too -- lightning fast vaseline machine gun makes more sense
Kottke is a guitar God, but I don't really care for this version of Vaseline Machine Gun. Sounds like the easy listening version. I much prefer the version on 6 & 12.
me too -- lightning fast vaseline machine gun makes more sense
Leo Kottke - master of alternate tunings and acoustic guitar. Yet idiots still comment that they don’t like it… Jelani shut your fucking mouth.
I don't know about this tune, kind of repetitive, and the title is a bit slick for my liking.
RP got this wrong. Where is the virtuoso version off the 1969 !2 String Guitar Album, the Masterpiece with the Armadillo on the cover. This ain't no Machine Gun. This is a pea shooter.
Saw Leo Kottke some numerous years ago, somewhere or other... About 10 years ago I was in Reno for a scientific meeting and realized that he was playing across town. This was as good a reason as any to blow off a poster session. Drove my rental cross town on the interstate to get to the casino. Checked out the room, about 10 minutes or so before the show was scheduled to start. Time to venture into the parking lot and prepare for what should be a great time. Pre-legalization, of course. After all, Reno is a pit, but at least a real musical genius was about to perform right there! Got back in to discover that the "box office" in the casino was closed. The unionized ticket seller had stopped when his shift was over and although there were seats available, I was turned away. There was no one to sell me a ticket. That drive stoned back across Reno, where the drivers are not quite as looped as in Vegas but still drive as if the end is nearly upon us, was white-knucklish. My compensation was the piss-poor Pineapple Express in a casino theater. Wish I had been able to see him, as apparently arthritis has impacted his proficiency.
Bump!
Cynaera wrote:
Cynaera wrote:
The version I remember was called "Machine Number 2" and I first heard it in, oh, about 1972, when a local disc jockey used it as his theme song.
Leo Kottke is tone-deaf - he mentioned it in an interview once. He said he had to tune his guitar to a certain frequency to be able to distinguish the notes. That just makes me admire him even more. I'd forgotten how much I love his music.
Thanks, RP - good stuff! 
Nice!
9.875
vintage RP. both versions are great.
I like this version - dropped right down into the groove.
Taste.
To my ears, this version is better — less "look Ma, no hands" and more space to appreciate the notes.
Just my 'umble opinon.
To my ears, this version is better — less "look Ma, no hands" and more space to appreciate the notes.
Just my 'umble opinon.
misterbearbaby wrote:
Is Lazarus running this here asylum?
We're all dancing frenetically around the thorazine cart here at the asylum! But we'll all be still in a few minutes...
Is Lazarus running this here asylum?
reijkman wrote:
The original from the "6 and 12 string guitar" album from 1969 is far better and more energized too. This '97 version sounds like a lullaby!
jagla wrote:
Agreed, only an 8 from me. It's an excellent lullaby.
The original from the "6 and 12 string guitar" album from 1969 is far better and more energized too. This '97 version sounds like a lullaby!
jagla wrote:
The live versions are much more "energized" ;-) Hence a 7 on this version
Agreed, only an 8 from me. It's an excellent lullaby.
The original from the "6 and 12 string guitar" album from 1969 is far better and more energized too. This '97 version sounds like a lullaby!
jagla wrote:
The live versions are much more "energized" ;-) Hence a 7 on this version
misterbearbaby wrote:
Vaseline machine gun = messy
We're all dancing frenetically around the thorazine cart here at the asylum! But we'll all be still in a few minutes...
Vaseline machine gun = messy
We're all dancing frenetically around the thorazine cart here at the asylum! But we'll all be still in a few minutes...
Great tune. 
The live versions are much more "energized" ;-) Hence a 7 on this version
Everyone in my cubicle loves this!
I did not rate this version because it has history. If I had never heard it, I'd probably go with something lika a 6 but, then, there is the memory of hearing the original and thinking Martian? Three handed guy? Ten fingers on each hand? Some things are better left alone.
yes!!!!!!
Gregorama wrote:
Thought the exact same thing upon seeing him in '75. Been a huge fan to this day.
Saw him live in'72 in Lincoln, where he had spent part of his youth. He always sounds like multiple players playing at once to me. Excellent groove.
Thought the exact same thing upon seeing him in '75. Been a huge fan to this day.
Rated this a 6 — but only in comparison with Leo's other work. (I too much prefer the version on 6- and 12-String Guitar.)
Wowza. Nice!
Saw him live in'72 in Lincoln, where he had spent part of his youth. He always sounds like multiple players playing at once to me. Excellent groove.
Leo can play
More Leo, dammit!
Guitar work is off the meter.
Hot damn!
RedGuitar wrote:
Yeah, isn't that faster and more intense? That's the one I remember.
It is, and it has a really nifty snare drum accompaniment. Saw Leo at the Armadillo, must have been '73 or '74. Great show, and great venue, even if the acoustics in that old National Guard armory kinda sucked. But the place had a lot of atmosphere, so to speak.
Yeah, isn't that faster and more intense? That's the one I remember.
It is, and it has a really nifty snare drum accompaniment. Saw Leo at the Armadillo, must have been '73 or '74. Great show, and great venue, even if the acoustics in that old National Guard armory kinda sucked. But the place had a lot of atmosphere, so to speak.
slide guitar with... 12 strings? It must be at least that! Incredible full sound! 
Cynaera wrote:
Um, bringing this back up to the top because, well, because...
The version I remember was called "Machine Number 2" and I first heard it in, oh, about 1972, when a local disc jockey used it as his theme song. Leo Kottke is tone-deaf - he mentioned it in an interview once. He said he had to tune his guitar to a certain frequency to be able to distinguish the notes. That just makes me admire him even more. I'd forgotten how much I love his music. Thanks, RP - good stuff!
Um, bringing this back up to the top because, well, because...
Love this so very much!
Prolly my fav Kottke tune!
paulmack wrote:
Yeah, isn't that faster and more intense? That's the one I remember.
I prefer the earlier version from '6 and 12-string Guitar" (armadillo on the cover, I think) - considerably, to this one. How about playing that one, too, Bill?
Yeah, isn't that faster and more intense? That's the one I remember.
gotta love Leo, what he does with a guitar blows my mind
Always love this rough sliding sound...
8
I like his earliest versions way better but this is ok. I've seen him do this live several times back in the 70's and that was even better yet....
racerx wrote:
Exactly what I was going to say.
As I say just below, the first and earliest version from 6 and 12-String Guitar trumps them all in my opinion. If you've heard it and just don't agree, don't think about my comment any further. If not, however, you may want to check it out.
Exactly what I was going to say.
As I say just below, the first and earliest version from 6 and 12-String Guitar trumps them all in my opinion. If you've heard it and just don't agree, don't think about my comment any further. If not, however, you may want to check it out.
I prefer the earlier version from '6 and 12-string Guitar" (armadillo on the cover, I think) - considerably, to this one. How about playing that one, too, Bill?
robbiethet wrote:
Exactly what I was going to say.
Okay version (7). I like the one on Mudlark a lot more.
Exactly what I was going to say.
I've always admired Leo's willingness to come back to one of his "standards" for a new look and sound.
And I'm depressed to think that "6 and 12 String Guitar" is 40 years old this year. Seems like yesterday I was sitting in a dorm room thinking "Damn, HOW does he do it?"
And I'm depressed to think that "6 and 12 String Guitar" is 40 years old this year. Seems like yesterday I was sitting in a dorm room thinking "Damn, HOW does he do it?"
Okay version (7). I like the one on Mudlark a lot more.
brandog wrote:
Try 40! It was recorded for his first LP, "Six and Twelve String Guitar" in 1969. It's available on SACD these days, I believe.
New? A new mix, yes - but, VMG is (??) 15 years old.
Try 40! It was recorded for his first LP, "Six and Twelve String Guitar" in 1969. It's available on SACD these days, I believe.
My wife is enjoying the "steam train" beat of this tune.
DieLikeTheMayFly wrote:
I don't recall Django EVER playing slide. (and I think I heard 'em all)
...Django Reinhardt? Classic Early Paris 1937 has a ridiculously similar song. ?
excellent cover song, if so.
sick song generally.
excellent cover song, if so.
sick song generally.
I don't recall Django EVER playing slide. (and I think I heard 'em all)
...Django Reinhardt? Classic Early Paris 1937 has a ridiculously similar song. ?
excellent cover song, if so.
sick song generally.
excellent cover song, if so.
sick song generally.
Great guitar playin' ... bizarre title.
Slick man, very slick. Slick and slide.
sharkartist wrote:
Kottke on Quaaludes! 
I love every version of this classic of Leo's, this one included. I guess he's mellowing with age along with the rest of us.
Have heard him say he had to change his style of playing because of carpel tunnel after years of hard playing. Like this one. At least it was recorded while he could still do the gymnastics. Getting old is a bitch.
I love every version of this classic of Leo's, this one included. I guess he's mellowing with age along with the rest of us.i feel all slide-y and sea sick
don't get me wrong, I hear the talent...
don't get me wrong, I hear the talent...fun beat! Always love teh Leo.
creativebones wrote:
Hmmmm.. Vaseline machine gun? 
I admit that the title brought a strange and somewhat perverse picture to mind.
Song. . . ok. Meh.
I luv this.
oldsinger wrote:
Was he ever something in his younger days!
Still is.
gypsyman wrote:
this has got to be from 1976-77
You're off by 20 years.
what the...this made me come across the room to see, to hear
excellent! I love the slides
Fredrikson wrote:
the only thing more boring than this song is hearing it play three times a day
not a real music fan, eh...perhaps ABBA is more to your liking...
this has got to be from 1976-77
yea, this is sounding fun!
sublime
the only thing more boring than this song is hearing it play three times a day
fredriley wrote:
Hmm-mm! I do like a nice bit of slide guitar.
The intro and bridge parts are downright infectious too!
Was he ever something in his younger days!
Hmmmm.. Vaseline machine gun?
Holy cow!! More more again again!!
Hmm-mm! I do like a nice bit of slide guitar.
Kottke on Quaaludes! I love every version of this classic of Leo's, this one included. I guess he's mellowing with age along with the rest of us.
I love every version of this classic of Leo's, this one included. I guess he's mellowing with age along with the rest of us.Awesome!
Wow...What a kick...
pmikep wrote:
This is why I love listening to Radio Paradise. They are brave enough to play Leo. I first saw him in 1972 when he opened for Procol Harum. I've seen him at least 12 times since and he is a master musician and story teller. I last saw him a month ago and he came out afterward and hung around and talked like we were old friends. We talked about all the acts he as played with over the years and he still gets excited talking about all of them. He is a one of a kind!
I am so way jealous that you got to hang out with him. I've seen him about 15 times since 1982, catch him every time I can. I'd totally love to chat with Leo... what a weird and interesting guy!
OK...I like this well enough to forgive him for "Jack Gets Up".
This is why I love listening to Radio Paradise. They are brave enough to play Leo. I first saw him in 1972 when he opened for Procol Harum. I've seen him at least 12 times since and he is a master musician and story teller. I last saw him a month ago and he came out afterward and hung around and talked like we were old friends. We talked about all the acts he as played with over the years and he still gets excited talking about all of them. He is a one of a kind!
Skeletor wrote:
Now, a question for all you LK fans - name three of his top CDs that would be best to start with so as to truly appreciate his talent.~>jc
I like Dreams and All That Stuff, Ice Water, and Mudlark. You could cheat and get, Essential Leo Kottke, but you'd miss out on a lot of good stuff from those albums.
Friend wrote:
Kottke is a great show to see. His live CD is fantastic. Really good. I ask myself though, what was he thinking when he named this tune?
Here's the liner notes from, 6 and 12 string guitar.
"for waking up nude in a sleeping bag on the shore of the Atlantic surrounded by a volley ball game at high noon,and 2>for the end of the volleyball game".
physicsgenius wrote:(or you've dropped the provocateur fascade and just stated it like it is)
Kottke rocks.
Hallelujah! There is hope!
The version I remember was called "Machine Number 2" and I first heard it in, oh, about 1972, when a local disc jockey used it as his theme song.
Leo Kottke is tone-deaf - he mentioned it in an interview once. He said he had to tune his guitar to a certain frequency to be able to distinguish the notes. That just makes me admire him even more. I'd forgotten how much I love his music.
Thanks, RP - good stuff!
so smooth and raw....amazing!
Play ''Only a roach'' by Humble Pie for great slide work or a little Johnny Winter backing Muddy.
Skeletor wrote:
Now, a question for all you LK fans - name three of his top CDs that would be best to start with so as to truly appreciate his talent.
I've been a fan since I read the review of 6 & 12 String Guitar in Rolling Stone, think it was '69 or '70. That is definitely the one to start with. It will put the rest in perspective. All of the Capitol albums were worthy, but if I had to narrow it down to two more I'd have to say Ice Water and My Feet Are Smiling.
Three is too restrictive though, for somebody with a catalog like his. The only ones that have sucked are the Chrysalis albums. Check out the discography at AllMusic.com, from this rabid fan's standpoint they pretty much have it right. Also, keep your eye on DimeADozen.org for live shows. Kottke in concert is a force to behold. He's blown a few famous rock bands clean off the stage. He tells stories between songs that'll have you grabbing your sides. Don't miss him if he comes near you. It'll change your life!
AWESOME MAN
physicsgenius wrote:
Kottke rocks.
WooHoo. We are in 100% agreement. He plays some of the most interesting acoustic 6-string these ears have sever heard!
woozurdaddy wrote:
The original recored version (on either "Greenhouse" or "Mudlark"?) was quite a bit up tempo from this re-recorded version. In concert, he rocks through this one.
Guitar players: standard Open D tuning, actually not too hard to pick up on. I recommend a bottle slide....
I can play "Happy Birthday," and the A, C, G, E, Em chords. I think I have a ways to go yet.
That was awesome. Never heard any leo kottke before. Though I'd heard he was good.
Having a hell of a time trying to pick out a Leo Kottke work as a favorite. Might be this one.
...Please!....Play more Leo!
Kottke rocks.
oh leo! why'd you wanna ruin your own song? It's so much livelier and more interesting without the drums and the slower tempo!
Yo!
Remember sitting down to learn to play this song from the first version years ago!
This is such a great radio station !
You sure can pull the rabbits out of the hat Bill! 
Great song!! Does anyone know if this version is played on a 6 or 12 string?
If you ever get a chance to see Leo, GO. He's a great player, and a wonderful, nutty storyteller. You'll have a mighty fine time.
Great! I'm just not used to hearing it at this slow tempo.
When it gets cold, the vaseline gets really thick and gummy, I guess. Can't argue with the man himself, but this sure makes me want to hear the rapid-fire original.
scracha scracha scracha scracha.....
Yeah! I like a lot of Leo's stuff but didn't know this song. Kept seeing that . . . interesting . . . title on the playlist but hadn't heard the song. I like it!
Leo was in Wichita just over a month ago--he is very fun to listen to--the man can play!
Saw Leo this summer in a very small venue @ 250 people. The man can play guitar "amazing"! He's a pretty interesting character too!
This must be Lucifer.
What a nice reminder that we don't get enough 12-string here. Can there be such a thing as bad 'labeled' 12-string? More-more-more!
.................mystepfolksgotmeavaselinegunonceigreasedaguywithit..............
MVandemore wrote:
Kottke is a guitar God, but I don't really care for this version of Vaseline Machine Gun. Sounds like the easy listening version. I much prefer the version on 6 & 12.
Man...better than this. That's got to be one extended orgasm. This is coooooooool.
Here's some trivia....
"gewerkgebied" (sp?)
Give up? :-k
LK's favorite word.....German for "industrial park"
Gotta love Leo....
allenrudd wrote:
Saw him live in 1972 and again in 2002. Can't wait til 2032.
Sort of like the passing of a comet?!?!
Skeletor wrote:
I've heard some great Leo Kottke, like this one here. I gave this one a 9, reserving a 10 for something that really grows on me.
Now, a question for all you LK fans - name three of his top CDs that would be best to start with so as to truly appreciate his talent. Mudlark? Six and Twelve String Guitar? A Shout Towards Noon? Let's say my FedEx plane went down in the ocean and I washed up on a deserted beach. If all I had to choose from was three Leo Kottke CD's, what would they be?
There is another great LK song I've heard, with vocals, I think it's called Pamela Brown (and I don't think it's on RP). So I would be looking for guitar prowess as well as vocals.
Thanks!
~>jc
If I recall correctly, Pamela Brown was on
Icewater. I used to have it on 8-track, back in the day. It was a fantastic album. At least that is how I remember it, not having heard it in about 30 years...
I had a double album of his on vinyl that may have been a greatest hits or other anthology that was pretty good, until my cats scratched it...
Kottke is a guitar God, but I don't really care for this version of Vaseline Machine Gun. Sounds like the easy listening version. I much prefer the version on 6 & 12.
Skeletor wrote:
Now, a question for all you LK fans - name three of his top CDs that would be best to start with so as to truly appreciate his talent. Mudlark? Six and Twelve String Guitar? A Shout Towards Noon? Let's say my FedEx plane went down in the ocean and I washed up on a deserted beach. If all I had to choose from was three Leo Kottke CD's, what would they be?
That's easy:
6 & 12 String Guitar
My Feet are Smiling
Essential Leo Kottke (If you really like his singing)
These are just my personal favorites, in that order. YMMV, but I could live just fine with nothing but these 3 for a very long time. Enjoy, and I hope this isn't coming too late after your request.
Dave
Friend wrote:
Kottke is a great show to see. I just saw him for the first time recently..with Mike Gordon of Phish. I think Kottke would have been better by himself though. He's really a one man show. His live CD is fantastic. Really good. I ask myself though, what was he thinking when he named this tune?
The original version of this was much faster, like a well lubricated machine gun.
Just this one plebeian's non-musical opinion of a master at the top of his game.
Highlow~