The Best of R. Stevie Moore

Submitted by callanyvegetable on Tue, 09/22/2009 - 20:06
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  1. R. Stevie Moore is an obscure pop music genius from New Jersey. He is perhaps the pioneer of DIY music, having produced and distributed his releases from his own home since the mid-70's. His music has that lo-fi sound years ahead of its time. His earlier work shows appreciation of Kevin Ayers, Residents, Sparks, and nearly all facets of pop/rock. At his best, he predicts all kinds of indie rock, and in his eccentric charm and wit, he carries on the tradition of Frank Zappa. Moore has hundreds of releases through the years and several compilations of his work exist. He is still going strong. This list keeps track of his very best songs (updated as I go through his very rewarding catalogue).


  3. Scaruffi Review of Phonography (reissue of the month on his site!)


  5. Phonography, recorded between 1974 and 1976, runs the gamut from an instrumental synthesized vaudeville theme (Melbourne), several spoken-word fragments (including 30 seconds of Moore pissing and telling the story of his life), a piano rag sung in a childish voice (Goodbye Piano), a drunk distorted extended piece (Moons), and assorted satires of the Sixties that transcend the imitation of the Byrds and of Merseybeat bands (California Rhythm, I Want You In My Life) and that sometimes approach the verve of the Kinks and the Who (She Don't Know What to do With Herself, I Wish I Could Sing).


  7. A few samples from Phonography: here, there, and everywhere! Listen to the whole album here


  9. Current Picks


  11. Debbie (1978) -- enchanting chord progression to this mock ballad. video link
  12. I Need Your Love (1974) -- really nothing but a hook, but it's quite a hook! video link
  13. Little Man (1976) -- proggy power-pop, sci-fi sound, nice video, you will enjoy! video link
  14. You Love Me Do Something (1985) -- great song, this will definitely make the ultimate cut video link


  16. Most Timeless and Perfect


  18. Goodbye Piano (1975) -- seamless fusion of Beatles and Residents. Bizarre but emotional. Simply amazing. video link
  19. Don't Let Me Go To The Dogs (1977) -- Sweet! Zappa, Beach Boys, odd electronics. Lovely. video link
  20. Part of the Problem (1978) -- perfect new wave; exceedingly well-written; I prefer the original version audio link
  21. Chantilly Lace (1980) -- Ramones-inspired, invigorating cover of The Big Bopper; very infectious and the video is a treat. video link
  22. Delicate Tension (1978) -- spellbinding instrumental that predicts lots of indie rock of the subsequent decades. audio link
  23. I Hope That You Remember (1979) -- Syd Barrett meets Alex Chilton meets David Bowie; the song has a soul! video link
  24. Play Myself Some Music (1986) -- dreamy 80's pop that would make Brian Wilson proud. video link
  25. I Wanna Hit You (1977) -- as AMG put it, the best song Big Star never wrote; the subtle synth touch and atmosphere is great. video link
  26. Irony (1977) -- first-class 60's pop/rock, humble and human lyrics, quirky solo, sooooo good. video link
  27. Why Should I Love You? (1987) -- catchiest pop/rock I've heard in years. video link


  29. Honorable Mentions


  31. Too Old (To Fall In Love) (1978) -- wonder where Beck got his sound from? one of his coolest/hippest songs. video link
  32. Cool Daddio (1978) -- more great punk rock as if sung by Kevin Ayers, with great lyrics, effortlessly fun and cool. video link
  33. Compatibility Leaves (1978) -- new wave, sounds like feel good folk rock, with a bridge that echoes a Who song. audio link
  34. The Winner (1975) -- power-pop that feels more like folk rock, touching and beautiful; the right combo of happy and sad. video link
  35. I Like To Stay At Home (1986) -- propulsive, keyboard-led Kinks pop; great use of synth drum; funny video. video link
  36. Conflict of Interest (1980) -- basically poppy post-punk, nice bassline. video link
  37. I Wish I Could Sing (1976) -- this might make top 10, excellent power pop. video link
  38. You And Me (1975) -- Somewhat glam rock inspired, the chord progression is wonderful, a great love song. audio link
  39. The Holocaust Parade (1984) -- really must be heard/seen to be believed, almost devilishly brilliant chord changes and glorious synths. video link
  40. Schoolgirl -- perfect pop ditty with a strong McCartney influence. audio link
  41. Human Race (2000) -- oddly compelling skate punk, with faint hint of Frank Black. Moore is still good! video link
  42. Another Day Slips Away (2006) -- nostalgic song, with a strong Canterbury/Ayers accent. This is no rehash, another great song! video link
  43. Benefit of the Doubt (1976) -- apparently he swiped the bassline from a McCartney song, but I like this much better than most McCartney songs! The video is also amazing with a trick-or-treating theme. video link
  44. Back in Time (1986) -- we have all felt this way at some point, and man, is it resonant these days! video link
  45. The Garbage State (1982) -- post-punk with an angry hardcore vocal. video link
  46. I Love All The Girls (1974) -- just more good stuff; guys will enjoy the video ;-) video link
  47. Sentimental Ties (2009) -- his latest, very nice Britpop sound! video link
  48. Sort of Way (1987) -- great video, great melodic hard rock riffage, with a Neil Young vibe (it's there!) video link
  49. Women R Not Small Men (2008) -- KICK-ASS video for recent song. Song is great too, what else did you expect? video link


  51. I will work on getting the rest of the links and eventually expanding this to different genres. This guy even does doom metal! In the meantime, you can view a bunch of Moore's videos on this generous YouTuber's page. Enjoy!
Elston09/23/2009

Great list. I like this guy. He's like a more sincere & original Elvis Costello (imo). And Kudos on the video clips! It's a great way to introduce people to someone's work.

callanyvegetable09/23/2009

I think I can see the Costello connection in songs like "Irony". But correction: He is a more since & original Costello (fact).

Those videos are amazing. In some ways, he predicted YouTube, since he is just playing to the camera in most of them.

Feel free to post your own favorites here in the comments section.

Elston10/04/2009

Sentimental Ties is a sweet tune. Pretty cool how it was a 3-way collaboration. I was thinking to myself, my god does Stevie ever sound youthful in this song. Love the vids by the way. My favourite is still prolly Chantilly Lace.

callanyvegetable10/04/2009

I just marvel at his ability to continue to write hits. There are plenty of aging rock gods who would kill to write something this good after 30+ years of recording! Another really good one he recently did is "Elephant Overdrive Avenue." Let me find the best version on YouTube and post it.

Chantilly Lace is killer -- it's everything Weird Al wishes he could be and more. That cover is probably better than the original!