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J.J. Cale — Crazy Mama
Album: Naturally
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2243









Released: 1971
Length: 2:16
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Crazy mama, where you been so long
Crazy mama, where you been so long
You've been hiding out, I know that's true

Crazy mama, I sure need you
Crazy mama, where you been so long
Standing on the corner, looking for you, baby

Standing on the corner, looking for you, baby
Lord mercy, I can not see, crazy mama coming back to me
Crazy mama, where you been so long
Comments (189)add comment
Well this is a 10.
Only thing wrong with this song is that it is only 2 minutes long. Solid 10.
and the album cover

kind of like a little feat cover

works of art
In early 1972 we got our first FM stereo radio from Radio Shack. Table-top with a nice walnut veneer. One speaker was built in to the main radio, the other wired and could be separated about 3 feet. Discovered New York's WPLJ and this song was on the rotation. Brings me back every time I hear it.
Ah, so tasty. 
Look up "laid back" in the dictionary . . .
Some people call this blues. I don't think it is! It doesn't have those annoying 12-bar chord progressions. Chord progression is:
E E E E
E E E E
E E E E
E E E E
E E E E
DAE DAE 
DAE DAE
Brilliant! Maybe it could be called "outside the box blues"? 
 DrMacDaddy wrote:

I truly believe J.J. is gaining a wider and more enthusiastic audience.



I've definitely come around in the past year or two.  It's all just so laid back and effortless.
Any time I hear this voice I can't help myself from imagining this guy with yellow fingers on the couch, and this longlimbed, red- curled Marianne with freckles round her little nose is coming in. "Where have you been so long?" 
I truly believe J.J. is gaining a wider and more enthusiastic audience.
 timmus wrote:

Slip sliding away.... slip sliding away....



Crazy Mama pre-dates that my friend...
It's so brief you should play it again!  Please!
Slip sliding away.... slip sliding away....
MR. CALE'S GUITAR



Love his take on the acid guitar.
Cool

That guitar tone is scorched 
Thanx, nice to have company !      

mattenuttall wrote:
Tomasni wrote:
Long Live RP
My rating now: 8 - Most Excellent

lizardking wrote:

LOL...someone's NOT a fan of your comment/rating system; I've seen a bunch of 'thumbs down' votes on your simple comments....which don't bother me at all....and I'm totally OK with you using Long Live RP now.....and I happen to have this track rated 8 too....so...yeah....LONG LIVE RP!!


I'm glad you pointed this out, Lizard King. Why is it that Tomasni is always getting some thumbs down on his song rating comments? Long live RP and JJ Cale's music!
 

you are great
Tomasni wrote:
Long Live RP
My rating now: 8 - Most Excellent

lizardking wrote:

LOL...someone's NOT a fan of your comment/rating system; I've seen a bunch of 'thumbs down' votes on your simple comments....which don't bother me at all....and I'm totally OK with you using Long Live RP now.....and I happen to have this track rated 8 too....so...yeah....LONG LIVE RP!!


I'm glad you pointed this out, Lizard King. Why is it that Tomasni is always getting some thumbs down on his song rating comments? Long live RP and JJ Cale's music!
 lizardking wrote:

LOL...someone's NOT a fan of your comment/rating system; I've seen a bunch of 'thumbs down' votes on your simple comments....which don't bother me at all....and I'm totally OK with you using Long Live RP now.....and I happen to have this track rated 8 too....so...yeah....LONG LIVE RP!!
 I  second that long live  RP and I have it an 8 too

The definition of laid back.
This is just ... just ... so smooth and sweet.
 Tomasni wrote:
Long Live  RP
My rating now: 8 - Most Excellent    
 
LOL...someone's NOT a fan of your comment/rating system; I've seen a bunch of 'thumbs down' votes on your simple comments....which don't bother me at all....and I'm totally OK with you using Long Live RP now.....and I happen to have this track rated 8 too....so...yeah....LONG LIVE RP!!
Long Live                                                                                                                                  Radio Paradise
My rating:                                                                                                                            8 - Most Excellent    
Luv it!
{#Yawn}
 Matias_Augusto wrote:
It's not a coincidence that Eric Clapton plays a couple of Cale's tunes. J. J. Cale is a genius

 
Clapton put some effort into getting that tone as well.{#Cowboy}
When I was 14 this song used to come on the AM transistor radio I had with me when I worked as a maintenance guy at the local little league baseball fields. I still recall how cool I thought this song was at the time. It helped me appreciate J.J. Cale and open me to other artists (Jerry Jeff, Ray Wiley Hubbard). Still feel that way. This is why I absolutely love RP! Bill and Rebecca, there are days when your lineup gives me chills and sends me roaring back through time and space. Thank you.
 Ktmaholic wrote:
Can't speak about "Europeans" but I know the British refer to a woman in authority as "mom"......being American, I always thought that was interesting, affectionate and respectful. With respect to J.J. Cale, look at the era...1971. And look at the culture! I'd say that terminology in not popular today. Just my 2 cents.....

 
Actually it is "mam" not "mom" - I suppose it is a diminutive of Madam.
Can't speak about "Europeans" but I know the British refer to a woman in authority as "mom"......being American, I always thought that was interesting, affectionate and respectful. With respect to J.J. Cale, look at the era...1971. And look at the culture! I'd say that terminology in not popular today. Just my 2 cents.....
Crazy mama, where you been so long
Standing on the corner, looking for you, baby

What is it with the Americans that they keep calling women mama and baby. Are we Europeans more mature?
....... as good as it gets.
 TerryS wrote:
Early on I remember reading that JJ considered his recordings 'demos' for other artists to survey and record if they liked.
That he is better than most of those "artisites" is surely evident. 

 
INDEED!!

This music changed me from a boy to a man. Just came at the right time.
This might be a track that defines J.J. in years to come.
Early on I remember reading that JJ considered his recordings 'demos' for other artists to survey and record if they liked.
That he is better than most of those "artisites" is surely evident. 
It's not a coincidence that Eric Clapton plays a couple of Cale's tunes. J. J. Cale is a genius
I keep waiting for Jimmy Page's guitar to erupt. 
Let's just... Slow... Down... A little...
Mmm... 
 Django1 wrote:
A lovely man original guitar work makes you wanna smoke 😎
 
. . . and apparently, completely omit any punctuation.
Couldn't  but it better myself 😎
 WakeUpWorld wrote:


In Digital Blues, J.J. asked "In 3232 how will they remember me". I got the answer....In 3232 the world won't be around anymore, but as for 2013, I remember J.J. Cale as the cool, understated songwriter, vocalist and groove master who didn't care what other folks were listening to or wanted to hear. He played from the heart with endearing stories of woman, trains, drugs and lazy days. I saw him live in 1975 and never again got the chance. Thanks for everything J.J. 

 

A lovely man original guitar work makes you wanna smoke 😎
Short but ooohh so sweet   {#Good-vibes}
10  ....... {#Sunny}
{#Jump}  {#Roflol} {#Yes}
Cool old tune from the past.  I really like going back like this.  No one else does it like Bill {#Cheers}
 TerryS wrote:
What's that top-hat hanging on?
 
The raccoon's knee.  All us Southern gentlemen put our nice hats there when we sit -- if our host hasn't offered to hang it for us.  (Ball caps are so redneck that we don't even take them off when going indoors.)
{#Notworthy}
Damn, that's fine.
 jagdriver wrote:

That sounds like memories you'll cherish forever.......   {#Sunny}

 

In Digital Blues, J.J. asked "In 3232 how will they remember me". I got the answer....In 3232 the world won't be around anymore, but as for 2013, I remember J.J. Cale as the cool, understated songwriter, vocalist and groove master who didn't care what other folks were listening to or wanted to hear. He played from the heart with endearing stories of woman, trains, drugs and lazy days. I saw him live in 1975 and never again got the chance. Thanks for everything J.J. 
 Johnny-smooth wrote:
Sad to hear of JJ's passing. Was introduced to his music on Martha's Vineyard many, many summers ago. He'll be missed.
 
That sounds like memories you'll cherish forever.......   {#Sunny}
Wrote some great songs.   His music will live on.  RIP
Sad news, loved his sound.  RIP
Sad to hear of JJ's passing. Was introduced to his music on Martha's Vineyard many, many summers ago. He'll be missed.

R.I.P. Mr Cale 
R.I.P., J.J.
Sorry to hear about JJ. Cale passing away yesterday.
{#Clap}
 TerryS wrote:
What's that top-hat hanging on?
 
Hilarious!
Something relaxed and soothing about this little ditty.
 AndyJ wrote:
Hard to -not- like this song.
 
Yeah, maybe his best.  Wonder if Cale arranged it or someone else.
Hard to -not- like this song.
 nelamvr6 wrote:
Meh.

Love his songwriting, his performing really is not all that good. 
 
The vocals might be weak, but damn the pickin's got soul!
JJ is RAD... Hands down!
I was just watching this video before I came back to Radio Paradise! how weird is that!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu3XylIfA2c 
  
Meh.

Love his songwriting, his performing really is not all that good. 
 expatlar wrote:
Only thing wrong with this song is, it's too short. I remember hearing and loving it as a kid. My dad brought home the 45.
 
Your dad was a good man,


I keep expecting Page's guitar to start wah wah howling, but of course, I'm in the right church but wrong pew. 
Only thing wrong with this song is, it's too short. I remember hearing and loving it as a kid. My dad brought home the 45.
"Cale recounts the story of being offered the opportunity to appear on Dick Clark's American Bandstand to promote the song ("Crazy Mama"), which would have moved the song higher on the charts. Cale declined when told he could not bring his band to the taping and would be required to lip-sync the words to the song." - Wiki
Been so long since I heard this tasty little thing ...
What's that top-hat hanging on?

Excellent.

{#Roflol}


This album stands the test of time.
When Eric Clapton was asked who or what he'd like to come back as if he could, and he replied J.J. Cale.
sigh... J.J. you get my vote every time you play.
Great song from a great album, it´s crazy good.
 Kokoloco53 wrote:
Ok, confessions of an old hippie. Was traveling down a curvy back road through a mountain road taking hits on a small water bong, held my breath just a bit too long and passed out at the driver's wheel. Thank god, my little brother shook me and I came to just in time to avoid going off a 100 ft cliff. This album was playing on my 8 track tape player. I'll never forget it. What a lucky life I've had, haven't died and still listen to J.J. Cale once in a while. But now and never again, while driving down a road taking hits on a bong. Next time I'll have to remember to pull off the road first. Just another hit......of sweet love.
 
You must be one of the "10"s then. Cheers! Good to have you with us! (Please keep your distance on the road. :-)

Ok, confessions of an old hippie. Was traveling down a curvy back road through a mountain road taking hits on a small water bong, held my breath just a bit too long and passed out at the driver's wheel. Thank god, my little brother shook me and I came to just in time to avoid going off a 100 ft cliff. This album was playing on my 8 track tape player. I'll never forget it. What a lucky life I've had, haven't died and still listen to J.J. Cale once in a while. But now and never again, while driving down a road taking hits on a bong. Next time I'll have to remember to pull off the road first. Just another hit......of sweet love.
 nate917 wrote:

I know the feeling; I was wrong once.  It was years ago.  At one point, I decided that I was wrong, but then it turned out I was right.

 
LOL!
I remember listening to this song on AM (yes, AM!) radio with what would now be called ear buds while pushing a lawn mower for my first summer job.  I know I'm dating myself, but this song it's worth it.

 
she sure is crazy ~ but I know where she's at ;-)
I rated this a 9 ~ I might be wrong though ~ this could very well be a 10
 peter_james_bond wrote:
The man raised the slow grove into an art form.
 
Felt at liberty to google image "slow grove"



Seems fitting

Snarl

Delicious!
how is that hat defying gravity?
{#Cowboy}
Pretty Momma, where you been so long?

Shift into low gear, pull your hat down against the bright sunshine, and reach for another sip of Southern Comfort on ice.  LOVE IT!!!

my god what music
{#Cowboy}
The man raised the slow grove into an art form.
No wonder mark knopfler's a fan...
The whole album rates a 9. We played the crap out of this in its day and it still sounds fine and a unique guitar voice combo
 fluffybum wrote:
j.j. cool..can't get much cooler.
 

agreed.  very economical guitar work...tone sounds a bit like "Belly Button Window" by Jimi.
sweet
Laid back?....This man is the Perry Como of rock and roll. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing.
 Shamsiel wrote:
The tone on his guitar is INSANE! {#War}
 
My thoughts exactly. I've always loved the guitar sound on this song. {#Clap}
Stunning. I crew up listening to this man, loved him then, love him now. Saw him live in London many many years ago - the gig was pure 100% JJ, outstanding!
j.j. cool..can't get much cooler.
GREAT!!!! love this song what a classic, whole album is fantastic
crazy Mama,
JJ rules!
{#Clap}


I have rated as a 9 before... am going to upgrade to a 10

jj cale simply DEFINES cool
Here I am trying to close up for the day and Bill keeps playing one great song after another - can't shut it down!
J.J. Cale - Crazy Mama
Billie Holiday - Crazy He Calls Me
Thea Gilmore - Crazy Love

We've got that crazy morning thing going.  Hope Ozzy is next!
 People who didn´t know his work usually says he plays the guitar like M.Knopfler. 

 Well, it seems obviously, but i must say that Mark Knopfler is younger than J.J.Cale.

 And i have all Dire Straits albums, of course.
 
The tone on his guitar is INSANE! {#War}
More craziness!  Love it!

{#Bounce}
Okay, Bill just typed 'crazy' in and played everything he's got.

Crazy like a fox.
 WonderLizard wrote: 

I have a lunch date now!!! ;o(
J.J. Cale - Crazy Mama
Patsy Cline - Crazy
Violent Femmes - Crazy
Gnarls Barkley - Gone Daddy Gone

On a roll, Bill. Damn, I'm glad I didn't go out to lunch today.

I just love JJ! {#Notworthy}
{#Cool} n a crazy roll
The entire album is awesome, awesome, smooth. laidback. Top 100 all time album.
fatcatjb wrote:

only takes three notes...me too amigo mio


...but you ain't great, aint'cha?

ulibcn wrote:
No one plays the guitar like J.J. It only takes him three notes and you know it's him. That's only in the reach of the Greatest.
only takes three notes...me too amigo mio
Great vibes - F*** you all, feet up, I ain't doing nothing today!
sloooowwww JJ, think I need a McCD's straw, a dart board, and quiet Texas bar.
Sic 'em Boy!
blainea wrote:
Rac(c)oons are crazy, too.
Yes, but what's holding that hat up?
cf Orbison, "Oh, Pretty Woman"
I could listen to J.J. Cale all day long. Pick that guitar!