Ann Wilson - Solo Debut

YES! Those of you who read here know I love Ann Wilson, her voice, her presence on stage and her confidence, style and class. She just rocks. So I was pleased to find this tidbit of info over at "Classic Rock"

Heart singer Ann Wilson issues her solo debut, Hope And Glory, via Rounder Records on September 11. It features guest appearances from Elton John, KD Lang, Alison Krauss, Shawn Colvin, Rufus Wainwright and her sister Nancy Wilson.

Don't get me started on all the reasons I admire Ann....I think I've covered it on this blog in a prior post. The bottom line is she's a role model for women over 40 and for those who may not be quite as slender as society would consider "attractive". She went through some hellish years because she didn't fit the mold of the slender rock chick, but now she exudes confidence and her voice is stronger than ever. She's 57 years old and is coming out with a solo album with that sexy photo on the cover - that in itself makes a statement that some women just keep getting better with age! :)

Can't wait to get my copy to review (assuming I receive one)! Hope it shows up soon.

That reminds me....The Traveling Wilburys have a CD coming out that I will be reviewing soon, it's called "The Traveling Wilburys Collection"

Vibe Tribe - and friends

Brad Fox – lead vocals, bass guitar
• Michael Staggs – lead guitar, back-up vocals
• Rick Elliott – drums, back-up vocals

Last night I met a need I've had for months -
I fed my soul with
rock and roll!

There is NOTHING like listening to and watching a talented band perform. I had an incredible evening filled with great music.

These guys totally rocked. They are all accomplished musicians that have toured and recorded with some great bands (Otis Rush, Walter Trout, Blue Oyster Cult, Loggins & Messina, Mahogany Rush, Grand Funk Railroad, and Eric Burdon, and others).

They cover rock, blues, funk, reggae...you name it. I had three requests and they played them all (I was actually embarrassed that I requested Springsteen - but they pulled out a good one of his that fit in with their set "Cover Me").

Check out there myspace and webpage. If you live in So. Cal. you must check them out! They had an "open mic" night and several other musicians showed up to jam with them - this one guy on guitar, Tim Tewel, was very impressive.

There was some hot talent on that stage last night, plus, they were super nice guys. I showed up alone but they sat at my table so I got to hang with the band instead of sitting there by myself, it made a huge difference in my night!

Well, I know what I am going to do every Wed. night from now on!
Of course getting 4.5 hours of sleep will probably hit me later, but for now I am listening to CCR and smiling!

What can I say?

Sometime a girl just needs to sit and watch someone shred on guitar. Here's one of my six-string heroes. None of my female friends can even remotely relate to how I can appreciate this kind of musical tatlent, and I don't relate to how they can't!

This is one of about ten videos I watched tonight. I know....I need to get out more. Hopefully this week I will be hearing some LIVE guitar, if so, I'll have a good story to tell. I'll keep you posted.

Lost Lennon Tapes

A friend sent me this link today, apparently these were some radio interviews with John that never made it on the air. Haven't taken the time to listen but wanted to pass the along for anyone interested that may have not heard these before: Lost Lennon Tapes

MiGGs

I have a new FAVORITE Band. These guys are good. I've been listening to them for months and am finally getting around to writing about them. Obviously they aren't "Classic Rock" but they have class, talent and passion.

MiGGs

I really enjoyed reading their BIO here. These guys play at Border's AND open for bands like Aerosmith. They classify their music as rock/pop/alternative. I classify it as DAMN GOOD because I can't stop listening to it.

The lyrics either deeply touch me or make me smile. They write about things we can all relate to, loneliness, relationships, anger, frustration. Don's voice reminds me of dark chocolate - smooth and rich.

The melodies area alluring and draw you in to really feel the mood of the song. Mostly on the mellow side of rock, I get the feeling these guys could cut loose and really jam when they want to (I hope they do a bit more of that on their next recording). I love the catchy, story-telling tunes, I kinda sink right into each song. You can tell they've mastered not only their individual instruments, but the art of being tight as a band.

I'm pretty excited that they'll be in my area in June & July, I'm all over it. Oh, and for the females in their audience - they are hot to look at too, an added bonus, but you know me, I never notice stuff like that.

Check them out and let me know what you think. I know some of you head bangers aren't into this type of music, but I bet you know someone who will like them. You can buy their music on-line or in stores.

I love what is says on their myspace page:

If the Beatles and Weezer had an affair (sorry Yoko) and abandoned their love child for the wolves at New Yorks CBGB (pre-bankruptcy), MiGGs would be the bastard child. Blending musical genres like an iPod hopped up on steroids, MiGGs moves from alt/rock and emo to pop and classic melodic rock with grace and ease. Heartfelt lyrics, memorable live shows, catchy hooks, and vocal harmonies captivate listeners anywhere, anytime whether its opening for Aerosmith and Lifehouse or creating acoustic magic in an intimate venue. No desire to be pop whores and not to be lost in the abyss of todays disposable entertainment, MiGGs is for real ROCK.

Pet Shop Boys Blast Bono

I read this over at U2 News:

Neil Tennant told the Daily Mirror: "I've always been against the ideas of rock stars lecturing people as if they know something the rest of us don't - it looks arrogant.

"It's not as if they have a private source of information. To state the obvious as if you are the only person that knows it is intellectually weak. Like Bono - he uses his celebrity, but in doing so he increases his celebrity. I'm never totally convinced that the rest of U2 feel comfortable with that."

Well, I do believe Neil has a point about making political statements, it bothers me when celebrities use their fame to sway voters that are not intelligent enough to think beyond "well Bruce Springsteen says I should vote for so and so, so I will" (you know I love Bruce, this is just the first example I thought of).

BUT.... What Bono does is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. Bono is not a political figure. He will sit down with any world leader in any country and have the same conversation with each of them - its about brining awareness to poverty and AIDS in Africa (mostly) and that is not a political issue.

Sure, he uses his celebrity to get attention for this but what's wrong with that? I think it's a great use of fame. Rather than partying at all the famous nightclubs, getting your face splashed across People for your latest arrest, addiction or affair, why not bring attention to suffering? He's made a HUGE difference by bringing awareness and raising funds to save lives. I can't see anything wrong with that!

So, note to Neil Tennant - I disagree with you.

(Who are The Pet Shop Boys anyhow? Aren't they a disco band from the 80's?)

Jeff Buckley Review

I am grateful that I was asked to listen to and review this new release of Jeff's music. In May 1997 the world lost someone exceptional. His talent, his voice, his writing - there's an ethereal quality to his music. It's hard to define his musical style, I think of it as Rockin' Blues with a bit of dark mystery, and a sensual, defiant and romantic edge. If you miss Jeff, or if you've never even heard of him - BUY this CD! I have to force myself to stop listening to it because his music affects me in such a powerful way, it's intense, its deep its a gift from someone who died way too soon.

Here's a track to listen to:

"I know Its Over"

SO REAL: SONGS FROM JEFF BUCKLEY the first official anthology of his work (including two previously unreleased performances) – “the closest Jeff Buckley – singer, songwriter, guitarist, seeker – ever comes to having his own greatest-hits record,” as Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke’s liner notes begin – will arrive in stores on Columbia/Legacy, a division of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAIN­MENT.
So Real: Songs From Jeff Buckley Track Listing

(Columbia/Legacy 88697 03570 2)

1. Last Goodbye

2. Lover You Should Have Come Over

3. Forget Her

4. Eternal Life (Road Version)

5. Dream Brother (Alternate Take)

6. The Sky Is A Landfill

7. Everybody Here Wants You (

8. So Real

9. Mojo Pin

10. Vancouver

11. Je N'en Connais Pas La Fin

12. Grace

13. Hallelujah

14. I Know It's Over (live)

Hands Across Amercia!

I didn't know that today was the 21st anniversary of this event until I made a visit to Becky's blog "The Pop Eye". Go check it out for some GREAT photos that will surely make you smile at the remembrance of the hairstyles and clothing of 1986! I tried to find my "Hand Across America" t-shirt but I think I recall using it to wash the car about 5 years ago....dang it, I hate it when I use memorabilia to wash the car.

Do any of you remember it, or better yet, participate???

I went with my brother, his wife, my sister, her best friend and my dog.

We had a cooler of beer because back then it just seemed "okay" to drink and drive. We were designated to stand on a street called Green River Drive in Corona, CA. It faced the Riverside/90 Fwy. so we had a constant flow of "audience" driving by and cheering us on.

I have to admit, there was something special about it. Standing there holding hands there were radios all turned to the same station, at we all sang "We are the World" together (even though that was not the official song - it was just so much more fun to sing!)

I wish I had photos, but Becky does so stop and check her out in her 80's attire! I know I had on the official t-shirt and everyone else in my group was wearing a concert, T. I think we represented Ozzy, The Stones, Def Lepard and Van Halen :)

I See Dead People - and They're Wearing Doc Martens...

What do you think of this new ad campaign:

Joe Strummer, Kurt Cobain new 'spokesmen' for Doc Martens

Apparently the ads will be out soon showing Joe Strummer, Kurt Cobain, Sid Vicious and Joey Ramone as angels wearing Doc Martens in heaven....

Is this a good marketing strategy - - or not?

Rock Honors - VHI

Is anyone going to watch this tonight?

I typically avoid most music related TV shows, but this one actually has potential. I may give it a go. Especially since my two of my three favorite female rockers will be on it.

Heroin, Suicide, Depression - Continued

Well, I have to get off this topic because its depressing me, and unfortunately I don't mean that sarcastically - it really is.

I know that certain people have a natural inclination toward depression and addiction. Those two things combined often lead to suicide. But there is something about the creative mind, the person who feels so deeply that they can't ignore the pain around them, and inside of them. The person that uses a powerful addicting drug to create a place where life feels good, or escaping permanately through death.

Of course, its not only the artistic types that "choose to leave this world" by numbing themselves or committing suicide. Every individual has his/her own reason.

Nevertheless, I do see a connection. Here is a list (too long to put on this post) if you are interested in the results of some of my research. It's not an all inclusive list, just some info I pulled, mostly off Wikipedia.

Heroin Addiction and Music - Part One

"Music is a beautiful opiate, if you don't take it too seriously."

~ Henry Miller

My posts on this blog are usually of a light-hearted nature, but sometimes a little seed on an idea is planted in my mind and, like it or not, I keep watering it until it grows into a blog post. I know exactly what I want to say, but it may take a few days to say it all. So here is part one.

The other night a friend mentioned Kurt Cobain. We talked about the impact Kurt's death had on a friend of his. Since then I've been thinking about the tragic connection between suicide, drug addiction and music. Call me "dark" but it intrigues me. I have a theory and believe it or not, Kurt had a similar one. I'm going to explore that theory here, even though this post probably belongs on one of my other blogs. I'll think about it.

For today I will leave you with two things:

- a paraphrased quote from Kurt that says, in his words, what I have been thinking about the last few days

- a list of songs about heroin

"Sometimes I envy people who are unintelligent and "easily amused". People, who are seemingly able to move through life without ever feeling sad or depressed. I've met a lot of those type of "dumb people,"they have a shitty job, they may be totally lonely...and yet, for some reason, they're happy."

I know there are a lot more, but these are ones that I like, my very favorite being:
"She Talks to Angels" — The Black Crowes

• 
  
• Neil Young : The Needle and the Damage Done
• Rolling Stones : Dead Flowers
• Red Hot Chilli Peppers : Under The Bridge
• Velvet Underground : Heroin
• Guns N' Roses : Mr Brownstone
• The La's: There She Goes
• Pink Floyd : Comfortably Numb
• Velvet Underground : Waiting for the Man
• The Ramones : Chinese Rock
• A Horse With No Name: America
• U2: Bad
• David Bowie/Iggy Pop: China Girl
• Lou Reed : Perfect Day
• James Taylor: Fire And Rain

As always, I look forward to your comments. I plan on going into this more tomorrow and will inlcude a list of musicians that died of a heroin overdose or struggled with heroin addiction.

Found something cool:

Have any of you ever used "The Filter" to create playlists on iTunes (or whatever you use)? You can also get it to recommend music you might like based on the music you already own. That's the main reason I got it. Pandora and LastFM say they do that - but I have yet to discover something I actually LOVE from either of them.

So far I like it. Been playing with it for an hour - this is what single women who love music and don't have a social life do on Friday nights. Trust me, its NOT my first choice.

Songs of Summer

Every Friday I look forward to receiving an email from Dave White at "About Music".

Today he's talking mostly about Styx and the new book out by Chuck Panozzo of Styx, "The Grand Illusion". (I think someone offered me a free copy of that but I haven't got it yet....hmm.)

ANYHOW, Dave listed his 10 favorite summer songs that contain the word "summer" in the title. I pasted it below and made three changes (see my alternatives at the bottom of the post).

Please let me know how you'd change this list....

1) "Summer In the City" - Lovin' Spoonful (agree)

"Hot town, summer in the city ..."

2) "Summertime" - Billy Stewart (disagree)

"Fish are jumping and the cotton is high ...

3) "In the Summertime" - Mungo Jerry (agree)

"...when the weather is fine ... women on your mind."

4) "Summertime Blues" - The Who (agree)

"Ain't no cure for the summertime blues...."

5) "Hot Fun in the Summertime" - Sly and the Family Stone (agree)

"Hot fun in the summer..."

6) "All Summer Long" - Beach Boys (disagree)

"T-shirts, cut-offs, and a pair of thongs ... we've been having fun all summer long."

7) "Summer (Can't Last Too Long)" – Asia (agree)

I'll be making the most of summertime, crazy nights and lazy days ..."

8) "The Boys of Summer" - Don Henley (agree)

"Your brown skin shinin' in the sun, you got that top pulled down and that radio on"

9) "Summer of '69" - Bryan Adams (agree)

That summer seemed to last forever ... those were the best days of my life."

10) "Daisy Summer Piper" - Joni Mitchell (disagree)

(Dave has the lyrics on his site, I never heard this song, though I do like Joni)

My alternatives:

Summer Breeze” - Seals and Crofts

"Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom.
July is dressed up and playing her tune.
And I come home from a hard day's work,
And you're waiting there, not a care in the world."

“Summertime” – Janis Joplin

Summertime, time, time,
Child, the living's easy.

“Summers Almost Gone” – The Doors

"Morning found us calmly unaware
Noon burn gold into our hair
At night, we swim the laughin' sea
When summer's gone
Where will we be"

Is this the 70's ?

I've written a few posts about great music from the 70's recently but - dude, are we BACK there? Have you SEEN the concert tours for this summer?


Jethro Tull
Ted Nugent
The Police
Rush
Peter Frampton
Genesis
Roger Waters
Heart

Probably lots more too...

I really don't have a point other than all us old people still dig our tunes!

(did anyone else have black light posters?)

The Beatles and U2 - Are the similarities a coincidence....or does it mean something?

I found this article very interesting. It compares The Beatles and U2 and I was a bit taken aback when I saw these facts side by side! Its a long (but worth reading) article but here are a few excerpts to possibly intrigue you into reading the rest because I am very curious to get your thoughts on this!

THE EARLY YEARS The Beatles began as four teenage boys from Liverpool, England.
John Lennon, a sarcastic-but-smart troublemaker...
Paul McCartney, an exemplary student...
George Harrison, the youngest of the group, whose musical pursuits were supported by his family, was the most direct of the bunch -- and not a fan of conformity...
Richard Starkey, the eldest of the group, had played in more bands than the other three by the time he joined them.

U2 started with four teenage boys living in Dublin, Ireland.
Paul Hewson, a gregarious-but-intelligent kid...
Dave Evans was a strong student who had plans for higher education...
Larry Mullen Jr., the baby of the group, took piano and drum lessons as a young man. His family nurtured his talent... He didn't care much for conformity.
Adam Clayton, the oldest member of the band, had a more mature knowledge of music -- impressing his mates with words like "gig."

~~~~

It was part of the culture in Dublin to call each other by nicknames like Bono (Paul) and the Edge (Dave).

They liked to call each other by nicknames such as Macca (Paul), Lennie (John), Hazza (George), and Ringo (Richard).

~~~~

John, Paul, George and Ringo had three band names. First, they were Johnny and the Moondogs, then the Silver Beetles and finally the Beatles. The manager that put them on the map, Brian Epstein, had never before managed a music group.

Bono, the Edge, Larry and Adam had three band names. First, they were Feedback, then the Hype, and of course, U2. Their manager, Paul McGuinness, had never before managed a band.

~~~~

Paul McCartney and John Lennon lost their mothers unexpectedly when the band was just getting started. John's mother was killed in a car accident.

Bono and Larry Mullen Jr. tragically lost their mothers in their teenage years. Larry's mother was killed in a car accident.

~~~~ Paul McCartney has been married twice, producing four daughters and one son. John Lennon shared a birthday with his son Sean.

The Edge has been married twice, producing four daughters and one son.

Bono shares a birthday with his daughter Jordan. The articles goes on to compare them politically, lyrically, religiously, their quotable frontmen, etc. etc.


Here it is

Hey Jude - Fact or Fiction?

I've heard it said that Paul wrote this song for Julian Lennon after the divorce of his parents and the arrival of Yoko into is dad's life. The original name was "Hey Jules". Its also said that John resented this song because he saw it as a veiled statement that Paul was ready to split the Band because of issues he had with John.

Here's a video of the song. I will admit, I love/loved John and for some reason, Paul has always bugged me. I know that's ridiculous, but its true. John and George were the ones I admired, Ringo is a likeable bloke, but Paul...I never saw what the big deal was (other than the brilliant collaborations he did with John). Like it or not, they were a good team.

I know women STILL scream about how "cute" Paul is with his puppy-dog eyes and charm, but give me a long-haired, bespectacled guy with an orange bow-tie any day :)

Does anyone know the true facts on "Hey Jude"?

New Blog To Check Out!

Just noticed a new blog co-written by three cool guys (they're cool cause they read my blog...jk!)

Its called "Whole Lot of Album Covers" which is a topic I love. I miss the days of albums. Sure the sound quality and convenience of today's music can't be beat, but there was nothing like buying a new album...

Taking off the cellophane cover and first examing the artwork on the front...then turning it over and reading every word on the back. If you were lucky if opened up and there was more to look at inside. Sometime the lyrics were printed on the inside covers or even on the sleeve. It was like getting music, art and poetry all in one. Ahhhhhhhhhh

Anyhow...Go Check Them Out:

"Whole Lotta Album Covers"

Albums from 1975

Ok, moving ahead 5 years from the last post (20 favorite songs from 1970) we enter into 1975. Not a good year for me personally, my father was very ill that year and died right before Christmas. So - my music listening that year was limited to all my old stuff plus a few new albums that I listened to over and over.

Instead of listing songs from that year, I will list some albums and please leave a comment with your favorite albums from 1975.

1. Wish You Were Here. Pink Floyd (best song: ALL).

2. Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen (best songs: ALL but if I have to pick I'd take "She's the One"

3. Physical Graffiti, Led Zeppelin (best song: "In the Light")

4. Blood on the Tracks, Bob Dylan (best song: "Shelter from the Storm)

5. Young Americans, David Bowie (best song: Young American)

6. Toys in the Attic, Aerosmith (best songs: Sweet Emotions, You See Me Crying)

7. Beautiful Loser, Bob Seeger (best songs: Beautiful Loser, Traveling Man)

8. Chicago VIII, Chicago (best songs: Never Been in Love Before, Any Way You Want It)

9. Fool for the City, Foghat (best songs: Slow Ride, Fool for the City)

10. There is no number ten!

I AM GOING!

Thanks to some of the encouraging comments I received about the Roger Waters concert, I have decided to use my ticket and have a great time!

I invited someone, but if for some reason they aren't able to go, I can always take my sister or any of you who want to fly out here. Great seats!

Here is a list of the other bands that will be playing in my local area (within 20 mins of my house!) this summer. Tell me which ones you would like to see (or which you would not want to see if that list is shorter - it is for me!)

Blue October/Plain White T’s

Bob Dylan

Daughtry

Dave Mathews

Def Leppard

Earth Wind and Fire

Gwen Stefani

Heart/The Bangles

Kenny Loggins/Dave Mason

Leann Rhymes

Lynard Skynard/Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Marilyn Manson

Martina McBride/Little Big Town

Psychedelic Furs/The Fixx

Roger Waters

Rush

Tears for Fears/Gary Jules

Willy Nelson

Ziggy Marley/Donavon Frankenreiter

Sacha Baron Cohen as Freddie Mercury

It's official, he will play the role! I think its a great choice, I just hope Freddie's is portrayed well and he gets the honor and respect he deserves when the film comes out!

20 Best Songs of 1970

Typically I only post when I am in the mood or something newsworthy happens, but I am going to try something some of you do and have a theme that I do once a week (for awhile).

So this is the first installment of:

My Favorite Songs From ________

I will start with 1970 go chronologically through 1980.
It's incredibly difficult to pick only ten top songs from a decade, so I picked 20.
Please feel free to leave SOME or ALL of your faves from 1970 in the comments.

(yes I know, many of you were not even born yet (Jeff), but I know you still appreciate the tunes). there's a video at the bottom of this list - I listened to his all records over and over till they wore out.

These are not in any order, just how I thought of them:

1. Layla Derek And The Dominos

2. Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon and Garfunkel

3. Let It Be Beatles

4. Lola Kinks

5. All Right Now Free

6. Black Magic Woman Santana

7. Maybe I'm Amazed Paul McCartney

8. American Woman Guess Who

9. The Long and Winding Road Beatles

10. Have You Ever Seen the Rain CCR

11. Moondance Van Morrison

12. Truckin' Grateful Dead

13. Roadhouse Blues Doors

14. If You Could Read My Mind Gordon Lightfoot

15. Immigrant Song Led Zeppelin

16. Lucky Man Emerson, Lake and Palmer

17. Wild World Cat Stevens

18. What Is Life George Harrison

19. After Midnight Eric Clapton

20. Green-Eyed Lady Sugarloaf

Snakes and Arrows

I like Rush, I really do - they are not my VERY favorite so I did not rush out and buy the new CD (no pun intended). I know a lot of Bloggers who are going to be reviewing the new CD so I thought I 'd list them all here so you can easily find the various reviews. I'll give them all a few days to get their posts up :)



I plan on purchasing it Monday (pay day).

If you have done a review on "Snakes and Arrows" let me know!

Jeff Buckley - New Release

Its sad that Jeff died at such a young age, he was full of passion and talent. I just heard that there is a new release coming out this month:

So Real: Songs From Jeff Buckley

"...On May 22, 2007, one week prior to the 10^th anniversary of that date, SO REAL: SONGS FROM JEFF BUCKLEY the first official anthology of his work (including two previously unreleased performances) – “the closest Jeff Buckley – singer, songwriter, guitarist, seeker – ever comes to having his own greatest-hits record,”

- David Fricke, Rolling Stone

Second thoughts on Roger Waters...

I am struggling over this decision. I bought 2 tickets to see Roger this summer, paid $300. Don't have anyone to go with. So, it was either invite someone and pay for both or sell one and go alone.

Then I decided to just not go and sell them both. I have a buyer...but do I really want to miss this show? Surely I can find someone to go with me. I do have friends, just not the kind with good taste in music. UGH! Why don't any of you live close by!?!?

I need to decide soon. What should I do?

Genesis - Music Giveaway

This is cool, I was asked which of the following CD/DVDs I would like to receive to give away to my blog readers. I hope they send me some so I can pass them on to you! I just wrote about Genesis the other day. Anyone going to see them tour this summer??? I haven't decided yet, but financially speaking, probably not.

Rhino Entertainment is excited to announce the release of the 6-CD/6-DVD Genesis box set, Genesis 1976-1982, as well as the release of all 5 individual remastered and expanded albums included in the boxed set, Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, And Then There Were Three, Duke and Abacab on May 15^th.