African U2 Covers Album To Be Released Tomorrow!
March 31, 2008
Fun Blog Post Alert:
David Amulet has a fun "name the song by three words in the lyrics" post on his blog today.
Great era of songs :)
Great era of songs :)
March 30, 2008
If you look at the comments from yesterday my friend Erin pointed out that she bought a t-shirt that said this and thought of me. I love the fact that she "gets it" about music. I know many of you do also.
I am frustrated this evening because its not always easy having a passion that is misunderstood. The fact that I love music is often the source of teasing and jokes where I work. I try my best to not even bring it up in front of them anymore.
You know when you hear a song - lyrics and/or music - and you can FEEL it, it MOVES you inside (and maybe outside too) and you just feel more alive, during that song you are not wherever you are, you are "in" the music? Well apparently not everyone feels that way.
If you were to ask me what's more important to me: lyrics or music. I can't say. Sometimes it takes no words to convey a message, the instruments create a mood that says it all. Sometimes the music is just a means for the words to be heard. Most of the time (for me) its the combination of both so closely woven together that they one.
Sometimes when I listen to music I just hurt.
Sigh.
I hurt tonight. I am listening to U2 and wishing people gave a shit about other people. I wish war was non-existent. I wish poverty wasn't a death warrant if you were born on the wrong continent. I wish we would judge either on our character not our looks, or religion, or social status or ethnicity.
And I don't mind admitting that I am lonely. I wish I had a boyfriend other than music. But at least music will always be here for me.
----------------
Now playing: U2 - Grace
via FoxyTunes
March 29, 2008
Rock and Roll Over
I've never been a HUGE fan of KISS, but I wore out my copy of this album. I remember buying it at Tower Records when I was 16 years old.
I've heard for years what a great show they used to put on live and am actually watching one right now on VHI Classics. I really can't handle Gene Simmons. Yuk. But the rest of them are fun to watch.
My sister saw them open for Ozzy back in the 80's and she was FRONT ROW and under the influence of drugs. She had a great time.
I think the whole make-up and costume thing was a genius idea because they'd probably be just another mediocre band that no one heard of if it weren't for that.
correction: I told my sister I posted this and she corrected me. It was Motley Crue opening for KISS, she saw Ozzy at the US Festival on a different occasion.
So three questions:
Do you ever watch VHI Classic Concerts?
What do you think of KISS?
Did you do drugs when you were in your teens/20's?
What do you think of KISS?
Did you do drugs when you were in your teens/20's?
March 28, 2008
Friday = F-Day
Help me think of songs that start with the letter "F"
Here's what we have so far, thanks for adding to it! I think I will highlight my favorites.
Help me think of songs that start with the letter "F"
(I moved our loooong list to the comments!)
Here's what we have so far, thanks for adding to it! I think I will highlight my favorites.
Help me think of songs that start with the letter "F"
(I moved our loooong list to the comments!)
March 26, 2008
Talented Guitarist reviews a Talented Guitarist
Here is a must read post about an overlooked guitar player, Paul Kossoff. I am going to add him to "Gone But Not Forgotten".
I also noticed while reading "The Six Strings" that the anniversary of Randy Rhoades death was earlier this week.
I also noticed while reading "The Six Strings" that the anniversary of Randy Rhoades death was earlier this week.
March 25, 2008
Happy Birthday Elton John
Elton turns 61 years old today.
Do you consider Elton John to be "Classic Rock"?
One of my most basic definitions of classic rock (I have serveral) is:
If they play it on KLOS its classic rock.
What is your favorite(s) Elton John song?
Mine are:
Madman Across the Water
Razorface
and
Saturday Night's Alright
March 24, 2008
Bruce gave a poor performance?
I just got done reading Pete's post.
It's a bit upsetting and I am trying not to worry about Bruce.
I know he would not intentionally go on stage and not give it his all...he never has before. Something must be wrong.
So to all the critics who love to point out the negative I say: Give the guy a break. Bruce is human and if one out of hundreds of performances is not incredible, there is obviously a reason for it.
Yet, on the other hand - if I were in the audience I would have been disappointed too. I heard that first-timers didn't even know the difference, so that's comforting. Its the old time fans that seem to be complaining. To them I say: Be thankful for all the excellent shows and be forgiving one that wasn't as good as you would have liked it to be.
March 23, 2008
Genesis - The Original Line-Up
David Amulet has a good post today, check it out here.
Who is your favorite from the originial line-up of this band? For some reason I've always liked Mike Rutheford and one of my favorite songs of all time is by Mike and The Mechanics. In case you are familiar with it, its not the lyrics that intrigue me, its the music (I am not that kind of girl)
March 21, 2008
March 19, 2008
Top 20 Record Company Screw-Ups
I found this list on Blender.com via NPR, here are the ones that stood out to me, to see all 20 check out the link:
http://www.blender.com/20BiggestRecordCompanyScrewUps/articles/18696.aspx
Something’s Happening, But You Don’t Know What It Is
#7 Music publisher gives away Bob Dylan
In the early 1960s Leeds/Duchess was a legendary music-publishing company but far from the hippest: It knew Tin Pan Alley but couldn’t find a Greenwich Village coffeehouse with a compass. Yet when Columbia signed Bob Dylan in 1961, they steered him to Leeds, where he happily signed a publishing deal with a $1,000 advance. The following year, Dylan’s new manager, Albert Grossman, got out of the deal with the disinterested publisher simply by repaying the $1,000. Dylan’s new publisher, the savvier M. Witmark & Sons, received 237 songs—many of them future standards worth tens of millions of dollars—in just the first three years.
Unintended consequence The receptionists at Leeds/Duchess never have to field calls asking what “All Along the Watchtower” is really about.
Detroit At a Discount
#3 Motown sells for a pittance
In 1988 Berry Gordy Jr., reportedly losing millions of dollars on the label he had founded decades earlier, sold Motown and its incomparable back catalogue to MCA and investment company Boston Ventures for $60 million. How bad was that price? The next year, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss sold their A&M Records to PolyGram for roughly $500 million. In 1990, David Geffen got about $700 million for Geffen Records and in ’92, Richard Branson unloaded Virgin Records to EMI for $960 million. And five years after buying Motown, Boston Ventures cashed out, selling the label to PolyGram for $325 million—a return of more than 500 percent.
Unintended consequence The Motown Atlantic airline, and Berry’s career as a trans-global balloonist, have yet to materialize.
Tomorrow Never Knows
#2 Decca Records A&R exec tells Fab Four, “No, thanks”
Dick Rowe was not the only record-label executive who passed on the Beatles in the early ’60s, but he was the only one who brushed off their manager, Brian Epstein, with the astute prediction that: “Groups with guitars are on their way out.” Epstein begged Rowe to reconsider, so Rowe hopped a train to Liverpool to check out the band live. When he arrived at the Cavern, he found a mob of kids trying to force their way into the club in the pouring rain. Annoyed, he smoked a cigarette, went home and signed Brian Poole and the Tremeloes instead.
Unintended consequence The Monkees
THE BIGGEST RECORD-COMPANY SCREWUP OF ALL TIME
#1 Major labels squash Napster
Shawn Fanning’s file-sharing service attracted tens of millions of users, but instead of trying to find a way to capitalize on it, the Recording Industry Association of America rejected Napster’s billion-dollar settlement offer and sued it out of existence in 2001. Napster’s users didn’t just disappear. They scattered to hundreds of alternative systems—and new technology has stayed three steps ahead of the music business ever since. The labels’ campaign to stop their music from being acquired for free across the Internet has been like trying to cork a hurricane—upward of a billion files are swapped every month on peer-to-peer networks. Since Napster closed, “there’s been no decline in the rate of online piracy,” says Eric Garland of media analysts BigChampagne, who logged users of son-of-Napster peer-to-peer networks more than doubling between 2002 and 2007. And that figure doubles again if you count BitTorrent.
Unintended consequence Your grandmother deciding to trade up from that dial-up connection
http://www.blender.com/20BiggestRecordCompanyScrewUps/articles/18696.aspx
Something’s Happening, But You Don’t Know What It Is
#7 Music publisher gives away Bob Dylan
In the early 1960s Leeds/Duchess was a legendary music-publishing company but far from the hippest: It knew Tin Pan Alley but couldn’t find a Greenwich Village coffeehouse with a compass. Yet when Columbia signed Bob Dylan in 1961, they steered him to Leeds, where he happily signed a publishing deal with a $1,000 advance. The following year, Dylan’s new manager, Albert Grossman, got out of the deal with the disinterested publisher simply by repaying the $1,000. Dylan’s new publisher, the savvier M. Witmark & Sons, received 237 songs—many of them future standards worth tens of millions of dollars—in just the first three years.
Unintended consequence The receptionists at Leeds/Duchess never have to field calls asking what “All Along the Watchtower” is really about.
Detroit At a Discount
#3 Motown sells for a pittance
In 1988 Berry Gordy Jr., reportedly losing millions of dollars on the label he had founded decades earlier, sold Motown and its incomparable back catalogue to MCA and investment company Boston Ventures for $60 million. How bad was that price? The next year, Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss sold their A&M Records to PolyGram for roughly $500 million. In 1990, David Geffen got about $700 million for Geffen Records and in ’92, Richard Branson unloaded Virgin Records to EMI for $960 million. And five years after buying Motown, Boston Ventures cashed out, selling the label to PolyGram for $325 million—a return of more than 500 percent.
Unintended consequence The Motown Atlantic airline, and Berry’s career as a trans-global balloonist, have yet to materialize.
Tomorrow Never Knows
#2 Decca Records A&R exec tells Fab Four, “No, thanks”
Dick Rowe was not the only record-label executive who passed on the Beatles in the early ’60s, but he was the only one who brushed off their manager, Brian Epstein, with the astute prediction that: “Groups with guitars are on their way out.” Epstein begged Rowe to reconsider, so Rowe hopped a train to Liverpool to check out the band live. When he arrived at the Cavern, he found a mob of kids trying to force their way into the club in the pouring rain. Annoyed, he smoked a cigarette, went home and signed Brian Poole and the Tremeloes instead.
Unintended consequence The Monkees
THE BIGGEST RECORD-COMPANY SCREWUP OF ALL TIME
#1 Major labels squash Napster
Shawn Fanning’s file-sharing service attracted tens of millions of users, but instead of trying to find a way to capitalize on it, the Recording Industry Association of America rejected Napster’s billion-dollar settlement offer and sued it out of existence in 2001. Napster’s users didn’t just disappear. They scattered to hundreds of alternative systems—and new technology has stayed three steps ahead of the music business ever since. The labels’ campaign to stop their music from being acquired for free across the Internet has been like trying to cork a hurricane—upward of a billion files are swapped every month on peer-to-peer networks. Since Napster closed, “there’s been no decline in the rate of online piracy,” says Eric Garland of media analysts BigChampagne, who logged users of son-of-Napster peer-to-peer networks more than doubling between 2002 and 2007. And that figure doubles again if you count BitTorrent.
Unintended consequence Your grandmother deciding to trade up from that dial-up connection
March 18, 2008
How Rumors Get Started....
I read this over on a blog that I just love, "Real Rock News":
"Duff McKagan, bass player for Velvet Revolver is saying that they are in line to be the supporting act in the event of a Led Zeppelin tour. There was no word on why McKagan would say something like that and he did not offer any kind of explanation."
Dude, this is rad. (I don't know where that came from....I don't typically talk like that but ... sometimes it slips out....)
Anyhow, this could be a RUMOR but I like to think of it as HOPE that maybe
I will get to see Led Zeppelin (with Jason Bohnam.....) someday
"Duff McKagan, bass player for Velvet Revolver is saying that they are in line to be the supporting act in the event of a Led Zeppelin tour. There was no word on why McKagan would say something like that and he did not offer any kind of explanation."
Dude, this is rad. (I don't know where that came from....I don't typically talk like that but ... sometimes it slips out....)
Anyhow, this could be a RUMOR but I like to think of it as HOPE that maybe
JUST MAYBE
I will get to see Led Zeppelin (with Jason Bohnam.....) someday
March 16, 2008
2 weeks from tomorrow:
2007, Los Angeles, CA:
This man is 58 years old. I've been watching him do this live since 1981. He has not lost an ounce of passion for the music or an ounce of appreciation for his audience.
He has lost very little, if ANY, energy, and aged gracefully.
People either "get it" or they don't about Bruce. Those of us who "get it" are often asked by well meaning and sincere friends "what is it about him exactly???" All I can say is now you can read it in this book, "For You" by Lawrence Kirsch, and look for my entry on page 137. Here's what I wrote:
This man is 58 years old. I've been watching him do this live since 1981. He has not lost an ounce of passion for the music or an ounce of appreciation for his audience.
He has lost very little, if ANY, energy, and aged gracefully.
People either "get it" or they don't about Bruce. Those of us who "get it" are often asked by well meaning and sincere friends "what is it about him exactly???" All I can say is now you can read it in this book, "For You" by Lawrence Kirsch, and look for my entry on page 137. Here's what I wrote:
Bruce Springsteen is known for many things -
- his music
- putting on three-hour concerts full of energy, passion, and fun
- appreciation of his fans
- his patriotism
- integrity in his personal life
- his political beliefs
- generosity
- anti-war views
Although Bruce is often referred to as a "rock star" the label just doesn't fit him. He's a poet, a writer, a performer, a musician, but not a rock star - he rises above that stereotype.
Bruce is known for having some of the most loyal fans in rock and roll history (maybe THE most loyal fans). He has our respect because he remains true to the music, he's willing to take risks and make music he likes regardless of the commercial popularity, he doesn't compromise.
Simply put, his fans love him. We're young, old, male, female, and can be found not only in the USA, but in Canada, Europe, South America (probably even Australia!). He never disappoints any of us and our loyalty is solid. Many of us feel that we know Bruce personally because he's written the soundtracks to our lives, and because he has proved over and over that if he had the time, he'd sit down and talk to any one of us.
You won't see a light show or a fancy stage production at a Springsteen concert, what you'll see, hear and feel is pure rock and roll. The band gives their hearts and souls to every show as if it were the most important one they'll ever do.
Looking out over the audience you can pick out the longtime fans from the newbies. We're the ones in well-worn Springsteen t-shirts from tours gone by. We're the ones who know every word to every song. We're the ones who can't possibly sit down for a song unless its a ballad. We know when to lift our first in unison during certain songs and when we're expected to carry the chorus for Bruce. We may even shed a tear during "If I Should Fall Behind" or "Empty Sky".
Each of the 16**times I've seen Bruce, its been a magical night of music followed by post-concert blues. But he always comes around again, and I will always be there...in my old concert t-shirt, singing along and smiling till my face hurts.
March 13, 2008
It Wasn't Me!
There's a rumor going around that I am the woman who stabbed her boyfriend to death for not letting her listen to Springsteen....I just wanted to confirm that was NOT me :)
March 11, 2008
British Rock
One of my “music buddies”, Darrin, often shares new music with me because we have similar tastes. But not all our tastes are the same! He recently wrote about British Rock and I thought I’d share his thoughts and then add my opinion. I’d love to hear your views of these bands too!
The Beatles
Darrin: They're the standard bearers. They took what they heard coming from across the pond, put their own stamp on it, perfected it, made it their own and became not only musical but also cultural icons. Their influence is undeniable.
Me: Ditto
Rolling Stones
Darrin: While appreciate the influence they've had on other bands, I've never really understood their appeal. I only own one of their albums (Beggars Banquet) and I do appreciate many of their singles, but all in all I think this is a band that for a long time has simply been famous for being famous, not because they're still actually any good-- seeing the Stones live today is kind of like seeing Sinatra long after he'd lost his singing voice-- bragging rights and nothing more.
Me: The Rolling Stones were one of my favorites when I was a teen. If you listen to the deeper cuts on some of the old stuff you will hear great blues music. I still love all their music from “Beggar’s Banquet” to “Tattoo You”. After that they lost my interest. I think Mick Jagger is a great entertainer and love watching him no matter how old he is.
The Who
Darrin: I consider The Who's Next to be one of the greatest classic rock albums ever. I find it superior to Tommy, Quadrophenia, and just about everything else they ever recorded. It IS a masterpiece! I find these guys to be more talented than Led Zeppelin ever was.
Me: I agree about “Who’s Next”, excellent album and I saw them perform it live when it came out – one of the best shows ever. I don’t think they are more talented than Zeppelin. Since we are comparing the two I’d like to say that it was sad to see how easily The Who replaced Keith Moon after his death compared to Zeppelin who disbanded recognizing that one fourth of their band was gone. I think that showed a lot of respect for John Bonham and a lot of class for them as a band.
Led Zeppelin
Darrin: It often gets glossed over that Page & Plant were largely musical plagiarists. They were talented musicians, but much of their songwriting comprised of filching styles and even material from others-- sometimes giving credit where it was due-- sometimes not. The intro to Stairway to Heaven, for example, was taken from an instrumental piece by Spirit titled Taurus. I appreciate the impact these guys had on music and their musicianship but they lose boku points with me for their plagiarist tendencies.
Me: (It’s a good think I like Darrin so much – or his comments would tick me off!) I DISAGREE totally about Led Zeppelin. I don’t think they were plagiarists because all musicians are influenced by others. They took what they liked about other music and made it their own. I think they are the greatest rock band of all time because of their talent, their incredible ability to write moving music/lyrics, their presence on stage, and their great hair. (just kidding about the hair).
Me: DITTO!!
Pink Floyd
Darrin – The best British psychedelic band, arguably the best psychedelic band bar none when they started out. After the departure of the enigmatic and troubled Syd Barrett, their material grew much stronger and quite a bit more ambient. The partnership of David Gilmour and Roger Waters produced far stronger material than that of the troubled Barrett. However, given that much of their later material was done as a tribute to or in honor of Barrett, it could be argued that he remained a member of the band long after he left it.
Me: DITTO!
David Bowie
Darrin left him off his list! I guess that pretty much gives his opinion of the fabulous Mr. Bowie. I LOVE David Bowie and have enjoyed watching his metamorphosis over the years, he was never afraid to be different and experiment. I first saw him live back in the late 70’s and could not believe my eyes when Ziggy Stardust emerged on stage. I’ve seen him several times since then, the last being after Heathen was releases. He’s high on my list of great music.
March 10, 2008
March 7, 2008
The next best thing to do on a Friday night....
Since I can't be doing what I really want to be doing, I am watching Led Zeppelin on VH1 Classics while chatting with a good friend who loves music as passionately as I do. Damn. Can I just say anyone who does not find LZ extremely sensual has never really watched them with all their senses.
I am officially depressed and lonely.
March 6, 2008
The Doors Movie
Was just flipping around TV channels and landed on Val Kilmer's excellent portrayal of Jim Morrison.
Say what you want about the film - some say it was great, some say cheesy. I love it but its very sad. I "discovered" Jim Morrison and the Doors when I was 12 years old. Jim had been dead for a year at that time but it didn't matter. I was hooked. I listened to all their music and learned as much as I could about him (no easy feat before the days of the internet...I went to the library!).
Back in those days we didn't have portable music like Walkman's or iPods, but that didn't stop me from "listening" to music when I wanted to. I had the ability to hear whatever song I wanted and play it in my head. One day I was riding my bike listening to "Rider's on the Storm" and got so lost in it that I fell over and broke my arm. True story. Embarrassing, but true :)
Anyhow....just had to share the memory.
March 3, 2008
March 1, 2008
David Lee Roth - Raw
I wonder if I will get any hits related to the title of this post :)
You have to take a quick listen to these raw vocals of David Lee Roth recorded in '77 when they were putting down the tracks for "Runnin With the Devil". Its the first time I saw this site and will have to explore it further...
Thanks to Isorki's Musings for pointing this out! It's funny but impressive, no matter what you have to say about DLR, he's definitely can sing and scream well.
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