A Lad Insane

I was in the mood for some Bowie tonight.  Its amazing how much music he's produced over the years.  This will always be one of my favorites.  It was the first album that came out AFTER he became well known, it followed Ziggy, and that was a very hard act to follow.  Here is what David had to say about Aladdin Sane:

"Bowie himself described Aladdin Sane as simply "Ziggy goes to America", most of the tracks being observations he composed on the road during his 1972 U.S. tour – the reason for the place names following each song title on the original record sleeve.  Biographer Christopher Sandford believed the album showed that Bowie "was simultaneously appalled and fixated by America".

Do you like David Bowie?  Which songs/albums/era?

Michael Hutchence

Watching an old doc. on INXS and appreciating all that he was:

Passionate
Intense
Engaging
Beautiful
Sensual
Sweet
Sexy as hell
Talented

What doesn't show is the depression, the angst, the torment.

About 6 years ago I met someone who knew Michael for a very short time when he was assigned to do an exclusive interview.  He was a journalist from London, his name is Ian _____. (I can look it up if anyone wants proof that this is not bullshit, but I can't think of his last name at the moment).

Ian told me that he was backstage at a few concerts and has spent time with Michael and his father.

After Michael's death his father was going through his belongings and came across his journals.  He immediately called Ian, he wanted him to be the one to see them.  Ian told me he didn't want to share specifics but that Michael was very depressed for a long time.  His writing was so dark and hopeless.

In a way it made me feel better knowing for sure that his death was his choice, not an accident and not a murder.  But the bottom line is - - - he's gone.  And in spite of what his bandmates thought - there is not replacing him, he WAS the band.  INXS was just another band without him.

Depression is everywhere.  Its affecting several people that are close to me....including my son and myself.

What Should I Listen To?

I'm feeling really "blah" and fighting the blues big time (mental, not rhythm and blues).

What should I listen to to inspire me to carry on even when so much around me is seemingly hopeless?

TONIGHT ONLY! Springsteen on Jimmy Fallon (plus a sad personal announcement)

Today marks the release of "The Promise" DVD Box set is released.  I wrote about it in detail HERE.

"Springsteen is the only guest booked for the hour, and the appearance will mark his only performance to promote the Darkness On The Edge of Town box set. There's no word on what he's going to perform, but it'll likely be at least two songs — and possibly even more to be posted on Fallon's website."

More details can be found at Rolling Stone.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:


Its with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of very close friend of mine, Gary Means.  Gary had a heart of gold - but sadly that heart suddenly gave out on him over the weekend.  I mention Gary here because he made the banner for this blog and for "Gone But Not Forgotten" (as a gift for me to make me smile...I think I screamed in joy when I saw them!)

I will miss Gary more than words can say.  He was the big brother I never had.  He touched so many lives with his generosity, wisdom and humor.  Gary leaves behind a wife and two college age sons.

He would enjoy being on the same post as Springsteen because he loved to tease me about my passion for Bruce.  So Gary, this one's for you:

Velvet Revolver Fans: Free DVD!

UPDATE:  One of my blog friends has asked for this DVD so I am giving it to her.  But keep your eyes open, I will be giving away a Rolling Stones DVD next week!


I've been given a copy of brand new DVD, "Velvet Revolver Live in Houston".  I am not a huge VR fan so I am giving this DVD away to someone who will agree to review it on their blog (or I can put it here if you don't have a blog).

So let me know if you're interested and I'll pick a name out of a hat for the "winner".  Should I use this hat?

Happy Birthday, Greg Lake

Greg has been in two very classic rock bands, King Crimson and Emmerson, Lake and Palmer, as well as having a solo career.  In addition to being a great bass player, I believe Greg has one of the sexiest voices ever.  Could listen to him all day, all night.

This is kinda funny - back in Sept. '07 I listed him as one of my top five favorite voices in rock!  If you read my blog back then you may have left a comment, it was a popular post.  If not, why not answer now:  Check it out here.

Also asked the same question in August of '08 and my answers changed a bit but Greg was still in the top five.  Check it out here.

WHO ARE YOUR TOP FIVE FAVORITE VOICES IN ROCK AND ROLL?

On a personal note, ELP was one of the first concerts I saw back in my high school days.  (I can still see myself sitting next to Brad C. in his little VW Bug with surf photos laminated all over the dash, I think there may have been some "reefer" involved!  Was it really that long ago?)

Derek & The Dominos 40th Anniversary Release Planned

Layla re-released?

Its interesting to me that so many older bands re-release their music these days. What do you think of that?

KSWD 100.3 The Sound - All About The Music - Derek & The Dominos 40th Anniversary Release Planned

Peace, Hope and Love,Barbara

Invasion of the 80's Bands

I read on one of my favorite blogs, Isorski's Musings, that The Cars are in the recording studio after a 23 year break.  Hmmm.  I don't know how I feel about that since my favorite "Car" was Benjamin Orr so it won't be the same without him.

Can The Cars be labeled rock and roll?  Its a subjective topic placing music in specific genres.  But I have to say, even though rock and roll was invaded by New Wave, Pop, Arena Rock, Hair Metal and DISCO in the 80's - there sure was a lot of fun music to dance and party to!

It may taint my image as a die hard 70's rock chick to admit this, but in the 80's I also loved listening to:

Blondie

Culture Club

Depeche Mode 

Diana Ross 

Duran Duran 

Elvis Costello 

Erasure 

Eurythmics

Hall & Oates

Human League

Janet Jackson

Madonna 

Michael Jackson 

Paula Abdul 

Paul Simon

Phil Collins 

Pixies

Prince 

R.E.M 

Roxy Music 

Simple Minds

Simply Red

Spandau Ballet

Talking Heads

The Bangles 

The Cure 

The Fixx

The Stray Cats

Thompson Twins

Thankfully Seano doesn't read hear anymore he may disown me as a friend. I may have lost a lot of credibility admitting to a few of these - but honesty is the only way I roll. Even though its often very embarrassing.

What about you? Guilty pleasures of the 80's

New Elvis!

"Elvis Costello’s new album National Ransom in on sale at Amazon MP3 for $3.99. He is a classic song-writer/lyricist  and this album spans his musical canon from brit-punk, a little twang, to slow jazzy jangles."

Elvis Costello’s National Ransom

Amazon Daily Deal

$3.99 on Amazon MP3