Layla's Classic Rock

New Bruce

2012-01-19T09:09:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T09:24:00.001-08:00

Freddie, You Are Missed

2011-11-24T12:44:00.001-08:00

20 years ago today, we lost him. There will never be another Freddie Mercury.

I really needed some good news today

2011-11-21T07:23:00.001-08:00

Springsteen announces 1st European concert dates; also touring US with E Street Band in 2012

WILLIAM PERLMAN/SL - Bruce Springsteen along with his band Nils Lofgren, Clarence Clemmons, Max Weinberg on drums Steven Van Zandt Patty Scialfa and Gary Talent during The Rising at the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Bands final show at Shea Stadium on 10/4/2003.

NEW YORK — Bruce Springsteen has announced the first dates for his European tour with the E Street Band.

They’ll play four shows in England next summer.

The dates are June 21 in Sunderland; June 22 in Manchester; June 24 at the Isle of Wight festival; and July 14 at Hard Rock Calling in London.

The European shows will run from mid-May through the end of July.

They’ll also be touring in the United States. That information will be released down the road.

This will be the first tour for the E Street Band since saxophonist Clarence Clemons died in June from complications of a stroke.

Springsteen’s last tour was the “Working on a Dream” tour, which ended in 2009.

(thank you to Lawrence Kirsch who shared this on FB)

Bob Seger, Sting, Guns N Roses Tickets Available

2011-10-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hey, three Awesome shows are coming up. I NEED to get Bob Seger tickets, he's one of the few I missed back in the day. Great tickets at great prices are available through Ticket Liquidator for Sting concerts and the Guns N' Roses tour

too!

Concert Q & A

2011-10-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was driving to work this morning rocking out to the radio and had several flashback memories of some great concert experiences. So I decided to share them with you in hopes that you will share some with me! These are really hard to answer

Most memorable concert moment: It was "The Rising Tour" which occurred shortly after 9/11. Bruce asked for total silence in the audience, and when he had all 20,000 of us paying full attention he played "Empty Sky". The whole night was a combination of a good time and sad time mixed together. Very unique atmosphere.

Least favorable concert: George Michael. Not because he wasn't good, but because every female (other than me) in the audience was screaming at the top of their lungs the whole time and I couldn't even hear the music. I wanted to leave but was there for a friend so I stuck it out.

Who puts on the best show: If you know me at all, you already know my answer :) Bruce, of course!

Concert I wish I could have seen: The Doors, I was born ten years too late; and Queen. I don't know how I missed them out of the hundreds of bands I've seen, but I did :(

Best concert I never saw: Led Zeppelin, I still have my two tickets and have never totally forgiven Jon Van B.

Biggest outdoor concert: Cal Jam II

Smallest inside venue: The Quiet Woman restaurant in Laguna Beach (about 50 - 75 people), Kenny Loggins dropped by and put on a show for some locals, so fun!

Best seats at a concert: Front Row at VAN HALEN in '81, omg - talk about amazing, Eddie is one of my top 5 guitarists

Loudest concert: Ted Nugent, love him or hate him - he's very entertaining

Most mind blowing concert: Pink Floyd! (i was 17, under the influence of LSD & red wine for the occasion and it truly was an incredible night under the stars, i was fearless back then)

Worst concert experience: Losing my sister for several hours at an all day concert featuring the Rolling Stones. I was frantic to find her and finally, right before the Stones came on, there she was.

Most frightening moment at a concert: Same Stones concert as above. I was near the front, the crowd rushed and literally lifted me off my feet, I was screaming because I was being crushed and no one cared. Then this big, strong "angel" came out of nowhere (picture Clarence Clemons), lifted me up and out of the crowd (I was only about 125 lbs back in the day!). After he put me down and I thanked him I looked back again and he was GONE.

Best concert experience: Impossible to narrow it down. I will say I got a thrill when David Bowie smiled at me.

Artist seen the most times: Again, if you know me.....Bruce (23? 24? lost track)

Most embarrassing concert moment: Falling asleep at Pat Benatar. I was bored after sitting through Quarterflash and Night Ranger (no offense to either band).

Funnest concert moment: Had to be during Bruce, but there are so many fun moments in all his concerts, hard to pick just one.

Best "goosebumps" moment: U2, "Vertigo Tour", when Bono was talking about co-existing and loving our neighbor, and peace, etc. then started playing "One" the young man next to me held my hand for a moment (he was Middle Eastern) and we both had tears in our eyes.

Concert I regret: Def Lepard, only because it was stupid of me to go with the person I went with - we got there late and had crappy seats.

Best concert of all time: Michael Jackson. It was the "Bad" tour and Michael was at his peak in every way. I know this sounds corny, but I truly did feel like I was in the presence of someone very special. The energy of his hardcore fans infused everyone else that was there and the THINGS HE DID on that stage were literally magical (he'd walk up a set of stairs, disappear in a puff of smoke then be back on the opposite side of the stage in a different outfit in a matter of seconds, like 5 seconds or less). His DANCE MOVES, the way he held the audience captive. His humility. It was an experience I'll cherish forever. RIP MJ. (again, love him or hate him, he was one of the best, if not the best, entertainers of our time).
http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/2008/05/one-i-missed.html

Phil Collins' Hello, I Must Be Going! and Bachman-Turner Overdrive's Not Fragile

2011-10-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

AUDIO FIDELITY SETS TWO CLASSICS FOR 24-KARAT GOLD REISSUE

TREATMENT FOR OCTOBER

Phil Collins' Hello, I Must Be Going! and Bachman-Turner Overdrive's Not Fragile To Be Set for Release on October 18

The latest entries in Audio Fidelity's series of high-end reissues of classic albums arrive on October 18 when the label delivers 24-Karat Gold CDs of two era-defining sets. Phil Collins' 1982 HELLO, I MUST BE GOING! and Bachman-Turner Overdrive's 1974 album NOT FRAGILE will be available-at both online and at traditional retailers-as numbered, limited-edition discs that will be retired after each title's initial run has sold out.

Phil Collins released HELLO, I MUST BE GOING!, his second solo album after vacating the drum-and-vocals chair in Genesis in November of 1982. The album's set, in particular his Top 10 remake of the Supremes' "You Can't Hurry Love," was a defining record of its time, displaying New Wave's influence and the heavily reverbed drum sound of the era. In addition to "You Can't Hurry Love," the album contained the Top 40 single "I Don't Care Anymore" and found Collins working in a striking assortment of styles: R&B/dance in "It Don't Matter to Me," effervescent pop in "Like China" and touching ballads ("Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning" and "Thru These Walls").

HELLO, I MUST BE GOING! (its title taken from the tune of the same name by the Marx Brothers) preceded Collins' later-'80s breakthrough with the chart-topper No Jacket Required (already available on 24-Karat Gold format from Audio Fidelity).HELLO had a dazzling run of its own, remaining on Billboard's chart for 141 weeks, where it peaked at No. 8. Collins co-produced the record with Hugh Padgham, longtime Genesis producer.

Originally issued in August of 1974, NOT FRAGILE was the third album by the Canadian quintet formed in 1972 by former Guess Who guitarist-singer Randy Bachman. It followed the breakthrough Bachman-Turner Overdrive II album and was the group's only No. 1 LP, spending 50 weeks on Billboard's Top Albums chart and commanding rock-FM playlists for almost as long. NOT FRAGILE also contained B.T.O's chart-topping singles, the boisterous "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," as well as the "Roll On Down the Highway," both characterized by the melodic dual-guitar soloing of Bachman and Blair Thornton, then a brand new arrival to the band.

While NOT FRAGILE sports other strong tracks, among them the heavy-metal-flavored title song, the bluesy "Sledgehammer" and the instrumental "Freewheelin,'" it's "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" that has retained a unique cultural significance for some three decades. It has now made 'appearances' in a wide range of contexts, from a Simpsonsepisode (where it's performed by an animated B.T.O.) to the soundtracks of the movies Studio 54 and Joe Dirt, to being used as a Democratic Party theme song in the 2006 midterm elections.

Founded in 2001, Audio Fidelity specializes in deluxe reissues of classic popular-music recordings for the audiophile and collector markets. The Camarillo, California-based label is best known for its 24-Karat Gold CDs and its 180-gram virgin-vinyl album editions, as well as a line of popular DVD titles. Audio Fidelity emerged out of the pioneering DCC Compact Classics label that its founder, music-industry veteran Marshall Blonstein, started in 1986, following his tenure as president of Island Records and co-founder of Ode Records (where he helped make Carole King'sTapestry one of the best-selling albums of all time and built the cult-film franchisesThe Rocky Horror Picture Show and Cheech & Chong's Up in Smoke).

* * * * *

Visit: www.audiofidelity.net

Music Still in My Soul....

2011-10-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

It kills me that I have let this blog fall to the wayside.

If you would have told me I'd stop writing here my response would have been, "yeah, right! why would I ever do that!?"

Life sometimes takes us on a journey we never wanted to take. And the one I'm on* is still robbing me from the joy I used to find in writing about my passion: music. I still love it, listen to it constantly (Bowie's Starman is in my ear right this minute, 100.3). But - just can't seem to get anything on "paper".

Now I write about heroin addiction and how its affected my life, and continues to challenge me daily to stay strong, to realize I have no control over my son, and to just keeping hoping for the best and sending good thoughts out to the universe.

25 Years Of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

2011-10-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Dave White, for sharing this list today: About Classic Rock, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 1986 - 2011

October 4 - Weird Day In Rock History

2011-10-04T14:53:00.001-07:00

I love listening to Andy. He's one of my fave DJ's of all time. Just a down to earth guy who loves rock and roll.

Max Weinberg, Bill Champlin & Mindy Abair in MISSION VIEJO!

2011-09-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

Just got back from seeing a great show right here in my backyard, literally two minutes from my house!!! It was wild seeing Max Weinberg in Mission Viejo - who would have thunk it?

It was the opening night of our "Lord of the Strings" concert series and our Reading Festival (both put on by the Library).

Bill may be an older guy but his pipes are as great as ever. His son was also one of the band members, playing keys and signing.

I'd never heard of Mindy before tonight but I'm officially a fan. She was so fun and adorable and extremely talented.

They played several of Bill's songs that he wrote for other people and one from Chicago; they did some George Benson, Stevie Wonder, David Ruffin, Southside Johnny (the Fever by Bruce) and some others. The encore song was Ramrod by Bruce.

It was fun. The best part for me personally was watching Max have fun, playing in a relaxed way and being The Boss of the show. When he plays with Bruce he is so intense because he has to constantly be watching him for his cues - you never know how Bruce will mix up a set or even a song.

Before they played Ramrod he said some very sweet things about Clarence. It made me wonder what it will feel like for Bruce to introduce the band the first time they play again.

35th Anniversary of "Dust in the Wind"

2011-09-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

One of classic rock's mostinstantly recognizable and enduring songs, ‘Dust in the Wind,’ will celebrateits 35^th anniversary in 2012. As part of the celebrationfor this one-of-a-kind tune (penned by Kerry Livgren and first recorded by theband KANSAS), a 35^th anniversary limited edition gift book is being released.

This beautifully designed 6” x6” hardcover gift book is four-color throughout, 32-pages, and includes songlyrics, personal stories from fans, and a foreword by KerryLivgren. Kerry Livgren will sign books ordered by October20, 2011. Books cost $20, plus shippingand handling, and are available for purchase exclusively at www.kansasband.com.

A portion of the proceeds fromeach book will benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science andadvocacy organization. "AutismSpeaks is thrilled to have been selected by KANSAS to receive proceeds fromthis exciting project about this iconic song," said Autism SpeaksPresident Mark Roithmayr. "The 35thAnniversary Dust in the Wind book will bring our message of awareness,treatment, and hope to a musical community of KANSAS fans through out theworld."

With their aforementionedself-titled first album released in 1974, KANSAS went on to become one of thedecade’s most popular rock acts – issuing classic rock albums such as 1976’s‘Leftoverture’ and 1977’s ‘Point of Know Return,’ along with the hit singles“Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust In the Wind,” and “Point of KnowReturn.” The band, which is comprised of singer/keyboardist SteveWalsh, guitarist Rich Williams, drummer Phil Ehart, bassist Billy Greer, andviolinist David Ragsdale – continues to tour in front of large and enthusiasticaudiences and to this day remain a fixture on classic rock radio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

www.kansasband.com

www.facebook.com/kansasband

www.facebook.com/dustinthewindbook

www.autismspeaks.org

Happy Birthday, Bruce!

2011-09-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

My sis and I were at this concert!

Happy Birthday to Joan Jett

2011-09-22T07:33:00.001-07:00

30 Guitar Riffs - 15 Bass Riffs

2011-09-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

Was cruising around YouTube this morning:

Not sure if I agree with all of these, but most of them belong on this list. It was fun to listen to. I think the person who put this together is a big fan of G&R, they appear more than anyone else.

And, here's someone's favorite bass riffs, I like all of these:

Imagine 40 Years Ago Today

2011-09-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

It was forty years ago today that John Lennon released his second solo album, "Imagine". He was a man who dared to imagine peace, a world with no racism, hatred or violence, where we all helped each other, where the lines on the maps were blurred and the human race was one big family. You could say he's a dreamer...but he's not the only one. I made this video years ago as a tribute to John's visions of peace. How sadly ironic that his death was a result of a violent act. I for one, am a dreamer of peace, but also a realist. I don't think we will see it in my lifetime, but maybe someday.

Happy Birthday, Freddie

2011-09-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

He would have been 65 years old today. There will never be another Freddie Mercury.

The Swigs

2011-09-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

I love this band! They are pure rock and roll because they not only rock your senses, they get inside too. Extreme talent from each of them: Kevin Henderson–Guitar, Vocals, Piano. Eric Snyder–Bass. Mike Troupe–Drums.

Some unique and soulful remakes of obscure songs, one by David Bowie that I love: "Let Me Sleep Beside You". Amazing take on a song you may have never even heard before.

You know, I'm not the greatest at reviewing music so my suggestion is to listen to these three guys and hear what my words can't say:
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://theswigs.bandcamp.com/album/johnson-family-values"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Johnson Family Values by The Swigs&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

David Bowie's Space Oddity as Children's Book

2011-08-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

Photo: Phil Wallis/NME

David Bowie's classic single 'Space Oddity' has been turned into a free children's book.

Graphic designer Andrew Kolb has taken the lyrics from Bowie's 1969 track and used them as the inspiration for his book of the same name. Although it currently only exists as a free digital copy on his website, he is hoping to release a physical version in the future.

In an interview with Wired, Kolb said:

It was one thing to make images that corresponded to the lyrics, but it was another to try to make it function as a visual story on top of that. In my early drafts it didn't really work as a picture book, and that was my goal all along.

He went on to add:

It's been really cool hearing all these different interpretations of the lyrics, and all I can say is that the approach I took was the one that translated best to an image-based story. Either way, how could you not have fun designing spacesuits and jet packs!?

ARTICLE SOURCE: NME

My thoughts:
I adore Daivd Bowie! I keep hoping he'll go on tour just for the fun of it - who needs a new record?

Of course, I do know the best Bowie tribute performer of all time, David Brighton, I can always go see him while I'm waiting. He's talented AND a sweetheart! You should check him out if you ever get the chance!

God Bless Ozzy Osbourne!

2011-08-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

"Coming up this Wednesday

audiences across the country will get an unrivaled look into the mind of legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne in God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, an exclusive in-theater event that will be broadcast to movie theaters nationwide on Wednesday August 24 and Monday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Packed with never-before-seen Black Sabbath footage and recent solo tour clips, fans are set to enjoy an incredibly unique experience, by producer and son of the Prince of Darkness himself, Jack Osbourne.

Fellow musicians such as Paul McCartney, Tommy Lee and others will also share stories, while an exclusive interview with the Osbourne family explains why bringing Ozzy’s storied history to life — through the eyes of his son Jack — was the perfect motivation to capture one of music’s greatest icons in candid splendor.

We hope you’ll spread the word about this exclusive event by sharing information about this special God Bless Ozzy Osbourne event with your readers through mediums such as e-newsletters, blog posts, Facebook and Twitter. For more details about God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, including information on participating theaters and tickets, visit http://www.fathomevents.com/ozzyosbourne"

Tyrone Vaughan - Downtime

2011-08-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Tyrone was born with music in his blood. I was fortunate to receive a copy of his new single "Downtime". You should check it out if you enjoy his father and uncle (Jimmy and Stevie Ray) and also have a taste for country.

Catchy tune, huh?

Happy 50th Birthday!

2011-08-08T20:36:00.001-07:00

Happy 45th to "Revolver"

2011-08-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

It was 45 years ago that The Beatles released this album, one of my favorites of theirs. Do you have a favorite song off this album? I think mine is Good Day Sunshine or Eleanor Rigby or For No One or....

Side one
No.	Title	Lead vocals	Length
1.	"Taxman" (Harrison)	Harrison	2:39
2.	"Eleanor Rigby"	McCartney	2:08
3.	"I'm Only Sleeping"	Lennon	3:02
4.	"Love You To" (Harrison)	Harrison	3:01
5.	"Here, There and Everywhere"	McCartney	2:26
6.	"Yellow Submarine"	Starr	2:40
7.	"She Said She Said"	Lennon	2:37

Side two
No.	Title	Lead vocals	Length
1.	"Good Day Sunshine"	McCartney	2:10
2.	"And Your Bird Can Sing"	Lennon	2:02
3.	"For No One"	McCartney	2:01
4.	"Doctor Robert"	Lennon	2:15
5.	"I Want to Tell You" (Harrison)	Harrison	2:30
6.	"Got to Get You into My Life"	McCartney	2:31
7.	"Tomorrow Never Knows"	Lennon	2:57

THANK YOU The Sound LA for playing the entire album on my lunch hour today!!!!

Happy 30th Birthday MTV!

2011-08-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Before we had music videos, the song was our own. We each had a unique "video" playing in our own mind before MTV gave us a visual of what a song should "look like". But, I am still a fan of the old MTV back when it was all about music vs. reality shows, etc. I could sit and watch Michael Jackson dance all day or watch Van Halen, The Pretenders, Def Lepard, Tom Petty and others. And, even though I love Bruce, most of his videos were just plain dumb, with the exception of "Secret Garden" and maybe "Glory Days". Sorry, buddy, but you're no actor, you're a rocker.

Where were you 30 years ago today? I was sitting in front of the television waiting for the clock to strike 12:00 am to finally see the much hyped new music channel "MTV". It was the beginning of a new era and I'm still not sure if it was good for music - or not so much.

Here are the videos played (in order) during the first 24 hours of MTV:

"Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles
"You Better Run" by Pat Benatar
"She Won't Dance with Me" by Rod Stewart4. "You Better You Bet" by The Who"You Better You Bet" was both the 4th and 55th video to be aired on MTV, making it the first video to be shown more than once.
"Little Suzi's on the Up" by Ph.D.
"We Don't Talk Anymore" by Cliff Richard
"Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders
"Time Heals" by Todd Rundgren
"Take It on the Run" by REO Speedwagon
"Rockin' the Paradise" by Styx
"When Things Go Wrong" by Robin Lane and the Chartbusters
"History Never Repeats" by Split Enz
"Hold on Loosely" by 38 Special
"Just Between You and Me" by April Wine
"Sailing" by Rod StewartStewart's "She Won't Dance with Me" was the 3rd video played; with this video, Stewart became the first artist to have two different videos played on MTV.
"Iron Maiden" by Iron Maiden
"Keep on Loving You (Live)" by REO Speedwagon
"Bluer Than Blue" by Michael Johnson
"Message of Love" by The Pretenders
"Mr. Briefcase" by Lee Ritenour
"Double Life" by The Cars
"In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins
"Looking for Clues" by Robert Palmer (the video never plays due to technical difficulties.)
"Too Late" by Shoes
"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" by Rod Stewart (15 seconds into the video, the video screen briefly goes blank while the audio still plays.)
"Surface Tension" by Rupert Hine
"One Step Ahead" by Split Enz
"Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty
"I'm Gonna Follow You" by Pat Benatar
"Savannah Nights" by Tom Johnston
"Lucille" by Rockestra
"The Best of Times" by Styx
"Vengeance" by Carly Simon
"Wrathchild" by Iron Maiden
"I Wanna Be a Lifeguard" by Blotto
"Passion" by Rod Stewart
"Oliver's Army" by Elvis Costello
"Don't Let Him Go (Live)" by REO Speedwagon
"Remote Control/Illegal" by The Silencers
"Angel of the Morning" by Juice Newton
"Little Sister" by Rockpile with Robert Plant
"Hold On to the Night" by Bootcamp
"Dreamin'" by Cliff Richard
"Is It You" by Lee Ritenour
"Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac
"He Can't Love You" by Michael Stanley Band
"Tough Guys" by REO Speedwagon
"Rapture" by Blondie
"Don't Let Go the Coat" by The Who
"Ain't Love a Bitch" by Rod Stewart
"Talk of the Town" by The Pretenders
"Can't Happen Here" by Rainbow
"Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold
"You Better You Bet" by The Who
"Bring It All Home" by Gerry Rafferty
"Sign of the Gypsy Queen" by April Wine
"The Man with the Child in His Eyes" by Kate Bush
"Message of Love" by The Pretenders
"All Night Long" by Rainbow
"Boys Keep Swinging" by David Bowie
"Rat Race" by The Specials
"Just Between You and Me" by April Wine
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads
"Victim" by Bootcamp
"Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" by Rod Stewart
"Cruel to Be Kind" by Nick Lowe
"A Little in Love" by Cliff Richard
"Take It on the Run" by REO Speedwagon
"Wild-Eyed Southern Boys" by .38 Special
"Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush
"Celebrate the Bullet" by The Selecter
"More Than I Can Say" by Leo Sayer
"A Message to You, Rudy" by The Specials
"In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins
"Heart of Glass" by Blondie
"Oh God, I Wish I Was Home Tonight" by Rod Stewart
"Kid" by The Pretenders
"Wrathchild" by Iron Maiden
"Come What May" by Lani Hall and Herb Alpert
"I Got You" by Split Enz
"Sister Disco" by The Who
"Fashion" by David Bowie
"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"Love Stinks" by The J. Geils Band
"Johnny & Mary" by Robert Palmer
"Tomorrow Night" by Shoes

[edit]

Band from Poland: Psychohollywood

2011-07-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

I love it when bands send me an email or a CD and ask me to check them out. Sadly, I haven't been doing much with music lately due to LIFE. These guys sent an email and caught my interest, partly because they're from Poland - not many Polish rockers that I know of, but these guys are the real deal, many of you will like them:

(coming to this blog feels a bit like entering a room that has cobwebs in the corners and a layer of dust everywhere....I miss it here, I need to get back here and make this place alive again.)

Here's a description and a link to their site/music: http://psychollywood.blogspot.com/

"Psychollywood this rock band, formed in 2004, the initiative and Marcin DominikKoziury Krzyzanski.
Material presented by the band, it is quite heavy but very dynamic rock, based on thetypical American, guitar playing patterns such as, Motley Crue, Social Distortion,G'n'R, Backyard Babies, Mustasch, etc. ..

"Members Psychollywood apparently chosen their own mission to prove to the worldof thoroughbred rock'n'roll still alive, very well and can kick as hard as a few decadesago, at the time of its greatest glory.
You will not find here breaking barriers, or expanding the borders in music, but it isauthentic essences sharp rock at its best. Heavy guitar riffs and juicy, pulling bass,awesome guitar solos and harsh and wbijający his head, melodic vocals. Listening to this music certainly raises the pressure. "

More names to add to "Gone But Not Forgotten"

2011-07-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

We lost two people in the music world this month, I will be adding them to my tribute site, Gone But Not Forgotten:

Amy Winehouse

Dan Peek, founding member of America

Clarence Clemons Funeral - Bruce Springsteen Performs Eulogy

2011-06-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

"Springsteen described Clemons as “a man of unconditional love” in his eulogy for E Street Band member, who passed away earlier this week (June 19), aged 69, after he had suffered a stroke the week before (June 11 – 12).

As well as delivering the eulogy, Springsteen also performed live. The service also included performances from the E Street Band and Jackson Browne, while Clemons’ nephew provided a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ on the saxophone.

The singer told those in attendance at the ceremony that Clemons, who contributed the iconic saxophone parts to his songs 'Born To Run' and 'Thunder Road', was "a man of unconditional love, but his love came with a lot of conditions. He was a complex guy. But when you were in his presence, it was like being in a sovereign nation."

Springsteen had previously paid tribute to Clemons in a statement on his official websiteBruceSpringsteen.net. "Clarence lived a wonderful life," he said. "He carried within him a love of people that made them love him. He created a wondrous and extended family. He loved the saxophone, loved our fans and gave everything he had every night he stepped on stage."

Clemons, who was known as the ‘Big Man’, had a key role in defining the sound of the E Street Band. More recently, he also played on Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' album. He is featured in the video for her latest single 'The Edge Of Glory', which she unveiled last week (June 18).

Other artists including Coldplay, U2 andSlash have all paid tribute to Clemons.Coldplay described him as their “favourite saxophone player”, while Bono claimed that “this man has carried music, and music carried him until this day”.

THE SOURCE FOR THIS ARTICLE: NME

Rest In Peace, Clarence

2011-06-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

We were at the U2 concert when we heard the news. I have to admit, the sadness I felt at this loss overshadowed the evening so I won't be doing a review of the show.

Anyone who's read this blog for a while knows how I feel about Bruce and the E Street Band. 21 of the best nights of my life were spent in the presence of this man, and no one will ever be able to fill his shoes.

My heart aches for his family, friends, bandmates and, of course, Bruce.

Thank you, Clarence, your talent, your style, your voice and your smile made the E Street Band come alive. You will be missed.

I'm Going to U2 Tonight!

2011-06-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

Will Review Tomorrow.....

Clarence Clemons Had a Stroke

2011-06-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

AP Source: Saxophonist Clemons Suffers Stroke : NPR

This is horrible news, I hope he has a full recovery. He's 69 years old, but its hard to think of anyone in the E Street Band as "elderly" because they are all so full of life. Bruce must be a wreck with worry. I remember how upsetting it was for him to lose Danny a few years back.

Please send out prayers, good vibes, positive thoughts (or whatever it is you do) for Clarence's health and for strength for his family and friends.

Peace, Hope and Love,Barbara

The Who - Trivia

2011-05-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

On this day in 1966, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of the Who grew tired of waiting for John Entwistle and Keith Moon to arrive for their gig at the Ricky Tick Club in Windsor, England so they took to the stage with the bass player and drummer of the local band that opened the show. When Moon and Entwistle finally arrived in the middle of the set, a fight broke out, with Townshend hitting Moon on the head with his guitar. Moon and Entwistle quit the band, (and rejoined a week later).

Source: This Day In Music

Young Singer/Song Writer

2011-05-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Does anyone recognize this young man? Hint: he seems to be following in his father's footprints.

For My Buddy, Dan:

2011-04-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Eric playing Layla with Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and some of the Stones.

On The Cover of the Rolling Stone

2011-03-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

The very first issue of The Rolling Stone:

All credibility of this once great magazine has officially been flushed.

The current issue has Snooki on the cover of it.

Snooki.

If you don't know who she is, I admire you. If you do know, and like her, I'm sorry if I insulted you.

Life Changes and It Changed Me

2011-02-05T21:44:00.000-08:00

This was my very first blog, my baby. I am not going to stop writing here but I'm not the same person that started this blog in 2005, I'm not the one who lovingly wrote of my personal rock and roll memories, shared my favorite songs, kept up to date on all the music news. On 12/19/08 that person started to die, and a new person has replaced her

It was on that day that I realized my son was addicted to heroin. He had just turned 18, he was still in high school. The first year and a half was a nightmare I tried to wake up from - suicide attempt, jail, mental hospital, jail, overdose, jail, hospital, rehab, jail, another rehab, another hospital visit....

Somewhere during this time I changed. When I chose to skip seeing U2 at the Rosebowl I knew it was serious, that a part of me had died.

I became less fun, but more strong. I learned a lot about myself and I learned more about heroin addiction than I ever wanted to know. I never gave up hope on my son, and I never will. But the person who wrote this blog, well she's just gone. She may show up now and then to throw something up here. She may get her mojo back and get this blog back to the popular, interesting place it used to be.

Until then, I will leave this blog here because I still get tons of hits from people searching for specific things. It makes me feel good to know that Layla's Classic Rock still has a purpose.

Right now, I've got a song on my mind, so I'll leave you with a few words from Mr. David Bowie:

Time takes a cigarette, puts it in your mouth

You pull on your finger, then another finger,

then your cigarette

The wall-to-wall is calling, it lingers, then you forget

Ohhh how how how, you're a rock 'n' roll suicide...

New Pearl Jam Documentary

2011-01-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

A documentary entitled Pearl Jam Twenty, directed by Cameron Crowe, will be coming out later this year. The documentary will be celebrating Pearl Jam's 20th anniversary and will combine new interviews and performances with archival footage. The film will also have a soundtrack.

Saw this on my radio station: KSWD 100.3 The Sound - All About The Music - New Pearl Jam Documentary

Steve Prestwich (1954-2011)

2011-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

I read the sad news today that Cold Chisel and former Little River Band drummer, Steve Prestwich died this past Sunday, January 16, 2011. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor about 2 weeks ago. Sadly he never awoke after being put under for brain surgery to remove the tumor. Prestwich was only 56 years old.

Being a fan of Australian music I first came to be familiar with Prestwich from his work with Little River Band (on their Playing to Win and No Reins albums). As I acquainted myself further with Australian music I learned of his contributions to the definitive Australian pub rock band, Cold Chisel.

In addition to being their drummer, Prestwich sometimes also played guitar, sang, and wrote music for Cold Chisel including two of their biggest hits-- When the War Is Over and Forever Now (both from their Circus Animals album). In the early days of Cold Chisel the British Prestwich and Scottish vocalist Jimmy Barnes often came to blows sometimes resulting in Barnes departure from the band (although Barnes always returned).
In honor of Prestwich, below is a live clip of When The War Is Over from Cold Chisel's 2003 Ringside tour.

50 Greatest Guitar Riffs in Rock and Roll

2011-01-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this list to me,

thought some of you would enjoy it.

Offensive Rock and Roll Song Lyrics

2011-01-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Did you hear that Canada is banning a Dire Straits song from the radio because it contains the word "faggot"?

"Money for Nothing" came out 26 years ago and was a number one hit. The word faggot was not used in a deragatory manner, it was used (imo) sarcastically to describe Boy George or maybe a metal hair band (it was 1985). You have to understand the song and the context it was used in. Its a song about a working class guy watching music videos and thinking, "these dudes have it made, I should have been a rock star..."

"See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup, Yeah buddy that’s his own hair. That little faggot got his own jet airplane. That little faggot he’s a millionaire."

I think its ridiculous to ban this song from the air. If these lyrics are offensive what about all the other lyrics out there that are no longer politically correct in today's overly sensitive world?

Let's lists a list of all the "offensive" song lyrics we can think of. (Please note - rock and roll type songs only, rap/hip hop doesn't count...which by the way they play on Canadian radio with the N word because that is not offensive.....?)

(I've heard Mark Knopfler was in an appliance store when he thought of this song, that's why the references to all the appliances, but I don't know if that's true).

Brain reacts to music like a drug - chicagotribune.com

2011-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

You know that feeling you get when you listen to a favorite part of a favorite song? Some scientists have a refreshingly unscientific word for it: They call it the "chills." In the lab they can measure the chills, which correspond with a specific pattern of brain arousal and often are accompanied by increases in heart and breathing rates and other physical responses.

Now neurologists report that this human response to music -- which has existed for thousands of years, across cultures around the world -- involves dopamine, the same chemical in the brain that is associated with the intense pleasure people get from more tangible rewards such as food or addictive drugs. The research will be published Sunday in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

Kind of changes what it means to be addicted to your iPod.

Read the rest here: Brain reacts to music like a drug - chicagotribune.com

(Thanks, Jim!)

Top 20 - 2010

2011-01-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

Check out last years 2010 bestselling albums and tell me if you have purchased any of them.

http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200#/charts/billboard-200
Dave at http://classicrock.about.com/
has posted that album sales are down 15.3% for the year.

How are your album purchasing habits? I can't say that I would have purchased any of them with the exception of number 13. Must be getting old and I am still stuck in the 60's and the 70's.

First Music Loss of the New Year - Gerry Rafferty

2011-01-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Please visit "Gone But Not Forgotten" for my thoughts on this loss. His voice was always so soothing to me for some reason. He may be gone, but his music lives on and is still played on the airwaves regularly.

This may seem like a morbid question, but many of our Rockers are getting up their in age. I sometimes wonder who will go next. I hope all my favorites live well into their 80's. Isn't Mick already in his 80's?

Classic Rock News for a New Year

2010-12-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

I've told Dave White on several occasions that I WANT HIS JOB! I would love to be paid for writing about one of my favorite topics. But the truth is, he does a great job and I would miss him if he ever left.

Here's the latest news for Classic Rock in 2011 taken from Dave's site at About.com :

STUDIO ALBUMS

Some of the most familiar A-list classic rock acts have announced plans for new studio albums in 2011.

• ZZ Top will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their debut album with the release of of their 15th.

• The Zombies will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a new album, expected sometime in Spring 2011.

• Yes, Journey, The Cars, Steve Miller Band, Jeff Beck, Motorhead, Blondie, Paul Simon, and Joe Walsh have announced 2011 album release plans.

• Supergroups Chickenfoot, Black Country Communion, and Them Crooked Vultures plan to release their second albums in the coming year.

• Look for the release (CD and DVD) of live performance footage of Jimi Hendrix during a European tour in 1969. Expect to see the catalogs of Queen, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Thin Lizzy and Rory Gallagher being reissued.

• And then there are the "maybes" -- the ones that have been the subject of conversations about possible (but by no means confirmed) 2011 albums: Aerosmith, Van Halen, Rolling Stones, Rush, Crosby Stills & Nash.

ON TOUR

• Judas Priest will begin a long farewell tour, as Scorpions continue theirs. Allman Brothers Band will return to Beacon Theater for their annual New York City residency.

• James Taylor will be joined by his son, Ben on the road. Robert Plant and his recently reconstituted Band of Joy will be touring.

• Rush, Eric Clapton and John Mellencamp will continue tours already in progress. Jeff Beck, Ozzy Osbourne and Thin Lizzy have 2011 gigs booked.

• Mentioned as possible, but far from certain: The Who, Rolling Stones, and Van Halen.

REUNIONS

• Already on the books are reunions of The Zombies, The Cars and Toto.

• Very possible but not certain are 2011 Pink Floyd and Buffalo Springfield reunions.

• Discussed but nixed: there will be NO reunions in the new year for the original members of Black Sabbath or The Kinks.

ALSO NOTEWORTHY

• Sammy Hagar will publish his autobiography

• Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, David Crosby, Charlie Watts, David Clayton-Thomas, Richie Havens, Paul Kantner, Neil Diamond and Mike Love will turn 70.

The Best of Spirit

2010-12-30T09:24:00.000-08:00

For someone who has never experienced the band Spirit, this is an excellent album to start with.

The vinyl version was released in 1973 after the original line up of the band broke up. Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes had left to form Jo Jo Gunne. Randy California had taken time off after a horse riding accident and the record company was looking to cash in on their past successes. With the release of this album and after releasing the popular song Mr. Skin from the album Dr. Sardonicus , the bands popularity grew again. Dr. Sardonicus was creatively their most critically acclaimed. It shows on this Best of album with 5 of the songs coming from the Dr. album.

It also includes a song that kind of got lost when first released in 1968 called 1984. The lyrics brought up controversial images of the George Orwell novel of the same name. The radio stations had for the most part boycotted this strong song due to its content. I also really like the song Mechanical World. A psychedelic wonder with haunting vocals and instruments. Their original break through chart hits, I Got a Line on You and Natures Way were a part of this line up as well.

Altogether a great album for those who like their music on the psychedelic side. Here's one of their best.

NEIL YOUNG

2010-12-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

TIME FADES AWAY

Released as a document of the ill-starred 1973 tour with the Stray Gators, this is a very nervous record.

I like it a lot.

YOUNG: "My least favorite record is Time Fades Away. I think it's the worst record I ever made - but as a documentary of what was happening to me, it was a great record. I was onstage and I was playing all these songs that nobody had heard before, recording them, and I didn't have the right band. It was just an uncomfortable tour. It was supposed to be this big deal - I just had Harvest out, and they booked me into ninety cities. I felt like a product, and I had this band of all-star musicians that couldn't even look at each other. It was a total joke."

Out of print on vinyl and still not available on CD, this rough gem begins a sequence of albums that were artistically brilliant.

"Harvest" was huge hit, "Heart of Gold" went to number one and Neil was riding high following his work with CSNY and Crazy Horse. The next logical step was to bring the mellow, back porch sounds of his recent LP on a lucrative tour. Heavyweight players from the "Harvest" sessions were drafted, though one member of the band didn't make it past rehearsals.

Danny Whitten was Neil's right hand in the first incarnation of Crazy Horse on second guitar and vocals. He was talented but headed down a path of heavy substance abuse, leading Neil to dump Crazy Horse for awhile. Whitten was invited to join the new touring outfit based on word that he was in the process of straightening himself out.

He wasn't.

YOUNG: 'We were rehearsing with him and he just couldn't cut it. He couldn't remember anything. He was too out of it. Too far gone. I had to tell him to go back to L.A. 'It's not happening, man. You're not together enough.' He just said, 'I've got nowhere else to go, man. How am I gonna tell my friends?' And he split. That night the coroner called me from L.A. and told me he'd ODed. That blew my mind. Fucking blew my mind. I loved Danny. I felt responsible. And from there, I had to go right out on this huge tour of huge arenas. I was very nervous and . . . insecure.'

Casting a pall over the tour, the negativity would only be exacerbated with disputes about money and a set of brand new songs that Young wanted to try out and record live.

Switching to a Gibson Flying V that refused to stay in tune, blowing out his voice (Crosby and Nash were brought on board late in the tour to help with vocals) and pissing off fans in packed stadia at every stop by presenting sets of unfamiliar material were all events that marred Young's 90 day trek.

The result was worth it.

Making no attempt to be cuddly, rough edges are left in, capturing things on the fly. Real, though not radio-friendly, Young would be frustrated with his audience and their inability to move with him. Opening with a pounding, uptempo country raver that introduces "fourteen junkies, too weak to work" down on "pain street", the subject matter stands apart from what his contemporaries were singing about. It was the antithesis of the sunny California, singer-songwriter trip which was then in vogue.

Canada features in the lyrics of the title track and "Journey Through the Past", which boasts a great melody and had been around in his set for some time before seeing official release on Time Fades Away. (you can hear it on the BBC session and the Massey Hall gig from 1971). A gentle song that catches the author in a reflective mood, it provides a softer contrast to the junkies on pain street. This was one of three solo piano spots on the disc, each offering a quiet musical snapshot.

"LA' is one of my favorites on the set, with a haunting refrain ("LA... city in the smog..uptight...") and creeping steel part (courtesy of the late Ben K eith) that comes closest in feel to the material on Harvest. Too many artists in the "alt-country" genre have based their sound completely on this musical model, though they fail to create the same mood. (weak songs, little originality) "Don't Be Denied" is autobiographical in tone, covering being beaten up in school through to jumping the border and helping to form Buffalo Springfield. There's an excellent version of it with CSNY at Wembley at the close of their 74 tour. The riff is simple, but effective when married to the pleading nature of the chorus.

"Last Dance" folks, but no one was dancing when a very drunk Young was screaming at the audience in Cleveland ("Get up!!") and making ungodly noise on his out of tune Flying V. That particular performance doesn't show up here, though I kind of wish that it did. Turgid and flatfooted, it seems to go on "for hours and hours and hours and hours and hours and hours..." (listen to the record). Should have been edited to make room for another cut. Young always had songs in his back pocket and set lists from this tour reveal tunes that are unreleased to this day ("Sweet Joni" being a case in point.)

While it was not greeted warmly by fans or critics, charting outside the top 20, it's an important release. Never before had a major artist put out a live disc, comprised of all new material, with nary a hit single to be found.

Imagine the balls that it took to present this to the record company.

Now it's quite sought after and opinions have since (of course) been revised, though you won't see it released on CD anytime soon. The sonic problem with "Time Fades Away" is stated on the LP label: "This Recording Was Mastered16-Track/DirectToDisc (acetate) by Computer." The multi-track master tape was recorded/mixed LIVE, leaving little room for remixing tape hiss, bad notes and crowd noise. To reassemble the album, someone would need to sort through fifty or so ¼" and/or 2" multi-track reels and "a few" cassettes. Finding the right version by date would be easy enough, but at what stage would the mix be at? Raw recording? Truck monitor mix? Mono PA monitor recording?

Right.

Best just to snag it on vinyl, as I did when my cassette copy finally died.

Happy Holiday's From Layla's Classic Rock!

2010-12-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of you a the best holiday possible under whatever circumstances you may be in.

I want to send a very HUGE THANK YOU to Dan, Sean and Darrin for keeping Layla's alive. Thanks boys, you are the BEST!

Guest Post from Australia

2010-12-20T23:05:00.000-08:00

Classic Rock & Mysticism

"While on the surface many music listeners may hear but simple words in songs by rock legends such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and the ever eccentric Ozzy Osbourne the reality is that if you peer beneath the depths of the lyrics of this music, you will sometimes find golden pieces of wisdom of both a philosophical and literal nature…

What I find particularly interesting about the concept is that for the most part, this wisdom, these hidden meanings more often than not fall on complete deaf ears and this really makes one think back to that insightful quote “he who have an ear, let him hear”.

I don’t want to go into specific meanings and lyrical messages that are prominent throughout music, after all, most of it is subject to personal interpretation and if you were meant to have heard it, you would have by now wouldn’t you?

But while it is true, that most messages conveyed through lyrics are subject to personal interpretation, In some circumstances when we understand the background of the individual who has penned the lyrics and music, we can safely conclude they intended us to hear a specific thing…

For example, did you know that Jimmy Page, the world renowned guitarist of led zeppelin was a huge occult practitioner and regularly spent his time traveling about seeking out all sorts of eclectic texts and visiting “scared” locations, Perhaps you did, perhaps you didn’t, but riddle me this…

Those of you who have listened to led zeppelin extensively would know, that during improvisation page often projects an almost “mysterious” feel about his playing and is often seen in footage performing rather strange movements on stage, take for example his antics with the violin bow in dazed and confused.

Now, if you do your research on page, you quickly learn he was extremely interested in the works of Aleister Crowley, in fact for many years he actually owned one of his most used houses, and when you cross reference pages stage antics with Crowley’s writings we can perhaps draw insight into what was going through his mind at the time...

You see, Crowley considered himself a magician, while I won’t go into that specifically, it is worth pointing out that his teachings talk about using talismans, daggers and wands to perform certain alleged “magickal” acts…

Now call me crazy if you will, but if we know that jimmy page was a practicing occultist who followed the works of Crowley during the time that he composed the song dazed and confused, is it such a far stretch to speculate that perhaps in his mind, the violin bow was his “wand” and he was, at least from his point of view, conducting a ritual?

I think so, of course I do know a lot more on the subject, but I can’t be giving away all my secrets now can I? but as we conclude this article for today, it might interest you to know, that jimmy page once spent an entire week alone, conducting occult practices inside Aleister Crowley’s abbey in Scotland, when he returned, he had written the song Kashmir…

Interesting don’t you think? Take a closer listen to some of your music, you will be surprised at what is there to be learned just beneath the surface."

Please let me know what you think of his insights, he may become a frequent guest here at Layla's.

Also, check out his website which you will also find listed in the sidebar:

Dub Turbo

Favorite Christmas Albums

2010-12-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

This album for me has more to say about Christmas than many of the classic Christmas songs. Vince Guaraldi's arrangements, piano playing and the other 2 in his trio were impeccable.

I remember as an 8 year old kid when I first watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" I loved every minute of the show. I will never forget Snoopy joyfully dancing on top of Schroeder's piano with his nose in the air. I believe the music played a large part to my adoration.

If you have another classic Christmas album that sticks in your mind, let me know your favorites.

Dave Clark Five

2010-12-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Dave Clark, 68 years old today.

They were a great 60's pop/rock band who followed The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Too bad Mike Smith, the lead singer, passed away a couple of years ago, but they still make me Glad All Over!

44 Musicians Who Have Died

2010-12-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

The guy who made this video was kind enough to forward it to me, knowing I'd appreciate it. I am going to make room for it on "Gone But Not Forgotten". Speaking of that - we have not lost anyone (that I know of) since Ronnie James Dio back in May.

Happy Birthday, Jim Morrison

2010-12-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Jim. I know I'm a day late in wishing you one, but you know how its been the last 30 years - the focus has been on John on December 8th. You probably understand and don't mind people remembering his death before your birth...but I just wanted you to know, I didn't forget.

Oh, and btw, I heard you were being pardoned for your "indecent exposure" charge all those years ago. Times have changed, its amazing what people do on stage these days. I doubt that you were indecent at all...maybe just a little feisty.

Remember John Today

2010-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

LOON CHOIR

2010-12-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

EXPANSION FORCES

Courtesy of online accessibility, a wealth of new sounds are bubbling up from the underground to a waiting world, readily available to those who want something of substance in their musical diet. While much from the indie menu commends itself, sometimes it's helpful to have a map with clear directions to the best, undiscovered gems out there.

Loon Choir's debut should be your next stop.

Hailing from Ottawa (Canada), the young sextet manages to balance icy synths with the warmth of a very human approach to their songcraft. There is fantastic counterpoint in the vocal department as male and female leads are deployed, cleverly, to bring additional depth and variety to the material. The bedrock tempo of the songs easily translates to the dance floor, yet there is melody present and a great deal of care taken to infuse the hooks with thoughtful lyrical subject matter.

Highlights of the disc include "New Forewarnings", "Bricks" and "Soil Science", though all of the tracks are pretty stellar. Having had the pleasure to catch them in the act, I was most impressed by the fact that their tunes have an even greater impact in a live setting. They come across as grittier while retaining the polish of the recorded versions.

Layered in the mix, there are echoes of groups from the early eighties who married technology to real playing (Gary Numan, Joy Division) and managed to strike a balance between keyboard oriented themes and guitar-centric ideas. This provides only a hint of the overall sound, which again greatly benefits from the vocal interplay of Nicole Yates (who has a strong Kate Bush inflection-definitely a compliment) and Derek Atkinson. Overall, this is a satisfying listen that begs the question of what direction they will choose to take in plotting their next project.

Put Expansion Forces on your list and share it with your friends. Check out selections from the CD here (also available for purchase on itunes)

Get to know the band

10 Grammy Nominations for Eminem

2010-12-01T22:53:00.000-08:00

So often when you ask someone (of my age) what kind of music they like they will say "oh, everything.....except rap/hip hop of course!"

Well, I used to say that too but I begrudgingly became a fan of Eminem. I say begrudgingly because when he first appeared on the scene with his obscenities and violent lyrics I forbid my son to listen to him and judged him as a bad influence with nothing beneficial to say and very little talent.

But then I had to follow my own advice and not judge a book by its cover (or in this case a hip-hop artist by his image). I learned more about him and listened not to the words he was saying, but to the message.

As time went on I started to realize why my son liked him. I liked him too. I especially like his latest CD, "Recovery".

I wish him the best of luck in winning all those nominations.

What about you?

- do you like him?
- are you surprised that I do?
- have you listened to "Recovery"?
- who do you like that I may be surprised by?
- do you watch the Grammy's (I don't)?

A Lad Insane

2010-11-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

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)

2010-11-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-10T12:47:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

"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

Who played these guitars?

2010-10-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

one

two

three

four

five

six

seven

eight

nine

ten

Neil Young and The Band

2010-10-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just saw a great video. Let me know if you think it is great too.

WOW!!!! Joni Mitchell singing back-up. Could not get much better. What a back up band!

Bob Dylan

2010-10-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

Some say he could sure write some music.

Some say he still can.

I say he could and he still does. Have fun Rock and Roll Guru! Tonight in Madison Wisconsin.

Rock and Roll Trivia

2010-10-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

It would be easy to find the answers on Google, how many do you really know without looking?

1. True or false? Paul got the name "Eleanor Rigby" from a tombstone in the graveyard of St. Peter's Parish Church in Woolton, Liverpool, just yards away from where Paul McCartney met John Lennon in 1957.

2. What prompted Bruce Springsteen to write "Dancing In The Dark"?

3. Who had a juke box in a pavilion near his well-known mansion's swimming pool that contained records by Jerry Lee Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones and many others, but none of his own songs?

4. Which Southern Rockers tried out the names "The Noble Five" and later "My Backyard", before choosing the name they would stick with?

5. Which TV show was on in the US for 23 years and showcased nearly every major music act of the 60's?

6. True or False? Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" has been recorded by over 900 other artists.

7. To help launch the new Beatles' recording company, Apple Records, the firm encouraged new acts to send in their auditon tapes. They signed Bad Finger, Mary Hopkin and a host of others, but turned down _______.

8. What song did Paul McCartney write after hearing someone say, "black notes, white notes, and you need to play the two to make harmony folks!".

9. Who's mother told him, as a child, that dogs could pick up vibrations from people, so that a dog would bark at "bad vibrations."

10. Who said said when asked if he thought Ringo was the best drummer in the world, replied "Ringo's not even the best drummer in The Beatles."

Brilliant Post by Teenager Obsessed With Rock Music!

2010-10-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

This young lady has a lot to say on the topic of why today's teens don't listen to rock music. Her post is thought provoking and interesting. I know she'd love to hear from some of you to get the thoughts of us old folks (ha).

That reminds me - when people ask me the secret to my youthful looks and disposition I say its two things: Rock and Roll and sunscreen :)

Tom Petty

2010-10-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Tom!!!!

My favorite aging hippy, 60 years young today.

Street Player: My Chicago Story by Danny Seraphine

2010-10-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Next to the Beach Boys, Chicago is the top selling American rock group with well over 100 million albums sold worldwide. While a couple of books have been written about them over the years, many of those books had to pass the muster of the band and thus the portrayal of the band's history was rose-colored at best and revisionist at worst. Depending on what history you've read of this band and when the roles of different band members were either substantial or inconsequential. Finally having a book written by a founding former member, a disgruntled one at that, is long overdue and something many fans have been waiting for!

I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Seraphine via e-mail about 13 years ago. At the time he was living a self-imposed exile in Colorado after his acrimonious split from the band in 1990. He struck me as still smarting from the wounds of his departure from the band, understandably so, and it's only been within the past four years or so that he's returned to the music scene with his new band, California Transit Authority.

Chicago was featured in a VH1 Behind the Music special in 2000 that focused primarily on the untimely accidental death of guitarist Terry Kath and the departure of Peter Cetera. Danny was included in that special and his comments regarding his former bandmates more than hinted at his continued hostility.

That being said, I'm really looking forward to this book as it touches on a lot of the behind the scenes stories about Terry's death, rubbing elbows with rock greats like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, rumors of the band's ties to the mob, and even the story behind Seraphine's own acrimonious departure from the band.

If you're looking for a good rock and roll autobiography to add to your Christmas Wish List this may be it!

For more info click here

MISSING CAT

2010-10-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

RISE OF THE ALL-SEEING CAT

Scotland's Missing Cat has a new CD on offer and it takes heavy rock and blues to great heights. Frontman Paul Montague blows a mind-bending harp, aided and abetted by solid playing. Miles ahead of the plastic confections that contemporary radio is flogging, these guys live what they are putting across.

This is the blues, refracted through an alt-rock prism. Gritty, catchy and waiting to be discovered.

Check out "Maybe Maybe" right here

Find out more about Missing Cat

Excellent Interview with Ian Anderson

2010-10-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dw. Dunphy has an great interview with Ian Anderson. You can find it here.

I think Ian is one of the most fascinating men in rock and roll. If you've never seen or read an interview with him I recommend it. He's an interesting and unique person.

aha moment: voting

2010-10-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Vote for JOE!

Joe is a good friend of mine and I can tell you - HE LIVES HIS PHILOSOPHY! There have been so many times when he's helped me with big life issues and helped me have a positive attitude.

It only takes 30 seconds to watch his video and vote:

aha moment: voting

"Teenage Girl Obsessed with Rock Music"

2010-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

That is the description on this wonderful blog that you MUST check out! Very few things make me as happy as meeting a young person that appreciates ROCK AND ROLL!

This young lady from the UK has unique perspective and great taste in music.

Check her out at: Music and More!

Imagine - That John Was Here With Us to Celebrate His 70th

2010-10-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, John.
I made this video years ago...today I dedicate it to John's memory on his would be 70th birthday:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

THE PROMISE: THE MAKING OF DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN TO DEBUT OCT. 7 ON HBO

2010-10-06T21:14:00.001-07:00

THE PROMISE: THE MAKING OF DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, an in-the-studio look at the recording of Bruce Springsteen's 1978 album, will debut THURSDAY, OCT. 7 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

THE PROMISE: THE MAKING OF DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN goes into the studio with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for the recording of their fourth album. Grammy- and Emmy-winning filmmaker Thom Zimny has collaborated with Springsteen on this documentary, gaining access to never before seen footage shot from 1976 to 1978, capturing home rehearsals and recording sessions that reveal Springsteens creative process at work.

WHAT I WANT SANTA TO BRING ME:

The Promise CD, containing 21 new songs from the "Darkness at the Edge of Town" recording sessions is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com and at the Sony Music Store.

The Promise 2 CD and 4 LP packages can be pre-ordered at Amazon. Both 2 CD and 4 LP Vinyl editions with exclusive t-shirt and poster are also available for pre-sale only at The Promise Online Store.

AND THE WINNER of the RUSH DVD IS:

2010-10-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Michael of the blog Chez Bez!!!!

Congrats, friend! I hope you enjoy it. Email me!

Tomorrow I will be reviewing another DVD, but its too good to give away, must keep for self!

DVD Giveaway: RUSH 2112 & Moving Pictures

2010-09-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have a treat for Rush fans! I just received a copy of the new DVD release from Rush and would like to pass it on to one of you. If you're interested leave me a comment and I will draw a name next week on Wednesday.

Here is a description:

The latest addition to the acclaimed & award winning Classic Albums series tells the story behind the making of two legendary

albums from Rush. 2112 was the album that saw Rush break through to major chart success, going to No.1 in their native Canada

and Top 75 in the USA where it would eventually be certified triple platinum. Moving Pictures opened them to a mass audience for

the first time and remains the biggest selling album of their career. It also went to No.1 in Canada and went quadruple platinum

there while hitting No.3 in both the UK and USA. Rush members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart talk us through the

making of the albums, together with original producer Terry Brown via interviews, demonstrations, archive videos and use

of the original multi-track tapes.

BONUS FEATURES

Over 50 minutes of additional interviews, archive footage and new demonstrations not included in the broadcast version.

Here is a review I found on Amazon written by Greg. He gave me permission to re-write it here:

I find this DVD a worthwhile addition to my Rush collection. After recently buying remastered versions of 2112 and Moving Pictures (Eco) (Rpkg), and seeing (and buying the DVD of) the excellent documentary, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage [Blu-ray], I questioned the wisdom of yet one more bit of Rushverse memorabilia. Turns out I still have more to learn, and I was especially interested in learning more about the connection of the story in 2112 with the Ayn Rand work, Anthem, Expanded 50th Anniversary Edition. I knew that 2112 was influenced by Rand, but was under the wrong impression about what that influence had been. That's just an example of the types of revelations on tap in this documentary.

And the guys are as low-key and approachable as ever. I said it about "Lighted Stage" and I'll say it about this Classic Albums DVD...the personalities of the Rush bandmates, and their friendship with each other, and their gonzo commitment to their musical vision, make them extremely attractive as artistic icons, even if some of their music is, let's face it, as annoying as hell. (But that doesn't apply to anything on the two albums showcased in this documentary--this is cream-of-the-crop Rush.)

ALSO: Stay tuned for a review from me on another new DVD release that is TOO GOOD to give away, I have to keep it for my collection :) (hint: another band that starts with the letter "R")

Nominees for 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

2010-09-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this years nominations?
Who would you vote for?
Are you one of the critics of this award or do you like it?
Here's a link to the official site: http://rockhall.com/inductees

Best Songs of the 60's

2010-09-26T21:55:00.001-07:00

Plagarism? You Decide

2010-09-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

I truly love Led Zeppelin, but they have constantly been accused of plagarism. You decide after viewing this video.

My opinion is they were "inspired" by many different musical sources. Even if they blatantly took chords and words, they truly made their own music.

Let me know your opinion.

Happy Birthday, Bruce

2010-09-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sept 23! I celebrate it every year.

Love you, Bruce!

Keep Rocking on. You make 61 look damn young!

Leonard Skinner Dies

2010-09-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Story Here

I was born about 10 years too LATE (thanks, Dan)

2010-09-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Steve Winwood and Ric Grech

Drummer and Founding member of Dream Theater, Mike Portnoy, to leave band after 25 years

2010-09-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

Somehow last week I missed this... The press release from Mike Portnoy himself:

Wednesday September 8th 2010

I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write:

After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater....the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.

To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision...it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....

After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater...

Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them...it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break...

Dream Theater was always my baby...and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985...24/7, 365...never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was "off" between cycles)...working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band...

But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out...and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a "hiatus" to recharge our batteries and "save me from ourselves"...

Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather...I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...

While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way...so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes....

Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about "always following your heart and being true to yourself"...sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater...and I would simply be "going through the motions", and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.

I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come...I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played....

I'm sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world...I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work...I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)...but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within....

You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me....(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)

Sadly...
Your fearless ex-leader and drummer,
MP

"Move on be brave, don't weep at my grave, because I am no longer here...
But please never let your memory of me disappear...."
--- The Spirit Carries On

This is like a sucker punch to the gut to me. I actually started listening to Dream Theater BECAUSE OF Mike Portnoy... Honestly, there are no other bands I can think of that I started listening to primarily because of the drummer (there are plenty that I started listening to for other reasons and came to enjoy and respect the drummer later though).

One of the biggest thrills of my life was seeing Dream Theater live back in 2002. Portnoy was throwing drumsticks into the audience, one of them literally ricocheted out of my hand before I had a chance to grasp it and was caught by the guy sitting behind me (D'OH!)

In addition to being an exceptional drummer, the songs he's written or co-written for the band have been some of my favorites, and he was also the band's archivist-- he's kept a library of most (if not all) of the band's live performances. Some of which have actually been released and sold legitimately via the band's own Ytsejam Records label... And the icing on the cake he and guitarist John Petrucci have been co-producing most of the band's albums since about 1999 (the last one produced by a producer outside the band was 1997's Falling Into Infinity). So he was no mere drummer... he was so much more!

Dream Theater may find another drummer-- and there are some good ones out there. But they'll never be able to fully replace Portnoy. He was just too big a part of that band for too long. With Portnoy's departure the only founding members remaining in the band are guitarist John Petrucci and bass player John Myung.

*edit* For further information, Mike Portnoy was interviewed with Eddie Trunk over the weekend. You can find the transcript here.

ELO's Original Cellist Killed

2010-09-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Sadly (or should I say oddly) enough ELO cellist Mike Edwards, 62 (known as Swami Deva Pramada at the time of his death) was crushed by a 1300+ lb. bale of hay over the weekend.

The Full Story

I guess, sometimes when your number is up, it really is up... There's no real way to prepare for something like that... I mean eating healthier, not smoking, staying off drugs, practicing safe sex, even driving carefully... well none of that can save you from an errant 1300+ lb. bale of hay.

New Music Blog

2010-09-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is a fun blog, each day he posts a song from the 70's - 90's. Its called "I Remember That Song". Check it out!

Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

2010-09-03T02:24:00.000-07:00

I could never wait until this TV show came on every week. It was broadcast late Saturday night when all your parents were in bed and all us young music lovers were looking for the best new musical performances.

As the above video testifies to the validity of this show, you just never knew what band would show up next. The next video is actually a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. ABBA was great at creating that wall of sound and catchy melodic hook.

Each week brought a new live concert like the following.

Kirshner actually had a long line of artists who wanted to appear on the show at scale, which was much less than they would get normally, but they knew what the exposure would do for their careers.

Let us know what your favorite Rock Concert performance was.

Little River Band

2010-08-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

With their country-rock influences and tight vocal harmonies I've long referred to Little River Band as the Australian Eagles. While they never achieved quite the level of success as the Eagles, the talent was certainly there and I'd argue at least as far as the vocals were concerned Little River Band was superior to the Eagles-- their vocal harmonies often so tight they sounded like one voice.

And while not as well known, I'd argue the guitar solo on It's a Long Way There is just as good as the guitar solo on Hotel California.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who heard the similiarities between the two groups. On their 2CD Reminiscing set they included a live performance featuring Glenn Frey singing a medley of Lyin' Eyes/Take It Easy with LRB acting as his back-up band. The vocal harmonies give me chills just thinking about them.

Perhaps LRB's legacy isn't as firmly entrenched in the collective musical psyche due to their rotating personnel issues. As it is, the band that currently tours under the Little River Band moniker features no original members. The band is fronted by long time bass player/vocalist, Wayne Nelson, who replaced original bass player, David Briggs, back in the early eighties (Nelson is best known for his vocals on The Night Owls). With the Eagles there was at least the stability of Frey and Henley and a rotating cast of equally (and at times superior) talented peers like Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit... Heck they even poached 2 band members out of fellow country-rock band, Poco.

The nucleus of the Little River Band sound was lead vocalist Glenn Shorrock, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Beeb Birtles, and keyboardist/vocalist Graeham Goble. Their harmonies were augmented on their first few albums by bass player David Briggs and later Wayne Nelson. The turning point, or when Little River Band "jumped the shark" was when lead vocalist Glenn Shorrock was forced out and replaced by John Farnham.

The problem was Farnham's voice was a force unto itself. Where Shorrrock's voice had blended beautifully with his bandmates, Farnham's voice soared above the vocals of his bandmates. The band no longer sounded like Little River Band, they suddenly sounded like JOHN FARNHAM featuring Little River Band the chemistry had been irrevocably altered. And, while some of the material he recorded with the band was certainly enjoyable (The Other Guy was a particularly enjoyable song) it just wasn't the same. It was good music, but it just didn't sound or "feel" like LRB any more.

After three albums (The Net, Playing to Win, and No Reins) both the band and Farnham realized it had been a bad fit. Farnham left before No Reins was even released. Despite convincing Glenn Shorrock to return, the damage had been done. Farnham's stint in the band had killed the momentum they'd had with their string of hits in the late seventies and into the early eighties.

With Shorrock back in the band they released a couple more respectable albums-- Monsoon and Get Lucky and continued touring throughout the 90s. Beeb Birtles left during Farnham's tenure in the band, followed by Graeham Goble shortly after Glenn Shorrock's return and eventually even Shorrock departed the band leaving it in the hands of then guitarist, Stephen Housden and long time bass player/vocalist, Wayne Nelson and a rotating cast of supporting musicians.

In the mid 'aughts Shorrock reunited with Graeham Goble and Beeb Birtles to form "Birtles, Goble, & Shorrock" as they'd lost the rights to the name of the band they had founded. They released a live DVD and an accompanying CD showing they still had it-- the talent, the voices, and the chemistry that had made them so popular in the late seventies and early eighties.

DAVE "BUCKET" COLWELL

2010-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

GUITARS, BEERS & TEARS

Following years of providing stellar fretwork for iconic groups such as Humble Pie and Bad Company, Dave "Bucket" Colwell has stepped out to showcase his talents as a world class writer/guitarist with a rock solid, debut solo disc. Colwell has enlisted quite a cast of heavy friends to contribute to his record, including IRON MAIDEN's Adrian Smith, Edwin McCain, Steve Conte from the NEW YORK DOLLS, THE QUIREBOYS' Spike, Danny Bowes from THUNDER, Bekka Bramlett and BAD COMPANY's Robert Hart.

For listeners who have bemoaned the lack of visceral, contemporary hard rock with a melodic edge, Bucket and Co. are coming to the rescue with Guitars, Beers and Tears.

This is a fantastic set.

Opening with a brief, swelling keyboard line that gives a nod to the salad days of Deep Purple and Uriah Heep, the title track wastes no time getting to business. Kicking in with salvos of scorched earth policy riffing, the tone is set perfectly. Guitars and beers often go hand in glove, though the only tears here will be those of joy as this marks the beginning of a banquet laden with fist-pumping anthems interspersed with very pleasant surprises.

Despite the presence of multiple lead vocalists, Colwell's vision of a big, unashamed rock record remains intact and not one iota of continuity or momentum is lost. His personality shines through in the writing and is never submerged at any point in the proceedings. Formidable skills in the guitar department allow him to light up each cut, with impeccable and tasteful playing being the rule rather than the exception.

Graciously, he chooses to shine the spotlight on his guests as much as possible. The presence of Adrian Smith is strongly felt, with a brilliant recasting of "Reach Out" (which was the flip side to Maiden's "Wasted Years" single). Smith acquits himself quite well in the role of lead vocalist, while the band burns behind him. Very much a highlight of the pack. Speaking of which, my personal favorite here is "Life" which is built on a strong hook, features great changes and is topped by a passionate vocal from Danny Bowes. Running a close second is "Hey Mr. Nobody" which is the lone tune that features Bucket himself singing lead. It's a pity that he didn't take the opportunity for more mic time as he turns in a great performance.

Harking back to a time when the music sold itself, without recourse to artificial spectacle, Bucket and Co. put craftsmanship ahead of all other consideration to great effect.

All of the components that make a successful end product are present on Guitars, Beers and Tears, with top class production being the icing on a very satisfying, layered cake. Listeners will feel compelled to give the volume a healthy nudge toward the sky (as I did) and revel in the pleasure of one spectacular rock record.

Find out more about the artist and grab yourself a copy of the CD here

Let's now give credit where it's due:

THE BAND

Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell Guitars/Vocals
Jaz Lochrie Bass/Vocals
Gary ‘Harry’ James Drums

Guitars, Beers & Tears (Colwell)
Vocals - Chris Ousey

Girl of My Dreams (Colwell)
Vocals - Spike (The Quireboys) Keyboards - Mark Read (A1)

Make Up Your Mind (Colwell/Adrian Smith)
Guitar/Vocals - Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)

Somebody To Love (Colwell/Tommy Lee James)
Vocals - Robert Hart (Bad Company)

Why You Call (Colwell)
Vocals - Edwin McCain Sax - Andy Hamilton Keyboards - Mark Read

If You Need Me (Colwell)
Guitar/Vocals - Steve Conte (NY Dolls)

Reach Out (Cowell)
Vocals - Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden)

I’d Lie To You (Frankie Miller)
Vocals - Spike (The Quireboys) Backing Vocals - Bekka Bramlett

Survive (Colwell)
Vocals - Edwin McCain Harmonica - Judd Lander

Life (Colwell/J. Leo)
Vocals - Danny Bowes (Thunder) Keyboards - Mark Read

Why Can’t It Be (Colwell)
Vocals - Seth Romano

Mr. Nobody (Colwell)
Vocals - Dave Colwell Backing Vocals - Lauren Harris

20 Years Ago Today We Lost Stevie Ray Vaughan

2010-08-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

In my opinion one of the most tragic losses in rock and roll, an accident that didn't have to happen :(

I remember hearing the news. I was pregnant at the time and considered naming the baby either Stevie, Ray or Vaughan. Now that the future has been seen, I see how appropriate it would have been to name my son after someone who overcame a serious drug addiction and alcoholism.

Some of us can be examples about going ahead and growing, and some of us, unfortunately, don't make it there, and end up being examples because they had to die. I hit rock bottom, but thank God my bottom wasn't death.
Stevie Ray Vaughan

Awesome News for Springsteen Fans!

2010-08-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

When forced to choose my favorite of all Bruce's albums, I pick Darkness, so now I know what I want Santa to bring me this year :)

From brucespringsteen.net:

Bruce Springsteen's The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story Unveiled for Nov. 16 Release

Columbia Records has just announced Bruce Springsteen's The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story will be released on November 16.

For the first time, fans will have access to 21 never-before-heard complete songs from the "Darkness" recording sessions on 2 CD
or 4 LP 180-gram vinyl sets that will be available as The Promise.

"'Darkness' was my 'samurai' record," Springsteen writes, "stripped to the frame and ready to rumble. But the music that got left behind was substantial."

The Promise will also include the new essay from Bruce Springsteen, lyrics to all new tracks and unseen photographs from theDarkness On The Edge of Town sessions.

Containing a wealth of previously unreleased material, The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story offers an unprecedented look into Springsteen's creative process during a defining moment in his career. In addition to the The Promise 2 CDs, the deluxe 3 CD/3 DVD
and 3 CD/3 Blu-ray Disc versions include the Darkness on the Edge of Town album digitally remastered for the first time. Comprising over six hours of film and more than two hours of audio, The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story is packaged within an 80-page spiral-bound reproduction of Bruce's original notebooks documenting the recording sessions for the album, containing alternate lyrics, song ideas, recording details and personal notes.

Visit brucespringsteen.net for an exclusive sneak peek of the The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story video content as well as a first-listen of the song, "Save My Love," fromThe Promise, and complete details about this new release.

New Music From Heart!

2010-08-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

For the first time in six years Ann and Nancy have released a new original record: Red Velvet Car. It will be released on August 31. Here's a sneak peak:

Here are a few things being said about it:

“The barracudas are back and at the top of their game.” (Rolling Stone, September 2, 2010)

“Aggressive, Delicate and Enduring” (New York Times, August 4, 2010)

"Red Velvet Car, to be released by Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, boasts an evolved sound that doesn't pander to the iPod generation. The women of Heart have strong stories to tell through the music.” (The Virginian-Pilot, August 13, 2010)

And from their press release:

"Like all Heart albums, Red Velvet Car rocks hard but also has a deep acoustic side. Nancy Wilson has long been known to play her acoustic guitar with rock ferocity. This time an abundance of resonant acoustic instruments (guitars, mandolin, dobro, banjo, fiddle, viola, cello, and autoharp), played by Nancy Wilson and the album’s producer, Ben Mink, are showcased in Heart’s unique style. Nine of the album's songs were written for, and appear for the first time on Red Velvet Car. The album's closer, "Sand," is a newly recorded version of a song originally written and recorded by the Lovemongers, Ann and Nancy's 1990's acoustic side project. The release of Red Velvet Car heralds Legacy's forthcoming reissues of the classic Heart catalog in new physical and digital editions.

I can't wait to hear it, just wish Ann and Nanc were touring in my area! I guess I'll be driving to Los Angels is I want to see them this time. If you hear any of the new songs, let me know what you think!

Happy Belated Birthday, Robert

2010-08-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Robert Plant will forever be a Golden God in my eyes :)

My love is in league with the freeway

Its passion will ride, as the cities fly by

And the tail-lights dissolve, in the coming of night

And the questions in thousands take flight

My love is a-miles in the waiting

The eyes that just stare, and the glance at the clock

And the secret that burns, and the pain that grows dark

And it's you once again

Leading me on - leading me down the road

Driving beyond - driving me down the road

My love is exceedingly vivid

Red-eyed and fevered with the hum of the miles

Distance and longing, my thoughts do provide

Should I rest for a while at the side

Your love is cradled in knowing

Eyes in the mirror, still expecting they'll come

Sensing too well when the journey is done

There is no turning back - no

There is no turning back - on the run

My love is in league with the freeway

Oh the freeway, and the coming of night-time

My love is in league with the freeway

The Cat Empire - s/t (2003)

2010-08-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

First a disclaimer-- I normally don't cross-post things from my own music blog. My apologies for doing so this time. However, when I hear what I feel to be a truly fantastic band that isn't well known or established I really want to get the word out about that band:

If you were to look "Party Band" up in the dictionary you'd find a photo of The Cat Empire performing live. These guys are the epitome of what a party band should be.

Take a bit of ska, a pinch of funk, a few hints of funk, a cup of reggae, a teaspoon of rap, and a tablespoon or two of jazz toss it in the blender, set it to puree... and you'll get The Cat Empire.

The band is comprised of Felix Reibl (percussion & vocals), Harry James Angus (trumpet & vocals), Ollie McGill (keyboard & backing vocals), Will Hull-Brown (drums), & Jamshid "Jumps" Khadiwhala (decks & percussion). The band is often backed by the brass trio, The Empire Horns (Kieran Conrau/trombone, Ross Irwin/trumpet flugelhorn & backing vocals, & Carlo Barbaro/tenor sax).

As a lover of horns, I'm especially pleased that The Cat Empire does not skimp on the horns when the songs warrant a good solid wall of brass but also know when to show restraint when the material doesn't warrant any brass.

One might not expect such an eclectic mix of different styles would mix well, but The Cat Empire mixes various different genres with a deft skill that speaks volumes to their musical talent and overall creativity.

Their 2003 debut album starts out with a festive, catchy bang with How to Explain which remains a staple of their live shows to this day. Days Like These is a catchy fun romp as well, although not quite as fun as How to Explain.

The album picks up speed again with The Chariot with catchy, upbeat lyrics and an infectuous beat that is near impossible to avoid dancing to. The band would re-visit this song with a slightly different arrangement on their 2nd album, Two Shoes, but this version has a catchier groove than the more recent updated 2005 arrangement.

The lyrics are at times at empowering and other times downright amusing:

And my knees were shaking
And my jaw was dropping
And my eyes were squinting
And my smile was growing
And my pants were bulging
And my hands were sweating
And my chest was beating
So I cry 'excuse me,
What is the secret to your song?'

Cause when you're walking along
When you're walking along:

Your legs are a melody my hands
Would like to play
And your hips are a note
That does take me away
And your face and your eyes and your hair
And your waist and your smile
Drive me to distraction - excerpt from The Rhythm

After The Rhythm the album downshifts and borrows more from the band's jazz influences. The material is no less enjoyable and it puts on display the full breadth of their musical talents.

While The Cat Empire has released several more exceptional albums, and their 2005 follow-up Two Shoes is easily superior to this debut. The album is the best place to start as it whets the appetite for the even better music that was yet to come.

Related media & Links
How to Explain video

The Rhythm video

The Chariot video

Days Like These video

Hello video

The Cat Empire (official website)
The Cat Empire (wikipedia)
The Cat Empire (CD) (wikipedia)
Felix Reibl (wikipedia)
Harry James Angus (wikipedia)
Ollie McGill (wikipedia)

CLAPTON

2010-08-18T16:37:00.001-07:00

DATELINE - Guitar icon and three time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eric Clapton announced today that he will release his 19th solo studio album on September 28, 2010 simply titled CLAPTON.

After 18 solo albums, not to mention countless other releases with his many bands and assorted collaborations, Eric Clapton doesn’t have much left to prove. But regardless, he still rocks, and he’s going to continue to do so until he’s dead and buried. And to prove that, he’s called lucky No. 19 simply CLAPTON. All caps means he isn’t playing around.

Co-produced by long-time guitarist and collaborator Doyle Bramhall II, the album will feature the likes of Steve Winwood, Wynton Marsalis, and Sheryl Crow. Despite being in the business a long time, Clapton said via a press release that the end result was a shocker to him. “It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map—and I like it so much because if it’s a surprise to the fans, that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.” That’s right– he’s still got it.

Enjoy the tracklist below. As always, stay tuned for more news (maybe possibly a tour?!) as it’s announced. CLAPTON hits stores September 28th via Warner Bros. Records.

CLAPTON Tracklist:
01. Travelin’ Alone
02. Rocking Chair
03. River Runs Deep
04. Judgement Day
05. How Deep Is The Ocean
06. My Very Good Friend The Milkman
07. Can’t Hold Out Much Longer
08. That’s No Way To Get Along
09. Everything Will Be Alright
10. Diamonds Made From Rain*
11. When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful
12. Hard Times Blues
13. Run Back To Your Side
14. Autumn Leaves

Thanks to a couple of sources for this info....

I can not wait to hear this!

Wedding Bells Are Ringing....

2010-08-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

In case you hadn't heard, our very own DAN, is getting married this weekend! I say there is one lucky bride out there :) And of course, a very lucky groom.

Congratulations to Dan and Cindy - your marriage will rock! Wishing you many happy loving years together.

3 Days Of Peace & Music

2010-08-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

41 years ago today on a muddy hill at Yasgur's Farm some stoned hippy freaks witnessed this amazing performance. This very day was the last day of the exposition.

Check it out.

JODY JOSEPH

2010-08-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

JODY JOSEPH

Jody Joseph is “One Diva, One Legend, One Woman,” a culmination of the incredible musical works of Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and Jody herself. The songs by these two musical icons have helped shape and influence Jody’s musical career throughout her life. With her energetic persona, Jody celebrates the positive aspects of these artists’ lives, and intertwines them with her own music to create an amazingly unique live performance that has received nothing but outstanding reviews thus far.

The upcoming show will be held at Brookdale Community College PAC in Lincroft, NJ on September 25, 2010. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Mary’s Place by the Sea. Due to the size of the venue, and the limited amount of seats, tickets will be available by calling this hotline: 732-544-8513 after May 1, 2010. Tickets will not be sold anywhere else.

This is one event that classic rock aficionados will definitely want to catch.

Australian Crawl - The Boys Light Up (1980)

2010-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

There are certain bands and musicians that capture a nation's identity. The United States has Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and John Mellencamp whose music speaks to working class blue-collar America in a way that captures the nation's identity in a way that listeners don't only hear but also feel and relate to.

Similarly Australia has their artists that not only make great music but capture their national identity in song. In 1980, borrowing elements of punk and New Wave, Australian Crawl burst onto the Australian music scene with their debut album, The Boys Light Up. While they never enjoyed the same level of success beyond their own shores as they did within their own little South Pacific corner of the globe, for five years their star burnt like a bonfire. As quickly as they burst onto the scene their star faded.

While lead vocalist, James Reyne, has enjoyed phenomenal success with his own solo material and even some scaled down more acoustic versions of his Australian Crawl classics in his homeland since the dissolution of his band, the hopes of a reunion are slim as their guitarist and co-lead vocalist, Guy McDonnough passed away in the early 80s (one of the many factors leading to the band's demise).

As such Boys Light Up is a snapshot of Australian surf culture in the early eighties. Indeed, this debut remained on the Aussie pop charts for 104 weeks! While Reyne's voice at times is reminiscent of American blue-eyed soulster, Daryl Hall, and other times British musical chameleon, Joe Jackson and sometimes even sounds a bit like Mick Jagger, Australian Crawl's musical style more closely resembles their Kiwi counterparts from "across the ditch," Split Enz.

Part of what makes this band so enjoyable is Reyne's flair for lyrics:

Let me tell you about my mountain home
Where all the ladies names are Joan
Where husbands work back late at night
Hopes are up for trousers down
With a hostess on a business flight
Taxi in a Mercedes drive
I hope that driver's coming out alive.
The garden is a dorsetted
That lady -- she's so corsetted
She's got 15 ways to lead that boy astray
He thinks he's one and only
But that lovely she's so lonely
She pumps him full of breakfast and she sends him on his way
-- From Boys Light Up

I said, Beau-tiful People, you know they're going out tonight to get their Bombay Rocks off
Beau-tiful People, they 've got a Kerouac condition, gotta cocaine cough
Beau-tiful People, studio 54 is the only place to dance
Beau-tiful People, you know the gardens full of furniture, the house is full of plants
-- From Beautiful People

Antiques flown in from Venice fill your house upon the hill
While your money sold the soul love of rock and roll
For some cheap disco thrill
I've seen your peers pouting over beers
The loneliness it showed
Mistaking tacky sex for sensuality
They bought in toorak road -- From Hootchie Gucci Fiorucci Mama

Australian Crawl are a delight to listen to and this debut is an excellent introduction to their brief but notable stint in Australia's rock canon. Start, but certainly don't stop with this excellent release as you'll be missing out on some of the gems from their later albums.

Related Media & Links
Boys Light Up

Down Hearted

Beautiful People

Australian Crawl (The All Music Guide bio)
Australian Crawl (on Last.fm)

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aha moment: voting

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THE PROMISE: THE MAKING OF DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN TO DEBUT OCT. 7 ON HBO

AND THE WINNER of the RUSH DVD IS: