Ann Wilson - Solo Debut

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

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

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

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

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

Vibe Tribe - and friends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What can I say?

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

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

Lost Lennon Tapes

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

MiGGs

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

MiGGs

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

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

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

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

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

I love what is says on their myspace page:

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

Pet Shop Boys Blast Bono

I read this over at U2 News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeff Buckley Review

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

Here's a track to listen to:

"I know Its Over"

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

(Columbia/Legacy 88697 03570 2)

1. Last Goodbye

2. Lover You Should Have Come Over

3. Forget Her

4. Eternal Life (Road Version)

5. Dream Brother (Alternate Take)

6. The Sky Is A Landfill

7. Everybody Here Wants You (

8. So Real

9. Mojo Pin

10. Vancouver

11. Je N'en Connais Pas La Fin

12. Grace

13. Hallelujah

14. I Know It's Over (live)

Hands Across Amercia!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you think of this new ad campaign:

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

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

Is this a good marketing strategy - - or not?

Rock Honors - VHI

Is anyone going to watch this tonight?

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