Well 2010 comes to a close. The annual "best of" lists are everywhere. So, I decided that I will make my final post of 2010 my version. It's FAR from a best of, critics choice, or anything that ranks the content. It's really just my "random thoughts" about the year in music, concerts and events... enjoy and we'll see you in January:
Music, gotta be honest not much excited me. However, as I tend to do I found a few albums that I purchased (legally) and welcomed them into a growing collection. Again, no order, no critics just me.
Eminem - Recovery: Never a huge fan of his genre. But he pushed the envelope, and the first single was strong and one word I use to describe it is INTENSE. One talented guy. Now, will the Grammy Awards recognize this?
Disturbed - Asylum: Another 1 word title. If you like Disturbed, then you'll like this. Great group of guys, and hardworking surburban Chicago band. Pretty much witnessed their success first hand. A good Disturbed record.
Black Crowes - Croweology: Sucks about the hiatus. However, a nice treat for the fans. You'll hear alot more about these guys as you read on.
Robert Plant - Band of Joy: Made alot of critics lists. Good record. Talk about somebody who's evolved, and aged gracefully. His fans and his music have too. If you're 14 and listening to Whole Lotta Love for the first time, then you'll say WTF. If you're 30 or older give this a listen. He's still the Tall Cool One in my opinion.
Tom Petty - Mojo: Great Tom Petty record. He rocks out a little more, and let's the Hearbreakers loose on a few tunes.
Drive By Truckers - The Big To Do: The first complete DBT record I've ever listened to. It's a little dark at times (but humorous!). The song writing is one of the strong points. They played LOLLA!
Scorpions - Sting in the Tail: Their swan song. I grew up listening to these guys, and it's hard not to like any of their music. Again, if you like the Scorps this is good. I missed their farewell show, but some great memories none the less!
Elton John and Leon Russell - The Union: Again, a critics darling. However, I like this record. Glad to see Elton venture into anything other than pop music soundtracks. Another mellow one, but a Sunday on the deck/patio with a grill, this is the disc.
*SHOWS*
I had a hell of a concert season! As I turned 40, I made a commitment to some shows... Here are a few highlights:
My 20th Jimmy Buffett show! Probably a highlight. Always a good time. If you've attended the tailgate, then you know what I mean. Looking forward to this annually! "If you want an experience, go to a Jimmy Buffett concert..."
Rush performs Moving Pictures in it's entirety: I'm becoming a fan of the Charter One Pavillion. Pretty intimate place for outdoors, with the skyline behine the stage! Due to a ticket snafu we're upgraded to the first 5 rows right in front of Getty's bass amps.
I see Phish for the first time: First show of the summer. Attending the only Chicago appearance with 50,000 Phish Heads. Gives the Parrottheads a run. Talk about a vibe! I would see these guys again, and even bought some of their music this year. Met a ton of cool people!
The Black Crowes say goodbye: 3 hour farewell. I hope these guys comeback. This was a real bummer but they went out in style. The Chicago Theater will never be the same. Good to see effort, energy and caring about the fans! Goodbye bad guys.
Roger Waters tours the Wall! Holy Shit! This was the pinacle! I don't care who else tries something, THIS is it! What a show! If you didn't go, I want to say that I'm sorry. What a night!
Overall, I always find ways to celebrate with music. I would like to give an honorable mention to Lady Antebellum's song Need You Now. If you're walking around in Las Vegas late at night with the woman you love this song takes on a whole new meaning.
Looking forward to 2011... another Buffett show, Stevie Nicks' new record, and the Rolling Stones are going to tour....
-Mike
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Healing Power of Music
Recently my mother passed away unexpectedly. As you might imagine, in the time since life has become increasingly difficult. I happen to be blessed in the area of friends & family as well as in the secular world so the usual "I'm here for you" or "Let me know if there's anything I can do" meant a lot more coming from those angles for me then some others and for that I am truly thankful.
One thing that made me feel (and always does at times like these) bad for others is when friends & family are forced to say something along of the lines of "I wish there was something I could say to help". Many people are at a loss during a situation like this and it's completely understandable. I mean... what DO you say? What IS there to say? Unfortunately nothing outside of the comforting phrases listed above. This is where The Healing Power of Music has been a savior to me in the past few weeks. How has music healed me? In so many ways!
First and immediate, music helped me relieve me of some deep sadness that just had to get out. A car ride to meet with my siblings turned to complete crying out of my eyes while listening to Elvis Presley's recordings of "The Wonder of You" and "My Way". At first, I chose the music because the first track says everything I always wanted and (and got to thankfully) say to her about who she was and what she meant to who I am. The second because she was the embodiment of the sentiment behind Paul Anka's writing in "My Way". But before the first verse had been sang, I was already tore up. It's hard to describe, but it was much needed therapy. The day and a half before it was spent mostly in shock, comforting others or relaying the events to others who weren't aware yet and then dealing with their shock & pain.
The emotion conjured up both by what the songs meant to me coupled with the heartfelt renditions themselves, just sort of pushed me over an edge that I needed. I was able to get out a lot of grief that I honestly don't believe I would've otherwise. I was later able to use both of those songs when I put together an online video tribute of sorts and others were able to gain joy out of it which is amazing to me and something I'm eternally grateful for.
In the following days my sister (whom I owe getting me started on music to) would post songs on her Facebook page that reminded her of our mother. I was amazing what some of those songs did to help the healing process. We were able to share memories of our mom from different perspectives and different eras based on memories linked to a particular song. How cool is that? That was music having the ability to say something to us no one or thing else could.
Long car rides with only the following 8-Track Tapes to accompany us: Simon & Garfunkels Greatest Hits, The Best of John Denver, Kenny Rogers: 20 Greatest Hits, Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden and The Best of Charlie Pride. Then there were names of artists tossed around that both of us hadn't heard in years but were locked in our memories due to the influence of the original music lover; our mom. Ever heard of Roger Whittaker? How about Floyd Kramer? Ever heard the one and only hit by Terry Gibb? Maybe not, but our mom LOVED one or more songs by these artists and her passion for them has a place in each of our minds.
I was astounded how good I felt when I listened back to some of those tracks I haven't heard in maybe 25-30 years. Did it bring her back? Of course not. Did it make me miss her? At times. But more importantly, each song unlocked a different warm, incredible memory linked to my child hood. This to me is worth more than all the gold in this world. My sister and I were able to share memories, have some giant laughs and learn things from each other while talking about each of these songs. What else could've brought that to us other than music?
As I said, there is no magic here. It was through any of this music that all of us became instantly healed by any means. But I see something deeper there, I see where music moved me to a state I needed to be in. It helped me work through some emotions that otherwise may have stayed locked up for who knows how long. More importantly, it helped myself and others I know remember and share a ton of locked up memories. I know it's cliche to say it, but our mother really would've wanted that. She would've wanted us to talk about watching The Barbra Mandrell Show, Solid Gold or Dance Fever (remember any of those??) together. She would've wanted us to laugh about the bad things we all had planned for that Best of John Denver 8-Track Tape. She would've liked that I've passed her message on that recently she gave Michael Buble one listen and decided "he sounds pretty full of himself" and so many other thoughts she had an artists or songs.
All of these things help in the healing process. Some days will be harder than others and music will be there to help in either case. I can see some of the same music listed above really making us miss her some days more than others. But I can also see those same songs bringing joy through stories told and re-told through the coming years without her. It's music saying that thing that no one else can think to say but would love to. It's a feeling or emotion that can only be unlocked by a certain sound, voice or melody that it's linked with in our heads.
It's a constant reminder to us of her and who she was to us. It's the healing power of music and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
One thing that made me feel (and always does at times like these) bad for others is when friends & family are forced to say something along of the lines of "I wish there was something I could say to help". Many people are at a loss during a situation like this and it's completely understandable. I mean... what DO you say? What IS there to say? Unfortunately nothing outside of the comforting phrases listed above. This is where The Healing Power of Music has been a savior to me in the past few weeks. How has music healed me? In so many ways!
First and immediate, music helped me relieve me of some deep sadness that just had to get out. A car ride to meet with my siblings turned to complete crying out of my eyes while listening to Elvis Presley's recordings of "The Wonder of You" and "My Way". At first, I chose the music because the first track says everything I always wanted and (and got to thankfully) say to her about who she was and what she meant to who I am. The second because she was the embodiment of the sentiment behind Paul Anka's writing in "My Way". But before the first verse had been sang, I was already tore up. It's hard to describe, but it was much needed therapy. The day and a half before it was spent mostly in shock, comforting others or relaying the events to others who weren't aware yet and then dealing with their shock & pain.
The emotion conjured up both by what the songs meant to me coupled with the heartfelt renditions themselves, just sort of pushed me over an edge that I needed. I was able to get out a lot of grief that I honestly don't believe I would've otherwise. I was later able to use both of those songs when I put together an online video tribute of sorts and others were able to gain joy out of it which is amazing to me and something I'm eternally grateful for.
In the following days my sister (whom I owe getting me started on music to) would post songs on her Facebook page that reminded her of our mother. I was amazing what some of those songs did to help the healing process. We were able to share memories of our mom from different perspectives and different eras based on memories linked to a particular song. How cool is that? That was music having the ability to say something to us no one or thing else could.
Long car rides with only the following 8-Track Tapes to accompany us: Simon & Garfunkels Greatest Hits, The Best of John Denver, Kenny Rogers: 20 Greatest Hits, Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden and The Best of Charlie Pride. Then there were names of artists tossed around that both of us hadn't heard in years but were locked in our memories due to the influence of the original music lover; our mom. Ever heard of Roger Whittaker? How about Floyd Kramer? Ever heard the one and only hit by Terry Gibb? Maybe not, but our mom LOVED one or more songs by these artists and her passion for them has a place in each of our minds.
I was astounded how good I felt when I listened back to some of those tracks I haven't heard in maybe 25-30 years. Did it bring her back? Of course not. Did it make me miss her? At times. But more importantly, each song unlocked a different warm, incredible memory linked to my child hood. This to me is worth more than all the gold in this world. My sister and I were able to share memories, have some giant laughs and learn things from each other while talking about each of these songs. What else could've brought that to us other than music?
As I said, there is no magic here. It was through any of this music that all of us became instantly healed by any means. But I see something deeper there, I see where music moved me to a state I needed to be in. It helped me work through some emotions that otherwise may have stayed locked up for who knows how long. More importantly, it helped myself and others I know remember and share a ton of locked up memories. I know it's cliche to say it, but our mother really would've wanted that. She would've wanted us to talk about watching The Barbra Mandrell Show, Solid Gold or Dance Fever (remember any of those??) together. She would've wanted us to laugh about the bad things we all had planned for that Best of John Denver 8-Track Tape. She would've liked that I've passed her message on that recently she gave Michael Buble one listen and decided "he sounds pretty full of himself" and so many other thoughts she had an artists or songs.
All of these things help in the healing process. Some days will be harder than others and music will be there to help in either case. I can see some of the same music listed above really making us miss her some days more than others. But I can also see those same songs bringing joy through stories told and re-told through the coming years without her. It's music saying that thing that no one else can think to say but would love to. It's a feeling or emotion that can only be unlocked by a certain sound, voice or melody that it's linked with in our heads.
It's a constant reminder to us of her and who she was to us. It's the healing power of music and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Marjorie Louise Robinson
October 12, 1934-November 27, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Kid Rock: Born Free
Ugh... What happened to the Kid Rock we knew and loved?
Kid Rock started as another rock/rapper guy but started to change with "Cocky", he put more country into his music and it really got interesting to hear this new rock/rap/country thing that nobody was doing on a grand stage and it was for a few albums, but "Born Free" shows that the trip is over and he needs to get back on track.
The problem is that he has gone too country and he doesn't do it well, the album is just boring. It has no real imagination and sounds half baked throughout. I hear this is mostly Kid Rock doing exactly what Rick Rubin told him. Way to be a rebel, lol.
Funny thing about Kid Rock albums... His first single is usually one of the worst songs on the album ("Feel Like Making Love", "So Hott", "Forever") however the rest of the albums had really strong songs which were usually released later, but "Born Free" is a good song... So why does the rest of the record suck so bad?
Bottom line is that it is a slow paced, boring country record.
Lose Rick Rubin, most acts get about one good album out of him and that's about it. Get back to what you do best.
Kid Rock started as another rock/rapper guy but started to change with "Cocky", he put more country into his music and it really got interesting to hear this new rock/rap/country thing that nobody was doing on a grand stage and it was for a few albums, but "Born Free" shows that the trip is over and he needs to get back on track.
The problem is that he has gone too country and he doesn't do it well, the album is just boring. It has no real imagination and sounds half baked throughout. I hear this is mostly Kid Rock doing exactly what Rick Rubin told him. Way to be a rebel, lol.
Funny thing about Kid Rock albums... His first single is usually one of the worst songs on the album ("Feel Like Making Love", "So Hott", "Forever") however the rest of the albums had really strong songs which were usually released later, but "Born Free" is a good song... So why does the rest of the record suck so bad?
Bottom line is that it is a slow paced, boring country record.
Lose Rick Rubin, most acts get about one good album out of him and that's about it. Get back to what you do best.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Grumpy old men
Nowadays I hear music on the radio and a lot of it sounds the same. Or I watch an awards show like the recent AMA's and think "Man.... 90% of this just blows" and I always stop to wonder if maybe I'm just getting old, then the arrogant side always says no, LOL.
When I hear new bands on the radio it all seems to sound very cookie cutter, everything sounds the same, just Creed being cloned by Nickleback being cloned by Daughtry and so on and so on... Where is the new Nirvana coming from? That band that just rips through the muck to sound so different then everything else? It's been a long time since that time of act has surfaced. The band that is getting that push seems to be The Kings Of Leon, I like them, but I just don't see them having that type of effect like Nirvana had.
And watching the AMA's....Oooof.... Only 4 acts seemed to be singing and only 3 of them did it without a Broadway production. And the winners? I don't know that this generation will be hearing these acts on classic radio in 20 years. If WCSX (Local classic rock station) is playing Justin Bieber in 15 years I may just keel over on the spot. The lack of talent and originality really shown brightly on the AMA's. I found it funny that the best 2 acts in my opinion (Kid Rock and Bon Jovi) got the best response with the least hoopla.
And now the Black Eyed Peas are playing half time at the super bowl. This is the single act that epitomizes all that is wrong with music today. That looks like a disaster in the waiting.
So, am I (and the others who had these feelings) just old and out of touch or should someone be listening to us?
When I hear new bands on the radio it all seems to sound very cookie cutter, everything sounds the same, just Creed being cloned by Nickleback being cloned by Daughtry and so on and so on... Where is the new Nirvana coming from? That band that just rips through the muck to sound so different then everything else? It's been a long time since that time of act has surfaced. The band that is getting that push seems to be The Kings Of Leon, I like them, but I just don't see them having that type of effect like Nirvana had.
And watching the AMA's....Oooof.... Only 4 acts seemed to be singing and only 3 of them did it without a Broadway production. And the winners? I don't know that this generation will be hearing these acts on classic radio in 20 years. If WCSX (Local classic rock station) is playing Justin Bieber in 15 years I may just keel over on the spot. The lack of talent and originality really shown brightly on the AMA's. I found it funny that the best 2 acts in my opinion (Kid Rock and Bon Jovi) got the best response with the least hoopla.
And now the Black Eyed Peas are playing half time at the super bowl. This is the single act that epitomizes all that is wrong with music today. That looks like a disaster in the waiting.
So, am I (and the others who had these feelings) just old and out of touch or should someone be listening to us?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Holiday Music... take it or leave it...
So Greg and Russ have shared their thoughts on the holiday music issue. On this eve of Black Friday, I feel I should share mine, I understand where both my fellow contributers are coming from, and we share some of the same opinions.
I'm not a fan of all holiday music. It could be that I too have been in the retail business for most of my adult life, but mainly it has to do with that ANYBODY can record a holiday album. Thus, presenting us with more than enough options for a season that really only lasts 6 weeks most years. Sure there's the radio station in Chicago that starts playing holiday music on 11/1 every year and uses it as a tagline to brag. Having spent many holiday seasons working in record stores or music departments in big box stores, I've listened to some really good holiday music, and some really bad. It's always nice to be able to open what you want and "check it out".
I also get that Christmas has lost most of it's tradition, and Black Friday is basically an extension or addition to the Thanksgiving Weekend. I also don't really feel the need for holiday music any other time but holiday. I guess it's one of the few ways a music loving, retail working guy can catch some holiday spirit. I do believe there is some good holiday albums out there, and even artists that have released their versions of the "classics" or original new tunes (this is where most get into trouble in my opinion).
So, with that being said here are some of favorite holiday songs, and honorable mention to a few others. Some I listen to several times a season, but I really do only own about 15 holiday albums and really never listen to any of them all the way through...
Some Great Holiday Songs:
Queen - Thank God It's Christmas
David Bowie and Bing Crosby - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
The Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight)
The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
Willie Nelson - Pretty Paper
The Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick
Peggy Lee - Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Billy Squire - Christmas is a Time to Say I Love You
Weird All Yankovic - Christmas at Ground Zero (lost some of it's luster after 9/11)
Cheech & Chong - Santa Claus and His Old Lady
Run DMC - Christmas in Hollis (you re-write the lyrics)
Stevie Nicks - Silent Night (might not be the best version, but she's Stevie Nicks)
Eagles - It Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Brenda Lee - Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
I would also recommend some the Merry Axemas collection, and Gary Hoey's Ho Ho Hoey collections. Again it's not for everybody, but still good.
These are some of the songs that I try and listen to at least once during the season. Then, on 12/26 I put all the CD's back on the bottom of the rack until next year. Holiday music doesn't have to suck if know where to look.
MD
Sunday, November 21, 2010
It's the least wonderful time of the year...
I hate Christmas music, and it started today....
Yep, hate it. I used to think it had something to do with working retail and the fact that it is pumped in 24/7 ad nausea, but I didn't really like it as a kid either.
Now I know that a lot of people may see this and call me a grinch or whatever, and I know it signals the beginning of a time that most people enjoy.... But let's face it, the music sucks!
Anyone who wants to argue please tell me when is the last time you cranked "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" in July? You didn't cuz the actual music is awful.
I totally understand getting into a mood, but does the music really help that much? All it does to me is sound like nails on a chalk board with all the corny, cheesy lyrics and music. It is nearly impossible to make a Christmas song sound like it came from this decade, no matter how new the song may be, it still sounds 50+ years old. The only act that I have heard make a Christmas song sound good? Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and that even sounded tongue in cheek.
Now I'm not saying cancel all Christmas music, hell...That's a losing battle anyways,LOL. What I would like though is laying off til black Friday... PLEASE!!!!
Yep, hate it. I used to think it had something to do with working retail and the fact that it is pumped in 24/7 ad nausea, but I didn't really like it as a kid either.
Now I know that a lot of people may see this and call me a grinch or whatever, and I know it signals the beginning of a time that most people enjoy.... But let's face it, the music sucks!
Anyone who wants to argue please tell me when is the last time you cranked "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" in July? You didn't cuz the actual music is awful.
I totally understand getting into a mood, but does the music really help that much? All it does to me is sound like nails on a chalk board with all the corny, cheesy lyrics and music. It is nearly impossible to make a Christmas song sound like it came from this decade, no matter how new the song may be, it still sounds 50+ years old. The only act that I have heard make a Christmas song sound good? Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and that even sounded tongue in cheek.
Now I'm not saying cancel all Christmas music, hell...That's a losing battle anyways,LOL. What I would like though is laying off til black Friday... PLEASE!!!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Beatles on iTunes?
Congratulations to the Fab 4 for making the "big time" and getting on iTunes...
I guess I might not understand the true magnitude of the digital age. According to the folks at Apple I must not. They're talking about making tons of cash, and this is a huge score for them. I love the Beatles, and I am a user of iTunes but I don't understand all the fuss.
I guess I look at the Beatles as a band where you have hard copies of their music. Your parents had it, they've come out on CD (more than once), not to mention the massive amount of copies "1" sold on CD a few years ago.... It just seems like most people have this music, or it's passed down. I have all the Beatles I desire in my iTunes already, and it came from the CDs I already own. People who want Beatles music already have it...
Unless:
Are the versions on iTunes better sounding? Better than this last batch of CDs that were re-issued last year?
Are there people out there saying "I'm not going to buy Revolver, I'm going to wait until it comes out on iTunes"?
Now that they're on iTunes, will they get exposed to people who have never heard their music? They're going to search for them, and snatch up the entire catalog? Or don't own any of it?
I guess there's also the fact that album artwork mattered in the day. Listening to Sgt. Peppers and not checking out the artwork is almost a sin in my book. Maybe I'm blowing this out of proportion, and I'm still in denial that this format is killing the actual media. Or, I don't understand the true magnitude of the digital age...
-MD
I guess I might not understand the true magnitude of the digital age. According to the folks at Apple I must not. They're talking about making tons of cash, and this is a huge score for them. I love the Beatles, and I am a user of iTunes but I don't understand all the fuss.
I guess I look at the Beatles as a band where you have hard copies of their music. Your parents had it, they've come out on CD (more than once), not to mention the massive amount of copies "1" sold on CD a few years ago.... It just seems like most people have this music, or it's passed down. I have all the Beatles I desire in my iTunes already, and it came from the CDs I already own. People who want Beatles music already have it...
Unless:
Are the versions on iTunes better sounding? Better than this last batch of CDs that were re-issued last year?
Are there people out there saying "I'm not going to buy Revolver, I'm going to wait until it comes out on iTunes"?
Now that they're on iTunes, will they get exposed to people who have never heard their music? They're going to search for them, and snatch up the entire catalog? Or don't own any of it?
I guess there's also the fact that album artwork mattered in the day. Listening to Sgt. Peppers and not checking out the artwork is almost a sin in my book. Maybe I'm blowing this out of proportion, and I'm still in denial that this format is killing the actual media. Or, I don't understand the true magnitude of the digital age...
-MD
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful
I got the chance to sit down and watch "When We Were Beautiful" a documentary on Bon Jovi's 2008 tour and where the band was at at that time.
Now I have been a fan when no one knew who they were, I was also a fan when everyone knew who they were and once again a fan when they weren't cool anymore and still went to shows when they started appealing more to my mom then me,LOL... And watching this movie has been hardly difficult. On one hand you have Jon Bon Jovi (Who is the movie's main focal point) discussing how hard it is to be him and other the other hand speaking to how much he loves it. I have to wonder what 25 year old Jon would say to 46 year old Jon.
This is actually a very good doc... Not many get this close to a band that is this big. This would be like Documenting Elvis in the 50s-60s or Led Zeppelin in the 70s... This type of access is just not done with people this big. It is much more fascinating then I was expecting.
We then get the guys talking about personal issues they had and how the band helped them through it. We hear Richie talking about his alcoholism, and his guilt on it's effect on the band.
The first 20 minutes is Jon talking about his philanthropy, and how the critics perceived them vs. the fans. He says he doesn't want to play intimate clubs, he'd rather play a huge place knowing all those people wanted to be there... And it really makes sense.I know it is cooler to say you want to be more intimate... But the reality is that all bands want as much acceptance as possible. He also speaks to the fact that he tried to write more personal and political and no one wanted to hear it. It really showed the schism that is in a band that wants to be popular and relevant at the same time that they are growing older... Do you want to write the same safe stuff for millions or do you want to do something different for thousands? You also see the pressures of being Jon Bon Jovi, not just musically, but in the business world. My only complaint? He treats the Bon Jovi name much like Gene Simmons treats the Kiss name... It almost more business than rock n' roll, and that is a little sad.
After that the movie gets to the other band members and what the band went through when they blew up with "Slippery When Wet". They speak candidly about how it is Jon's band and how in the long run this is best for all of them. They also get into the fact that even though it is Jon's band, they are a brotherhood and they are there for each other, not news to Jovi fans, but it is nice to see each guy interviewed separately in their own special places and being very candid.
We then get into some of the bands demons as both Richie Sambora and Tico Torres talk of their alcoholism and how the band saved them, but both men use different ways to cope. For Richie it is music, for Tico it is golf and art. Then we get David Bryan talking about his outside projects, he seems to be the most well adjusted individual in the band, no substance issues, no pressures of people pulling him in 100 different directions, just a happy guy.
They then bring it back to how Jon is helping with habitat for humanity, and his other political causes. This is all bringing us to a wrap up at a free show in central park. Earlier in the movie we see the stress again of being Jon, Ticketmaster is trying to charge $2.50 a ticket plus other hidden charges for a free show and the stress on Jon is visible as he even considers canceling, but is told how if he does the blame will go on the band and not Ticketmaster and as always, Jon doesn't want to disappoint their fans.
In the end I was surprised how much I liked this doc. I was expecting a back patting love fest, but what I got was a warts and all doc with not much music, which is odd for a music doc, but in reality... Do we really need to hear these songs again? We all know them by heart, so I am more then OK with them dedicating more time to the story. A very good movie that I would recommend to watch even if you are not a fan because I doubt you will ever see this kind of a documentary on a band that is this big.
-G
Now I have been a fan when no one knew who they were, I was also a fan when everyone knew who they were and once again a fan when they weren't cool anymore and still went to shows when they started appealing more to my mom then me,LOL... And watching this movie has been hardly difficult. On one hand you have Jon Bon Jovi (Who is the movie's main focal point) discussing how hard it is to be him and other the other hand speaking to how much he loves it. I have to wonder what 25 year old Jon would say to 46 year old Jon.
This is actually a very good doc... Not many get this close to a band that is this big. This would be like Documenting Elvis in the 50s-60s or Led Zeppelin in the 70s... This type of access is just not done with people this big. It is much more fascinating then I was expecting.
We then get the guys talking about personal issues they had and how the band helped them through it. We hear Richie talking about his alcoholism, and his guilt on it's effect on the band.
The first 20 minutes is Jon talking about his philanthropy, and how the critics perceived them vs. the fans. He says he doesn't want to play intimate clubs, he'd rather play a huge place knowing all those people wanted to be there... And it really makes sense.I know it is cooler to say you want to be more intimate... But the reality is that all bands want as much acceptance as possible. He also speaks to the fact that he tried to write more personal and political and no one wanted to hear it. It really showed the schism that is in a band that wants to be popular and relevant at the same time that they are growing older... Do you want to write the same safe stuff for millions or do you want to do something different for thousands? You also see the pressures of being Jon Bon Jovi, not just musically, but in the business world. My only complaint? He treats the Bon Jovi name much like Gene Simmons treats the Kiss name... It almost more business than rock n' roll, and that is a little sad.
After that the movie gets to the other band members and what the band went through when they blew up with "Slippery When Wet". They speak candidly about how it is Jon's band and how in the long run this is best for all of them. They also get into the fact that even though it is Jon's band, they are a brotherhood and they are there for each other, not news to Jovi fans, but it is nice to see each guy interviewed separately in their own special places and being very candid.
We then get into some of the bands demons as both Richie Sambora and Tico Torres talk of their alcoholism and how the band saved them, but both men use different ways to cope. For Richie it is music, for Tico it is golf and art. Then we get David Bryan talking about his outside projects, he seems to be the most well adjusted individual in the band, no substance issues, no pressures of people pulling him in 100 different directions, just a happy guy.
They then bring it back to how Jon is helping with habitat for humanity, and his other political causes. This is all bringing us to a wrap up at a free show in central park. Earlier in the movie we see the stress again of being Jon, Ticketmaster is trying to charge $2.50 a ticket plus other hidden charges for a free show and the stress on Jon is visible as he even considers canceling, but is told how if he does the blame will go on the band and not Ticketmaster and as always, Jon doesn't want to disappoint their fans.
In the end I was surprised how much I liked this doc. I was expecting a back patting love fest, but what I got was a warts and all doc with not much music, which is odd for a music doc, but in reality... Do we really need to hear these songs again? We all know them by heart, so I am more then OK with them dedicating more time to the story. A very good movie that I would recommend to watch even if you are not a fan because I doubt you will ever see this kind of a documentary on a band that is this big.
-G
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Record Store
I was going off about music once at work (unbelievable, I know) sometime last year and I was talking about how I had just recently been to Flipside Records and it made me really miss "The Record Store". A co-worker of mine, quite a bit younger, asked me very honestly what "The Record Store" was. He had grown up in the post Napster/Big Box revolution and honestly had no clue what I was talking about.
I have at least a dozen opinions on said Napster/Big Box situation but I don't want to go into that right now. I'd rather just plain talk about "The Record Store" and how much I miss it. One of my favorite memories is being in a record store some time in 1991. Some album was playing over head and the person shopping with me said "Do you know who this is?" my reply was "No but whoever it is, they're openly ripping off Roger Waters". The guy behind the counter then looked up and shouted across the store "Hey genius, this IS Roger Waters. It's his new album". I was slightly embarrassed to say the least, but more importantly I had to go find said album and purchase it!
That was the thing that I loved the most about the record store; knowledge. People that worked at the record store LOVED music and they knew everything about it. Much like people in the auto repair industry rely completely on the gathering of knowledge of all makes and models, The Record Store employee did the same. Ever been to a auto repair shop and described a noise or issue with your car and they come right up with the solution? That's how the workers in the record store were! Having put in more than a few hours, I can tell you that one of the more enjoyable things about working in the record store was every few hours when a person would come up and ask for "that song". If you worked in a record store, you know what I'm talking about. If you didn't, then you've been the person asking. The conversation goes like this; Customer: Do you have that old song by that band? Record store: Which one? Customer: It's the one with the guitar that's like 'daaa da da daaa DA!" Record store: Hmmm, do you know any of the words? Customer: Umm.... He says 'oh baby' in it, I know that for sure!
Generally inside of a half hour, someone at the record store figured it out for you. And it was cool as hell to either be that guy or have that guy around. One of my favorite such stories happened to me while working for Media Play. In the same fashion as above a customer once asked me for the "new AC/DC" and seeing as they hadn't had a new album for a while, I started to find out if it was a certain tune he was looking for. After about 40 minutes of discussion, I found out he was looking for Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes which I found amazing on many levels. Not everything sounds the same to all ears, but to this day I'm astounded that he heard Seven Nation Army and somehow thought it was AC/DC!
The record store was always a great place to get an opinion too. Most of the time, whether you were asking or not, they would share their opinion with you on what you were buying or what you should buy. I always used to laugh when I'd over hear conversations like these. You would have a counter top surrounded by promotional materials for say the new Def Leppard release and a record store employee complaining about hating "corporate rock".
For me though, I would always love the recommendations that came along with the record store. Employees always had a band or artist they were passionate about that you HAD to hear. Or if you were looking for a certain artist, they could introduce you to something or someone similar. Most of the time it was an artist who had originated the sound you were looking for from that new artist. There was nothing quite like picking up an artist you'd never heard of or got a chance to listen to and wondering where it had been all your life! You owed the record store employee for changing that for you.
Today, by and large The Record Store doesn't exist. People trade music the old fashioned way on the internet but it's just not the same. To those stores out there still hanging on: YOU ARE LOVED! If you're reading this and you have an establishment near you still, please I beg you, give them your business. These are experts trained in the art of what they love. You may pay $2-3 more for a new release as opposed to a Big Box, but I assure you the experience alone is worth the few extra dollars.
If you have a favorite record store that's still in business, please comment on this post with their name and website if available!
-R
I have at least a dozen opinions on said Napster/Big Box situation but I don't want to go into that right now. I'd rather just plain talk about "The Record Store" and how much I miss it. One of my favorite memories is being in a record store some time in 1991. Some album was playing over head and the person shopping with me said "Do you know who this is?" my reply was "No but whoever it is, they're openly ripping off Roger Waters". The guy behind the counter then looked up and shouted across the store "Hey genius, this IS Roger Waters. It's his new album". I was slightly embarrassed to say the least, but more importantly I had to go find said album and purchase it!
That was the thing that I loved the most about the record store; knowledge. People that worked at the record store LOVED music and they knew everything about it. Much like people in the auto repair industry rely completely on the gathering of knowledge of all makes and models, The Record Store employee did the same. Ever been to a auto repair shop and described a noise or issue with your car and they come right up with the solution? That's how the workers in the record store were! Having put in more than a few hours, I can tell you that one of the more enjoyable things about working in the record store was every few hours when a person would come up and ask for "that song". If you worked in a record store, you know what I'm talking about. If you didn't, then you've been the person asking. The conversation goes like this; Customer: Do you have that old song by that band? Record store: Which one? Customer: It's the one with the guitar that's like 'daaa da da daaa DA!" Record store: Hmmm, do you know any of the words? Customer: Umm.... He says 'oh baby' in it, I know that for sure!
Generally inside of a half hour, someone at the record store figured it out for you. And it was cool as hell to either be that guy or have that guy around. One of my favorite such stories happened to me while working for Media Play. In the same fashion as above a customer once asked me for the "new AC/DC" and seeing as they hadn't had a new album for a while, I started to find out if it was a certain tune he was looking for. After about 40 minutes of discussion, I found out he was looking for Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes which I found amazing on many levels. Not everything sounds the same to all ears, but to this day I'm astounded that he heard Seven Nation Army and somehow thought it was AC/DC!
The record store was always a great place to get an opinion too. Most of the time, whether you were asking or not, they would share their opinion with you on what you were buying or what you should buy. I always used to laugh when I'd over hear conversations like these. You would have a counter top surrounded by promotional materials for say the new Def Leppard release and a record store employee complaining about hating "corporate rock".
For me though, I would always love the recommendations that came along with the record store. Employees always had a band or artist they were passionate about that you HAD to hear. Or if you were looking for a certain artist, they could introduce you to something or someone similar. Most of the time it was an artist who had originated the sound you were looking for from that new artist. There was nothing quite like picking up an artist you'd never heard of or got a chance to listen to and wondering where it had been all your life! You owed the record store employee for changing that for you.
Today, by and large The Record Store doesn't exist. People trade music the old fashioned way on the internet but it's just not the same. To those stores out there still hanging on: YOU ARE LOVED! If you're reading this and you have an establishment near you still, please I beg you, give them your business. These are experts trained in the art of what they love. You may pay $2-3 more for a new release as opposed to a Big Box, but I assure you the experience alone is worth the few extra dollars.
If you have a favorite record store that's still in business, please comment on this post with their name and website if available!
-R
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Name of the Band is Cowboy Mouth!
Every once in a while you experience a band that literally blows you away! It was spring of 1999 that I went to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.... The fact that New Orleans has offered up such amazing musical contributions makes it a great place to visit for a music fan. People say they want to go to Mardi Gras, etc... let me tell you it's just a crazy during Jazzfest than any other time of the year. The Fest itself offers such a diverse line-up, that you know that you're in for a good time.
2 of the 3 other people I attended the fest with came to see Cowboy Mouth specifically, as did a few other of the thousands of fans who attended the fest. After an afternoon of beers, New Orleans food (whole BBQ shrimp and gumbo among others), and grooving to other New Orleans acts the Neville Brothers and Zachary Richard, Cowboy Mouth was up!
They really brought it that day. Fred LeBlanc the frontman and drummer steals the show. His kit is center stage and his energy goes unmatched. I was hooked. After I got home, I bought the CD's, listened to the music and bought tickets to see them in Chicago around St. Patricks Day 2000. Again, they ripped up the House of Blues and brought the house down! The best $20 I'd spent on a concert ticket! Truely an amazing experience!
I've seen them numerous times since then. Including a 2 night stand over my 30th Birthday... We rode the elevator with the band, and met Fred in the lobby of the hotel. He sang happy birthday to me! I took my kids to see them once at a festival which I consider my kids first concert. New Years Eve 2001 was great with Cowboy Mouth and Better Than Ezra sharing the stage! This is the first and only time I attended the show on NYE. I also include the Minnesota State Fair in front of about 100 fans, and the Lincoln Park Zoo gig where I almost got kicked off the train for swearing!
If you get a chance check them out... they make their living touring and giving it all they got. Check out their live release "All You Need Is Live" to get you started. They transitioned some members over the years. They are my #1 pick for great band that nobody has heard of!
The name of the band is Cowboy Mouth!
Enjoy!
-Mike
2 of the 3 other people I attended the fest with came to see Cowboy Mouth specifically, as did a few other of the thousands of fans who attended the fest. After an afternoon of beers, New Orleans food (whole BBQ shrimp and gumbo among others), and grooving to other New Orleans acts the Neville Brothers and Zachary Richard, Cowboy Mouth was up!
They really brought it that day. Fred LeBlanc the frontman and drummer steals the show. His kit is center stage and his energy goes unmatched. I was hooked. After I got home, I bought the CD's, listened to the music and bought tickets to see them in Chicago around St. Patricks Day 2000. Again, they ripped up the House of Blues and brought the house down! The best $20 I'd spent on a concert ticket! Truely an amazing experience!
I've seen them numerous times since then. Including a 2 night stand over my 30th Birthday... We rode the elevator with the band, and met Fred in the lobby of the hotel. He sang happy birthday to me! I took my kids to see them once at a festival which I consider my kids first concert. New Years Eve 2001 was great with Cowboy Mouth and Better Than Ezra sharing the stage! This is the first and only time I attended the show on NYE. I also include the Minnesota State Fair in front of about 100 fans, and the Lincoln Park Zoo gig where I almost got kicked off the train for swearing!
If you get a chance check them out... they make their living touring and giving it all they got. Check out their live release "All You Need Is Live" to get you started. They transitioned some members over the years. They are my #1 pick for great band that nobody has heard of!
The name of the band is Cowboy Mouth!
Enjoy!
-Mike
Top ten (guitarist edition)
Before I post this let me say a couple of things about it.
First off.... This list could have gone to 20 easy, it is a tough list for me as there are so many influential guitarists out there, but 10 seems like a good number.
2nd... I did not include any "solo players". Guitarists that are known more for their solo recordings, so no Satriani, Vai, etc. I think it is harder to stand out in the confines of a song then the song being built around your riff. Also if a guitarist who has great solos that don't fit into the song then you won't be on here.
So here we go.....
10. Vernon Reid- Living Colour
To me he is a very underrated guitar player for a very underrated band. He can sound like he is coming from outer space or playing on the corner and his playing fits in every song very well.
9. "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott- Pantera
Pantera's whole thing was the guitar sound, for it's time it was unique, but not off putting... Speed with melody, a hard combo to pull off. The melody in his playing made this band's aggressive style a top 10 charting band.
8. Dave Gilmore- Pink Floyd
I have never been a huge Floyd fan, I do like a lot of their songs, I'm just not a guy who can tell you all the ins and outs of their story (We got Russ for that anyways, LOL). However I do like Gilmour's playing. His blues based, fluid playing fits the songs but is still memorable on their own, which helps the songs be memorable also.
7. Stevie Ray Vaughn
Stevie truly played the blues, with a southern twist, but it was the truest blues since the 40s. Much more then Clapton or Page, Stevie played with the slow burn and fuzzy sound that was those old blues records. If you played the old blues masters along SRV from the 80s I doubt you could tell much different in the eras.
6. Tom Morello- Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave
Morelo's playing is so unique and so related to him that many love it, but no one dares copy it because people will just assume it's him. Anyone who can make his instrument sound like a different instrument while playing is doing something special. He then takes that unique sound and somehow fits it right into the song, though I do feel it fit better into Rage's aggression then Audioslaves poppy sound.
5. Jimmy Page- Led Zeppelin
Jimmy was one of the first to really be a name player in a band. Yes it was Led Zeppelin, but everyone knew Page and his sound. And his solos were so smooth within the songs that they are what is memorable.
4. Randy Rhoads- Ozzy Osbourne
Randy is the only one on the list who is technically in a backing band, however he is the main reason Ozzy is still a known name today. Without Randy Ozzy probably fades into obscurity quickly. Once again a guy who can play fast but melodic. His solo in "Crazy Train" is still echoing in sports stadiums across the world.
3. Nuno Bettencourt- Extreme, Mourning Widows
Nuno may be the most underrated guitarists I have ever heard. His playing is amazing on record and reproduced perfectly live. Much like Vernon Reid, he sounds like he came from another planet, yet the song structure is still there. Even the acoustic playing on "More Than Words" is outstanding. He has also lent his talent to lots of other artist and I can always hear him, even if he is uncredited.
2. Brian May- Queen
It had to be hard to stand out in a band with Freddie Mercury... The guy was so flamboyant and talented... How do you get noticed? Play a sound that nobody has ever heard before. Brian's playing on "Stone Cold Crazy" practically invented the heavy metal the Metallica plays, his playing actually equaled Freddie, and that ain't easy to do.
1. Eddie Van Halen- Van Halen
The most innovative player of all time in my opinion. Players have been trying to copy him for decades, but when it's Eddie.... You know it's Eddie. The guy's playing is exciting, he can make his guitar sound like a church organ, he makes you get excited when that solo is coming.... And he can out shine his very ego driven singers. He does everything these other players do, plus some and he does it live.
So there you go... My list, I'm sure there are others that could have been on there (Hendrix and others almost made it) I have my reasons why some of the typical players aren't there. Hopefully if you haven't heard all these guys you will check them out for more then the hits.
-G
First off.... This list could have gone to 20 easy, it is a tough list for me as there are so many influential guitarists out there, but 10 seems like a good number.
2nd... I did not include any "solo players". Guitarists that are known more for their solo recordings, so no Satriani, Vai, etc. I think it is harder to stand out in the confines of a song then the song being built around your riff. Also if a guitarist who has great solos that don't fit into the song then you won't be on here.
So here we go.....
10. Vernon Reid- Living Colour
To me he is a very underrated guitar player for a very underrated band. He can sound like he is coming from outer space or playing on the corner and his playing fits in every song very well.
9. "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott- Pantera
Pantera's whole thing was the guitar sound, for it's time it was unique, but not off putting... Speed with melody, a hard combo to pull off. The melody in his playing made this band's aggressive style a top 10 charting band.
8. Dave Gilmore- Pink Floyd
I have never been a huge Floyd fan, I do like a lot of their songs, I'm just not a guy who can tell you all the ins and outs of their story (We got Russ for that anyways, LOL). However I do like Gilmour's playing. His blues based, fluid playing fits the songs but is still memorable on their own, which helps the songs be memorable also.
7. Stevie Ray Vaughn
Stevie truly played the blues, with a southern twist, but it was the truest blues since the 40s. Much more then Clapton or Page, Stevie played with the slow burn and fuzzy sound that was those old blues records. If you played the old blues masters along SRV from the 80s I doubt you could tell much different in the eras.
6. Tom Morello- Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave
Morelo's playing is so unique and so related to him that many love it, but no one dares copy it because people will just assume it's him. Anyone who can make his instrument sound like a different instrument while playing is doing something special. He then takes that unique sound and somehow fits it right into the song, though I do feel it fit better into Rage's aggression then Audioslaves poppy sound.
5. Jimmy Page- Led Zeppelin
Jimmy was one of the first to really be a name player in a band. Yes it was Led Zeppelin, but everyone knew Page and his sound. And his solos were so smooth within the songs that they are what is memorable.
4. Randy Rhoads- Ozzy Osbourne
Randy is the only one on the list who is technically in a backing band, however he is the main reason Ozzy is still a known name today. Without Randy Ozzy probably fades into obscurity quickly. Once again a guy who can play fast but melodic. His solo in "Crazy Train" is still echoing in sports stadiums across the world.
3. Nuno Bettencourt- Extreme, Mourning Widows
Nuno may be the most underrated guitarists I have ever heard. His playing is amazing on record and reproduced perfectly live. Much like Vernon Reid, he sounds like he came from another planet, yet the song structure is still there. Even the acoustic playing on "More Than Words" is outstanding. He has also lent his talent to lots of other artist and I can always hear him, even if he is uncredited.
2. Brian May- Queen
It had to be hard to stand out in a band with Freddie Mercury... The guy was so flamboyant and talented... How do you get noticed? Play a sound that nobody has ever heard before. Brian's playing on "Stone Cold Crazy" practically invented the heavy metal the Metallica plays, his playing actually equaled Freddie, and that ain't easy to do.
1. Eddie Van Halen- Van Halen
The most innovative player of all time in my opinion. Players have been trying to copy him for decades, but when it's Eddie.... You know it's Eddie. The guy's playing is exciting, he can make his guitar sound like a church organ, he makes you get excited when that solo is coming.... And he can out shine his very ego driven singers. He does everything these other players do, plus some and he does it live.
So there you go... My list, I'm sure there are others that could have been on there (Hendrix and others almost made it) I have my reasons why some of the typical players aren't there. Hopefully if you haven't heard all these guys you will check them out for more then the hits.
-G
Friday, October 29, 2010
Creative differences
We have all had a favorite band have it happen to them... Creative differences, either a band member leaves or the whole band implodes because of t, but what does it really mean? And why can't it be worked through?
My favorites are the ones that comes to light years later... The singer slept with someones girlfriend, a drug habit or a player that was added by the record label that no one ever liked in the first place.
But true creative differences... That seems a lot harder to figure out. If your band made it and has retained popularity doing things a certain way then why rock the boat? Yeah that guy writes everything... But if you have a lot of big hits and platinum record sales why would you risk that? And if you are the guy writing everything, why go solo? You are just gonna sound like a clone of your old band....Trust me, you will.
So why do bands do this to their fans? Is it because they are selfish? It always seemed to me that in the CD age that if your favorite band has a couple of guys with song ideas that there is enough room for everyone to have a song on the album. Besides... Who knows? Maybe that song is the big hit, it's been known to happen.... The song no one likes becomes a monster hit.
Even my favorite band, The Beatles did this... Sure Lennon and McCartney wrote 90% but George had a few big songs, even Ringo contributed:
So c'mon guys.... Keep it together for the fans, they will be there if you are. We are tired of our bands not being who we expect them to be, I mean... Who needs 2 different versions of our favorite bands touring? Or a singer who sounds nothing like we expect?
My favorites are the ones that comes to light years later... The singer slept with someones girlfriend, a drug habit or a player that was added by the record label that no one ever liked in the first place.
But true creative differences... That seems a lot harder to figure out. If your band made it and has retained popularity doing things a certain way then why rock the boat? Yeah that guy writes everything... But if you have a lot of big hits and platinum record sales why would you risk that? And if you are the guy writing everything, why go solo? You are just gonna sound like a clone of your old band....Trust me, you will.
So why do bands do this to their fans? Is it because they are selfish? It always seemed to me that in the CD age that if your favorite band has a couple of guys with song ideas that there is enough room for everyone to have a song on the album. Besides... Who knows? Maybe that song is the big hit, it's been known to happen.... The song no one likes becomes a monster hit.
Even my favorite band, The Beatles did this... Sure Lennon and McCartney wrote 90% but George had a few big songs, even Ringo contributed:
So c'mon guys.... Keep it together for the fans, they will be there if you are. We are tired of our bands not being who we expect them to be, I mean... Who needs 2 different versions of our favorite bands touring? Or a singer who sounds nothing like we expect?
Monday, October 25, 2010
REVIEW: Roger Waters: The Wall 10/24/2010
When I was 11, I wandered into the living room one night while my parents were out to find the rather disturbing image of kids being put through a factory assembly line so they were all fitted to be the same then dropping into a meat grinder at the end. All of this was put to music but I didn't really care about that, I was scared to death by the imagery! As I ran from the room, my older brothers saw a golden opportunity to make me suffer and chased me down in the house. The literally dragged me back to the room and forced me to continue watching. Much to their horror after I got used to the radical images, I realized I was hearing something amazing. The movie playing was Pink Floyd-The Wall.
Through the years, I've come to have a very deep love for just about everything Pink Floyd have done. And only in my wildest dreams did I think I could actually see a proper performance of The Wall, until this year when Roger Waters (the primary song writer for Pink Floyd and the man whom The Wall is largely based on) decided to do a world tour with exactly that. Roger Waters (and the rest of Pink Floyd for that matter) have a history of really taking care of their real fans. So I was pleased to find out that Roger had set up a lottery on his website for fans to get first chance at the best seats for the whole tour. I thought that was a nice touch, which I had more admiration for when I found out that on top of the lottery itself, there were also additional measures put in place to ensure that scalpers would not benefit from even entering the lottery.
It's through these measures that I was awarded front row, center at face value of the tickets to an event I'd only dreamed I'd ever get to see since the age of 11. Needless to say, the months leading up to the show were killing me with anticipation. Our very own Mike D saw the show a little over a month ago and was blown away. I checked, re-checked and triple checked fan forums daily for any bit of info, pictures, audio or video I could find. Seeing as I was going to be sitting so close to the stage, I was anxious to see a lot of the visuals I might not get the chance to in being so close. In doing so however, I caused myself to wonder in the last days leading up to the show; had I over done it? Waiting since 11, getting amazing seats, checking out every form of media I could, talking to everyone I know about it... had I some how built the show up so much that when I finally saw it I could only be let down? The answer in a word is, no.
In the final days before the show, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a great Pink Floyd forum called A Fleeting Glimpse (www.pinkfloydz.com). I was invited to a pre-party over in the Plymouth area on show day. I also found out that a fellow blogger I'd been following (www.simonwimpenny.blogspot.com) would be at the pre-party. He is in the very fortunate position of touring with the production this year and has posted some very insightful thoughts about the shows and goings on around them. So I was anxious to meet all these nice folks from the forum along with Simon.
Our group started our day by heading to the pre-party and it was just fantastic to hang out and chew the fat with so many other people that were as excited to see the show as we were. Here's a picture of some of our group:
After saying our goodbyes, our main group took off for The Palace. When we arrived, getting my tickets from will call was a piece of cake. After hitting the merch stand, we moved on making our way toward our seats. Along the way, we spotted this cart of "bricks" complete with instructions waiting to become part of our experience:
Moving on, we made our way through the curtains into the main concert area and I saw something I'd only ever dreamed I would:
Making our way down to the floor and on to first row, it was finally starting to hit me; I was about to see Roger Waters perform his masterpiece the only way it was meant to be performed. Getting to our seats, we found many other people as excited as we are. As the floor began to fill, we were inching toward that "8PM PROMPT" start time written on our tickets. I roamed around the floor and eventually located Simon and we conversed more about the show, his travels and our love of music. He came up front to hang with us for a bit then got on his way. I also received a call prior to the show from a high school friend of mine who had been given ticket at the last minute and was just calling to make sure I was already at the show. I thought that was a very nice thing to do and I made sure to get him up to our seats for a quick picture prior to the start of the show. Here's a blurry (but still fantastic) shot of myself and Chuck Graham:
With that long preamble out of the way, I shall digress and dig into a review of the actual show. The actual show begins with a "homeless man" wandering around on the floor of the venue. He's got a shopping cart filled with cans, bags and other refuse. Sticking out boldly was a giant poster board that read "HOMELESS! NEED MONEY FOR HOOKERS AND BOOZE" He mingled with the crowd here and again before eventually making his way between us and the stage. He reached down in the packed shopping cart, pulled out a stuffed "Pink" doll and threw it up on stage by Roger's trench coat and sunglasses which had been waiting there, center stage since we walked in. The lights dropped, the crowd went wild, the settled back to hear the subtle tones of "Outside The Wall":
The capacity crowd fell nearly silent, listened and waiting for the real spectacle to begin. The reward came quick with a brilliant pyrotechnic display and a perfect sound mix to accompany "In The Flesh?" Besides the amazing display occurring, something else was noticeable immediately: a very different Roger Waters had taken the stage. This was not the man whose own outright hatred toward "fans" had caused him to write the very piece he was performing. This was a man beaming with excitement to finally have "won the war" so to speak. So many lost battles in the Pink Floyd court bouts of the 1980s had finally given way to a man who is finally getting the recognition he so richly deserves.
The first set of songs flew by in a whirl for me. As Mike & Simon had warned, there's just so much to take in that it seemed to be flying by. For my part, I was excited to hear the music the way it was meant to sound. And while the pyro, and the giant teacher puppet were fantastic, my experience was elevated by Roger himself. His passion, energy and true love for what he was doing and who he was doing it for shined through at every turn. Instead of the angry man snarling and showing open contempt for the crowd, we were treated to this man:
Yes. That's THE Roger Waters, but not the one the world is used to. This is a new Roger, one who completely let go of his anger and presented his tale of alienation and grief with a new set of (literal) open arms. Hoping that through doing so, others might realize how dangerous the things that he himself let get in the way of his own relationships can be. Although, the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that in the very same song, "Mother" the old Roger did show up, but only on film. This revamped production features 2010 Roger singing a duet of sorts with himself, 30 years younger and full of many bad feelings. It was quite the study in contrast to see young, angry Roger looking down and singing along with old, happy Roger. Both singing together in a song about how even the best of intentions can have tragic consequences.
The visuals of the show itself only grew grander as the show went on. I should also stop to mention that the sound system & mix was among the best I've ever heard. A quadraphonic speaker set up carried the mood setting intricacies of the album throughout The Palace while the main speaker set up remained crystal clear. Besides the primary instruments, those at the mixing board were responsible for keeping various sound effects, along with 5 backing vocalists in time with the visuals and mixed properly to have the right effect. I cannot image the things the wizards at that mixing desk know about mixing a show, but at a guess I'd say you could classify it under "all you possibly could".
Roger did not let up at any point with the effort he put into ensuring the sold out crowd was feeling the emotion behind each song. He sat in a lonely spot light near the beginning of "One Of My Turns" and when he moved around, he wasn't just signing the lyrics, he was literally performing them. He conveyed to the crowd the intention of rage coming near the end of the song. But then looked full of remorse immediately when the giant "Wife puppet" emerged on the side of the stage as he followed into "Don't Leave Me Now". He begged and pleaded with the "Wife" and looked deflated, disappointed and completely let down which is the direct feeling in the lyrics.
One of my favorite tracks ("Another Brick in the Wall Part 3) was up next and as The Wall began to be completed it was clear exactly what kinda of visual assault was pre-pared:
An instrumental (not found on the album, but rather in the original Wall shows) called "The Last Few Bricks" followed building up to Roger stepped to the front of The Wall. Only able to see out from behind The Wall through the opening of a solitary brick, he delivered the final song of the first half with even more feeling than can heard on the original studio track. He sang "Goodbye Cruel World" as if he had written it only moments before. The level of desperation and lonely tone of his voice was very moving as was the fact that the capacity crowd was again moved all at once to almost complete silence.
An intermission was followed by the opening chords of "Hey You" which featured the band completely behind The Wall itself. The performer and crowd were completely separate just as Roger had wanted it all those years ago. Only a projection of a very gray, ruined wall stayed on the actual Wall surface through much of the song. The Wall seemed to open up, through the amazing technology they were using for projections. A small, cowering "Demon" was shown hiding behind The Wall. He lashed out, ran toward the audience and made a swipe at them which caused The Wall to slam shut and the final verse of the song to kick in.
During the next sequence one of the production elements from the original tour was used. A section of The Wall was opened to reveal Roger, seated in a lonely hotel room singing a fan favorite "Nobody Home". Again, Roger interacted in ways with the crowd not previously seen. He was looking around, smiling, waiving and even invited the crowd to take the line "thirteen channels of shit on the TV to choose from" even thanking the crowd for singing along both in words and with a giant smile immediately after. At the close of "Nobody Home" the apartment closed back into The Wall which led to one of the single most powerful visuals of the night. Roger and band were completely off stage while still performing the song. While the strings section rang out backing Roger singing lines like "Remember how she said that we would meet again some sunny day?" The Wall was filled with footage of children being reunited with their soldier parents by surprise. The raw emotion on the faces of those children immediately had its desired effect; you remembered those parents and children who were never awarded such a luxury, one of which was Earl & Roger Waters so many years ago.
That track "Vera" leads perfectly into "Bring The Boys Back Home" which found Roger returning to the stage pouring his all into the vocals. It goes without saying that this particular section of the source material is extremely close to his heart and it's evident in the delivery. Then came what many were looking forward to from the very start "Comfortably Numb". Again Roger was a different man than in the past, he was moving
around the stage, switching between courting the audience and The Wall itself. For much of the first verse, he paid more attention to the audience. It seemed extremely important to him that the audience really see his love for the lyrics that are so beautiful while so desperate. I even found myself on the receiving end of direct eye contact with Roger. By this point in the show I had become a little overwhelmed at the entire show and it must have been showing on my face. The accompanying photo was followed by Roger mouthing the words "Are you ok?" at me. When I responded with a rapid head nod and large smile he did the same adding a thumbs up and a chuckle that would end up causing him to come in late for his next line!
From about the second chorus on, Roger turned his attention more to The Wall itself. Searching, listening and tapping on it here and again. Trying to find some way in or through this giant divide (again, brilliantly conveying the point of the song). As Dave Kilmister laid down a beautiful solo from atop The Wall, Roger continued looking around The Wall for a way in so to speak. Again using the amazing projections, Roger found a way through; the middle! Both of these pics, were amazing on their own still don't really gave you the full idea of how amazing this to see.
Near the end of the song, the rest of the band emerged from under the stage and rose up in front of The Wall. No time was wasted after the grand conclusion of "Comfortably Numb", the band almost immediately went into a slightly different arrangement of the album cut "The Show Must Go On". As the four part harmony was still ring clearly throughout the venue, it was completely drowned out by the dramatic opening of "In The Flesh"
Roger took the stage once again, this time in full character. The difference these days was that he was merely playing the character. He was miming these hateful, disgusting thoughts and actions. He was no longer the man consumed by and believing in them. It still looked therapeutic for him, whether he was just plain having fun or maybe even remembering some of those feelings from all those years ago. Every action was still followed by a grin at minimum all the while still nailing the vocal lines perfectly. After "In The Flesh" comes the fan favorite "Run Like Hell" which had some of the most impressive visuals of the night and of course that means A LOT in a show like this. Bricks seemed to fly off The Wall almost in 3-D at the audience while many phrases and images flew around at rapid speed in time with the music.
Next up was my personal favorite track on the album "Waiting For The Worms" which continued the visual assault. The new projections were again mixed with old and the classic "marching hammers" filled the entire surface of The Wall. All senses were being flat out assaulted at this point. Hammers were marching in time on a 200 foot long, by 40 foot tall surface, the band was loud, tight and rocking. The crowd was roaring from front to back all while Roger himself (again, in "Pink" character) belted out orders to the entire crowd via a megaphone.
Roger (or "Pink") ordered the whole thing to a halt with "Stop" followed by the main act ending song "The Trial". Roger moved along, again alone on his stage and sang the parts fantastically. Was he singing lower than he did 30 years ago? Sure, but he was singing more emotion and caring than he ever did in the those days and given the choice, I'll take the latter every single time. As "The Trial" wrapped up in it's epic "TEAR DOWN THE WALL" chant, The Wall itself turned blood red. All the images of the past 2+ hours were firing at us in rapid succession and the crowd chanted along with Roger and the enraged crowd from the studio recording being pumped through the sound system.
After The Wall came to a crash directly in front of us, Roger and all the musicians responsible came up once more to deliver "Outside The Wall", the album's closing track. It was slightly extended from in length and quiet a bit different in arrangement but nonetheless effective in closing the show. Again, Roger and his band were showing their complete appreciation for the applause raining down from the entire venue. Roger introduced the entire band, they all took a bow together, then he stayed for one final bow on his own. This wasn't your typical rock star attitude of "look what I did!". He wasn't directing your attention to the show itself or the music he's created, he was calling attention to that fact that he'd learned his own lessons after all these years.
After leaving the stage, the strains of "Outside The Wall" continued to ring in a nod to the original album sequence where that song actually works as a loop to cut back to the opening track. When the house lights came up, the crowd was in a state of shock from what they'd just seen. I received a text message today from a close friend who expressed to me, in his words that the show was "a life altering experience". I knew in that moment, coupled with Roger's expressions of overcoming his own demons that Roger's mission was accomplished.
This was the single greatest concert experience of my entire life and it is with ease that I say this show (from production, to sound quality, the quality of the material, to crowd interaction) is a solid 10 out of 10. It will be a long, long time before any one on this Earth comes even remotely close to using the concert stage in a such a powerful, effective and amazing way
-Russ.
EDIT: at Greg's request, here's one more pic. I convinced security to bring me a brick to take a picture with:
Through the years, I've come to have a very deep love for just about everything Pink Floyd have done. And only in my wildest dreams did I think I could actually see a proper performance of The Wall, until this year when Roger Waters (the primary song writer for Pink Floyd and the man whom The Wall is largely based on) decided to do a world tour with exactly that. Roger Waters (and the rest of Pink Floyd for that matter) have a history of really taking care of their real fans. So I was pleased to find out that Roger had set up a lottery on his website for fans to get first chance at the best seats for the whole tour. I thought that was a nice touch, which I had more admiration for when I found out that on top of the lottery itself, there were also additional measures put in place to ensure that scalpers would not benefit from even entering the lottery.
It's through these measures that I was awarded front row, center at face value of the tickets to an event I'd only dreamed I'd ever get to see since the age of 11. Needless to say, the months leading up to the show were killing me with anticipation. Our very own Mike D saw the show a little over a month ago and was blown away. I checked, re-checked and triple checked fan forums daily for any bit of info, pictures, audio or video I could find. Seeing as I was going to be sitting so close to the stage, I was anxious to see a lot of the visuals I might not get the chance to in being so close. In doing so however, I caused myself to wonder in the last days leading up to the show; had I over done it? Waiting since 11, getting amazing seats, checking out every form of media I could, talking to everyone I know about it... had I some how built the show up so much that when I finally saw it I could only be let down? The answer in a word is, no.
In the final days before the show, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a great Pink Floyd forum called A Fleeting Glimpse (www.pinkfloydz.com). I was invited to a pre-party over in the Plymouth area on show day. I also found out that a fellow blogger I'd been following (www.simonwimpenny.blogspot.com) would be at the pre-party. He is in the very fortunate position of touring with the production this year and has posted some very insightful thoughts about the shows and goings on around them. So I was anxious to meet all these nice folks from the forum along with Simon.
Our group started our day by heading to the pre-party and it was just fantastic to hang out and chew the fat with so many other people that were as excited to see the show as we were. Here's a picture of some of our group:
After saying our goodbyes, our main group took off for The Palace. When we arrived, getting my tickets from will call was a piece of cake. After hitting the merch stand, we moved on making our way toward our seats. Along the way, we spotted this cart of "bricks" complete with instructions waiting to become part of our experience:
The first set of songs flew by in a whirl for me. As Mike & Simon had warned, there's just so much to take in that it seemed to be flying by. For my part, I was excited to hear the music the way it was meant to sound. And while the pyro, and the giant teacher puppet were fantastic, my experience was elevated by Roger himself. His passion, energy and true love for what he was doing and who he was doing it for shined through at every turn. Instead of the angry man snarling and showing open contempt for the crowd, we were treated to this man:
Yes. That's THE Roger Waters, but not the one the world is used to. This is a new Roger, one who completely let go of his anger and presented his tale of alienation and grief with a new set of (literal) open arms. Hoping that through doing so, others might realize how dangerous the things that he himself let get in the way of his own relationships can be. Although, the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that in the very same song, "Mother" the old Roger did show up, but only on film. This revamped production features 2010 Roger singing a duet of sorts with himself, 30 years younger and full of many bad feelings. It was quite the study in contrast to see young, angry Roger looking down and singing along with old, happy Roger. Both singing together in a song about how even the best of intentions can have tragic consequences.
The visuals of the show itself only grew grander as the show went on. I should also stop to mention that the sound system & mix was among the best I've ever heard. A quadraphonic speaker set up carried the mood setting intricacies of the album throughout The Palace while the main speaker set up remained crystal clear. Besides the primary instruments, those at the mixing board were responsible for keeping various sound effects, along with 5 backing vocalists in time with the visuals and mixed properly to have the right effect. I cannot image the things the wizards at that mixing desk know about mixing a show, but at a guess I'd say you could classify it under "all you possibly could".
Roger did not let up at any point with the effort he put into ensuring the sold out crowd was feeling the emotion behind each song. He sat in a lonely spot light near the beginning of "One Of My Turns" and when he moved around, he wasn't just signing the lyrics, he was literally performing them. He conveyed to the crowd the intention of rage coming near the end of the song. But then looked full of remorse immediately when the giant "Wife puppet" emerged on the side of the stage as he followed into "Don't Leave Me Now". He begged and pleaded with the "Wife" and looked deflated, disappointed and completely let down which is the direct feeling in the lyrics.
One of my favorite tracks ("Another Brick in the Wall Part 3) was up next and as The Wall began to be completed it was clear exactly what kinda of visual assault was pre-pared:
An instrumental (not found on the album, but rather in the original Wall shows) called "The Last Few Bricks" followed building up to Roger stepped to the front of The Wall. Only able to see out from behind The Wall through the opening of a solitary brick, he delivered the final song of the first half with even more feeling than can heard on the original studio track. He sang "Goodbye Cruel World" as if he had written it only moments before. The level of desperation and lonely tone of his voice was very moving as was the fact that the capacity crowd was again moved all at once to almost complete silence.
That track "Vera" leads perfectly into "Bring The Boys Back Home" which found Roger returning to the stage pouring his all into the vocals. It goes without saying that this particular section of the source material is extremely close to his heart and it's evident in the delivery. Then came what many were looking forward to from the very start "Comfortably Numb". Again Roger was a different man than in the past, he was moving
Roger took the stage once again, this time in full character. The difference these days was that he was merely playing the character. He was miming these hateful, disgusting thoughts and actions. He was no longer the man consumed by and believing in them. It still looked therapeutic for him, whether he was just plain having fun or maybe even remembering some of those feelings from all those years ago. Every action was still followed by a grin at minimum all the while still nailing the vocal lines perfectly. After "In The Flesh" comes the fan favorite "Run Like Hell" which had some of the most impressive visuals of the night and of course that means A LOT in a show like this. Bricks seemed to fly off The Wall almost in 3-D at the audience while many phrases and images flew around at rapid speed in time with the music.
Roger (or "Pink") ordered the whole thing to a halt with "Stop" followed by the main act ending song "The Trial". Roger moved along, again alone on his stage and sang the parts fantastically. Was he singing lower than he did 30 years ago? Sure, but he was singing more emotion and caring than he ever did in the those days and given the choice, I'll take the latter every single time. As "The Trial" wrapped up in it's epic "TEAR DOWN THE WALL" chant, The Wall itself turned blood red. All the images of the past 2+ hours were firing at us in rapid succession and the crowd chanted along with Roger and the enraged crowd from the studio recording being pumped through the sound system.
After leaving the stage, the strains of "Outside The Wall" continued to ring in a nod to the original album sequence where that song actually works as a loop to cut back to the opening track. When the house lights came up, the crowd was in a state of shock from what they'd just seen. I received a text message today from a close friend who expressed to me, in his words that the show was "a life altering experience". I knew in that moment, coupled with Roger's expressions of overcoming his own demons that Roger's mission was accomplished.
This was the single greatest concert experience of my entire life and it is with ease that I say this show (from production, to sound quality, the quality of the material, to crowd interaction) is a solid 10 out of 10. It will be a long, long time before any one on this Earth comes even remotely close to using the concert stage in a such a powerful, effective and amazing way
-Russ.
EDIT: at Greg's request, here's one more pic. I convinced security to bring me a brick to take a picture with:
Sunday, October 24, 2010
It Might Get Loud
January of 2008 3 guitarists with unique takes on the instrument and music in general came together and talked about their craft and also made what may now be my 2nd favorite music based movie (hard to beat "This is Spinal Tap").
It is a fairly simple doc... Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White get together and talk and play music and speak of their lives. We open with Jack White using an amp, some 2X4's, a coke bottle and some wire to make an actual playable guitar with the quote: "Who says you need to buy a guitar?"
We learn how The Edge relies heavily on effects to create his "Clean" sound and how Jack White uses the most minimal equipment yet has the dirtiest sound and Jimmy Page is somewhere in between.
Each player gets a back story treatment in both animations and in archive footage. We hear about Page starting as a session musician and hear some of his early recording, we hear about Edge's war torn home land and we learn that White slept in a 7 square foot room with no bed, but 2 drum kits and a reel to reel. We see them talk about their favorite guitars and how they were designed or how they were acquired. We get to hear their feelings on their songwriting contributions to their bands and of course their influences.
The best thing is when they are separated at their homes and you can see the true love of their music in their eyes, seeing Page smile while he plays his favorite LPs is a true joy, as is seeing White play in a barn with a 9 year old child who is supposed to be a young version of Jack. Edge is also shown at his home, however his emotion is so much more staid then the other 2, he is not joyless, just not as emotional.
We also get to see each play some riffs of their own and teach them to each other, it is interesting to see Edge correct Jimmy Page, just something you don't expect. Then they just jam on other songs by their bands which is a lot looser and fun. We end with the 3 playing The Bands "The Weight", not really a guitar song, but a fun little jam to end things.
The only complaint would be that my personal favorite, Eddie Van Halen was not there, his style was so influential and unique I think he would have been a perfect fit... Oh well... Maybe a sequel can fix that.
Over all and interesting must see for any rock fan. I caught it on cable but I think I may have to find the Blu Ray for even better sound and to always have it to go back to.
8/10
-G
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out
I have never been a big Police fan, I do like some of their music, but a greatest hits record seems to be enough for me. "Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out" is a documentary that is narrated and shot by Stewart Coplend, the Police's drummer and contains old footage from their early days.
It starts right out with a very pretentious narration from Copeland talking about the first incarnation of The Police as a punk band through stills and flyers, within a few minutes we have Andy Summers and we also have a drummer talking about how much better they were then the punks and the new wavers. We get some archival footage of early shows then some studio footage and footage from the first video shoot, the whole time with Copeland yammering philosophically about the band and since it is Copeland's singular voice we only hear his issues about things like what does a drummer do during an outdoor video shoot since he had no drums with him.
The doc is so one sided... All we hear is Copeland's thoughts about everything... His big revelation about the Police's arrival to the big time? He got a bigger drum kit! What a revelation! And a good chunk of the early movie is focused on his brother Ian (Whom the film is dedicated to), too much Copeland not enough Police.
The surprising part is that one of the Police's biggest mythologies is the fighting between Copeland and Sting it's not ever mentioned... Not once.... And how does the Police (And the movie) end? Apparently they were bored and did the best that they could and could never top it so they just quit... How noble!
If you are a big Police fan it has some cool footage, but if you want to learn about a band that was pretty huge and volatile at one time you won't learn much from this.
What a wasted opportunity for an interesting doc, such a pity....
-G
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Album Review: Guns N' Roses-Chinese Democracy
All the rumors, all the hype, all the waiting. Guns N' Roses first release of new music came on November 23, 2008. The last studio album of new material prior was a 30 song, double CD monster titled "Use Your Illusion" released as two separate volumes simultaneously on September 17, 1991. Since that release every member of Guns N' Roses was replaced with the exception of vocalist Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed. Regardless of all distractions, I reviewed this album based solely on the music contained within. Here's a track by track review of the album:
Guns N' Roses-Chinese Democracy
Chinese Democracy
Great song, great intro, great way to introduce the album. I think the rhythm guitar is what really sells the groove of the song. I've read a lot about the "chorus that never happens" in this song and I really don't understand that. The chorus in this song is as catchy as anything I've heard qualify as a chorus in ages. The guitar solos are awesome. They do the same thing the song does; prepare you for what else you're going to hear. The outro in the song is awesome as well. The vocal layering is just too cool.
5/5
Shackler's Revenge
I like the mixing on this track as well as the solo, that's about all I can say. I don't like the lyrics as they make no sense to me. Other then the "no one is stopping you..." bridge, nothing is really catchy on this song for me. Based on the bridge, mixing and solo I can only award it a point or two, easily the worst track on the album.
1.5/5
Better
This is the best song Guns N' Roses has ever recorded in my opinion. This has everything you come to GN'R for; catchy melody, incredible vocals, great lyrics, awesome groove & guitar work. The lyrics song like a man who's matured enough to express some very deep rooted feelings with anger yet clear and concise. The drumming near the end of the song is what I was hoping for based on the live versions from late 06 and 07. A masterpiece.
5/5
Street Of Dreams
Love the introduction. Besides the guitar, the strings worked in slightly below it add to the sound. The vocals on this are incredible. A great mix of everything Axl does right. As far as lyrics go, this song contains some of my favorite ever. "As long as this road seems, I know it's called the street of dreams" and "What this means to me is more than I know you believe" both hit home for me. Robin's solo is awesome and exactly what this song needs.
5/5
If The World
The first real shocker of the album. By that I mean it's the first track to go somewhere you never thought GN'R would. I like how the intro sounds like a skip but it's not. It's actually the underlying groove to the whole song. Takes getting used to but again the groove grabs you. Axl's vocals in the verses are much stronger then the chorus, same for the lyrics. Again, Axl's ability to mature in his lyrics make this song stand out as a whole. More great guitar work both in what you expect and don't (the flamenco work is sooo cool).
4/5
There Was A Time
I'm not sure how I feel about the intro on this song. I'm not sure it's necessary but I don't know how else one would jump right into the lyrics if it weren't there. I love how aggressive the song song is overall. It begins as if it's going to be a ballad but then the first chorus puts a stop to that. More great vocals from Axl, this time the chorus matches the verses. The outro vocals (both Axl and backrounds) are awesome. They match the grandiose guitar work underneath. Is the guitar work in this song the best on the album? It just might be. The track itself is second only to Better in ambition and stands alone as a testament to "all those years" spent on the record.
5/5
Catcher In The Rye
Something about this song won't allow me to love it just yet. Maybe I need to dig into the lyrics further. From a couple listens it just seems as if it's rambling out. The melodies, guitar and groove are good enough they all just seem to be rambling. High point is "you decide..." bridge and guitar solo.
2/5
Scraped
Here's more of what you expect from GN'R. This song snuck up on me. At first I wasn't all that impressed but found myself humming it a few hours later. When I went back to check it out again I found out why I was humming it; there's a ton of stuff I missed. Here's another song where the intro hints at the rest of the song and keeps making an appearance throughout, cool idea. The solo on this is yet another great one, although weak at the end of it. The way Axl comes back in vocally deserves to have a bigger finish to the solo.
4/5
Riad N' The Bedouins
Here's another one with an intro I'm not sure about. In a word; unnecessary. The song could easily just kick in with the guitar work and take off. Seems as if the intro bogs it down. When the song does kick it, it's biggest short coming is apparent; the "Ahh Ahh" lyrics. Again they seem unnecessary or at the very least unfinished. The two high points of the song are by far the half time chorus and solo. Those two points are what got stuck in my head and brought me back for repeated listens.
3/5
Sorry
I had very little positive comments about this song at the beginning. The brooding nature of it is cool but I guess I just don't get the lyrics or the delivery. Example; the "but I don't want to do it" line in the first verse. I don't care who this song might be an attack on, I care more that it could've been more effective. The pre-chorus, chorus and solo stand head and shoulders above the rest of the track. The drumming and overall mood keep it in check but I'm left thinking it could've been better.
3/5
IRS
This song takes SO LONG to get going. When it finally does, it really shines but that's not until about a quarter of the way through. The rambling feeling of the lyrics come to mind again. It seems as if the lyrics are bitching just to bitch. Axl Rose has always complained but usually mentions what he intends to do about his problem. This song just seems to be a laundry list of what he might do about what he's not sure he's mad about. The slightest of resolution might or positive outlook would give the song far more power. The solo, drumming and vocal performance stand out. The band works together to really give this song something to remember with the rocking groove.
4/5
Madagascar
Here's another vocal performance I don't understand. Maybe the worn down sound is intentional? With all the superb vocals found elsewhere on the album, that's all I'm left to assume. This, like "If The World" is one I find most different from what a casual GN'R fan would expect. It's a welcome change though. The sample section in the middle is very inventive and a nice layer over the solo. I could do without all the vocal layers from the middle on. The vocal performance and layering force a lower score for an other wise great song.
3.5/5
This I Love
Here's more I didn't expect from GN'R. This effort knocks is completely out of the park. The lyrics are so direct and sang with such heart that they express more then what's just being sang. What I didn't expect was the fairly basic production. I love how the song could have SO much more going on, but it doesn't. That says alot to me about the message of the song. The solo is incredible for many reasons. The feeling in the vocal performance & lyrics is clearly felt in the solo as well. I love the fact that the song fakes a huge ending only to stop and get back to the heart of the matter
5/5
Prostitute
Interesting intro wasted by so so lyrics, at least in the first verse and chorus. Like "IRS" this song seems to pick up around the second verse and go from there. The multiple personality the song seems to have keeps me thinking about it. This has the potential to grow on me but isn't easy on the ears at first. The outro is a high point of the song for me. I wonder which came first, that outro or the thought that this song would finish the album? Either way it's a perfect end to the record, it gives you time to reflect on everything that just happened in the last 70 minutes or so.
4/5
Closing Comments:
Based solely on the music, this lives up to the Guns N' Roses name as well as what I was hoping/expecting. Marketing, packaging, band lineup, etc are all things I have separate opinions on. But reviewing/giving my opinion only on what hit my ears, I believe it's an extremely solid album.
4 out of 5
Guns N' Roses-Chinese Democracy
Chinese Democracy
Great song, great intro, great way to introduce the album. I think the rhythm guitar is what really sells the groove of the song. I've read a lot about the "chorus that never happens" in this song and I really don't understand that. The chorus in this song is as catchy as anything I've heard qualify as a chorus in ages. The guitar solos are awesome. They do the same thing the song does; prepare you for what else you're going to hear. The outro in the song is awesome as well. The vocal layering is just too cool.
5/5
Shackler's Revenge
I like the mixing on this track as well as the solo, that's about all I can say. I don't like the lyrics as they make no sense to me. Other then the "no one is stopping you..." bridge, nothing is really catchy on this song for me. Based on the bridge, mixing and solo I can only award it a point or two, easily the worst track on the album.
1.5/5
Better
This is the best song Guns N' Roses has ever recorded in my opinion. This has everything you come to GN'R for; catchy melody, incredible vocals, great lyrics, awesome groove & guitar work. The lyrics song like a man who's matured enough to express some very deep rooted feelings with anger yet clear and concise. The drumming near the end of the song is what I was hoping for based on the live versions from late 06 and 07. A masterpiece.
5/5
Street Of Dreams
Love the introduction. Besides the guitar, the strings worked in slightly below it add to the sound. The vocals on this are incredible. A great mix of everything Axl does right. As far as lyrics go, this song contains some of my favorite ever. "As long as this road seems, I know it's called the street of dreams" and "What this means to me is more than I know you believe" both hit home for me. Robin's solo is awesome and exactly what this song needs.
5/5
If The World
The first real shocker of the album. By that I mean it's the first track to go somewhere you never thought GN'R would. I like how the intro sounds like a skip but it's not. It's actually the underlying groove to the whole song. Takes getting used to but again the groove grabs you. Axl's vocals in the verses are much stronger then the chorus, same for the lyrics. Again, Axl's ability to mature in his lyrics make this song stand out as a whole. More great guitar work both in what you expect and don't (the flamenco work is sooo cool).
4/5
There Was A Time
I'm not sure how I feel about the intro on this song. I'm not sure it's necessary but I don't know how else one would jump right into the lyrics if it weren't there. I love how aggressive the song song is overall. It begins as if it's going to be a ballad but then the first chorus puts a stop to that. More great vocals from Axl, this time the chorus matches the verses. The outro vocals (both Axl and backrounds) are awesome. They match the grandiose guitar work underneath. Is the guitar work in this song the best on the album? It just might be. The track itself is second only to Better in ambition and stands alone as a testament to "all those years" spent on the record.
5/5
Catcher In The Rye
Something about this song won't allow me to love it just yet. Maybe I need to dig into the lyrics further. From a couple listens it just seems as if it's rambling out. The melodies, guitar and groove are good enough they all just seem to be rambling. High point is "you decide..." bridge and guitar solo.
2/5
Scraped
Here's more of what you expect from GN'R. This song snuck up on me. At first I wasn't all that impressed but found myself humming it a few hours later. When I went back to check it out again I found out why I was humming it; there's a ton of stuff I missed. Here's another song where the intro hints at the rest of the song and keeps making an appearance throughout, cool idea. The solo on this is yet another great one, although weak at the end of it. The way Axl comes back in vocally deserves to have a bigger finish to the solo.
4/5
Riad N' The Bedouins
Here's another one with an intro I'm not sure about. In a word; unnecessary. The song could easily just kick in with the guitar work and take off. Seems as if the intro bogs it down. When the song does kick it, it's biggest short coming is apparent; the "Ahh Ahh" lyrics. Again they seem unnecessary or at the very least unfinished. The two high points of the song are by far the half time chorus and solo. Those two points are what got stuck in my head and brought me back for repeated listens.
3/5
Sorry
I had very little positive comments about this song at the beginning. The brooding nature of it is cool but I guess I just don't get the lyrics or the delivery. Example; the "but I don't want to do it" line in the first verse. I don't care who this song might be an attack on, I care more that it could've been more effective. The pre-chorus, chorus and solo stand head and shoulders above the rest of the track. The drumming and overall mood keep it in check but I'm left thinking it could've been better.
3/5
IRS
This song takes SO LONG to get going. When it finally does, it really shines but that's not until about a quarter of the way through. The rambling feeling of the lyrics come to mind again. It seems as if the lyrics are bitching just to bitch. Axl Rose has always complained but usually mentions what he intends to do about his problem. This song just seems to be a laundry list of what he might do about what he's not sure he's mad about. The slightest of resolution might or positive outlook would give the song far more power. The solo, drumming and vocal performance stand out. The band works together to really give this song something to remember with the rocking groove.
4/5
Madagascar
Here's another vocal performance I don't understand. Maybe the worn down sound is intentional? With all the superb vocals found elsewhere on the album, that's all I'm left to assume. This, like "If The World" is one I find most different from what a casual GN'R fan would expect. It's a welcome change though. The sample section in the middle is very inventive and a nice layer over the solo. I could do without all the vocal layers from the middle on. The vocal performance and layering force a lower score for an other wise great song.
3.5/5
This I Love
Here's more I didn't expect from GN'R. This effort knocks is completely out of the park. The lyrics are so direct and sang with such heart that they express more then what's just being sang. What I didn't expect was the fairly basic production. I love how the song could have SO much more going on, but it doesn't. That says alot to me about the message of the song. The solo is incredible for many reasons. The feeling in the vocal performance & lyrics is clearly felt in the solo as well. I love the fact that the song fakes a huge ending only to stop and get back to the heart of the matter
5/5
Prostitute
Interesting intro wasted by so so lyrics, at least in the first verse and chorus. Like "IRS" this song seems to pick up around the second verse and go from there. The multiple personality the song seems to have keeps me thinking about it. This has the potential to grow on me but isn't easy on the ears at first. The outro is a high point of the song for me. I wonder which came first, that outro or the thought that this song would finish the album? Either way it's a perfect end to the record, it gives you time to reflect on everything that just happened in the last 70 minutes or so.
4/5
Closing Comments:
Based solely on the music, this lives up to the Guns N' Roses name as well as what I was hoping/expecting. Marketing, packaging, band lineup, etc are all things I have separate opinions on. But reviewing/giving my opinion only on what hit my ears, I believe it's an extremely solid album.
4 out of 5
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Concert Experience
Concerts are my thing. My wife will tell you, my friends will tell you. I love going to concerts. I love the concert experience. We all agree that the seeing a band live is the true test. I also think that people need to realize the price of the concert experience.
When I was a teenager I paid no more than $40 see anybody. Van Halen in 1984 $22.00, Stevie Nicks in 1985 $8.50, and Ozzy in 1986 $16.50. I remember being in high school and buying Heart tickets that were $41. Shit... $41 I thought that day! It was 1987. The days of the $40 concert ticket were upon me.
I bring this up because I was reading comments regarding the Phish concert last night in Broomfield, CO. I had a chance to see Phish this past summer, and tickets were $50. A bargain by today's standards. I think I got more than $50 out of that band, and the evening. People who attended the show in CO left comments complaining about the price of parking ($15), beer ($9) and ticket prices ($161 for the GREAT seats!). I think that people need to realize that things have changed. The experience is STILL worth it, and yes you have to pay for it. Tickets, parking and beer... sounds like necessities for a concert to me. If you don't pay for it, somebody else will.
Don't be shocked and don't complain about it. Be a fan, enjoy the show, and experience it! Sure you might think it's a rip-off, but things really haven't changed that much since 1984: Parking has been $10-$20 for as long as I can remember. Beers $7.00 + since I can remember (1990 or so). Tickets, well that's where you can control your expense to a point. This is all part of the experience that you pay for... the experience of seeing your favorite band or artist. If you want great seats, you pay for great tickets. Ticketmaster knows it, and so do the brokers.
I'm certainly NOT saying that it's fair, or I know where the money goes, or that I enjoy it. I enjoy the concert experience, period. The music, the people watching, the smell of pot smoke in air, seeing an artist that I like and respect whose records I've probably bought, and want to see them play live. The venue plays a part too, but that's another post. For the first time in my life I paid over $150 for a concert ticket this summer... TWICE! But I'll tell you... the EXPERIENCE was worth it!
Dick Clark once said that music is the soundtrack of our lives... Some of THE BEST times is my life have taken place at concerts. Dick could not have been more correct.
-Mike D
When I was a teenager I paid no more than $40 see anybody. Van Halen in 1984 $22.00, Stevie Nicks in 1985 $8.50, and Ozzy in 1986 $16.50. I remember being in high school and buying Heart tickets that were $41. Shit... $41 I thought that day! It was 1987. The days of the $40 concert ticket were upon me.
I bring this up because I was reading comments regarding the Phish concert last night in Broomfield, CO. I had a chance to see Phish this past summer, and tickets were $50. A bargain by today's standards. I think I got more than $50 out of that band, and the evening. People who attended the show in CO left comments complaining about the price of parking ($15), beer ($9) and ticket prices ($161 for the GREAT seats!). I think that people need to realize that things have changed. The experience is STILL worth it, and yes you have to pay for it. Tickets, parking and beer... sounds like necessities for a concert to me. If you don't pay for it, somebody else will.
Don't be shocked and don't complain about it. Be a fan, enjoy the show, and experience it! Sure you might think it's a rip-off, but things really haven't changed that much since 1984: Parking has been $10-$20 for as long as I can remember. Beers $7.00 + since I can remember (1990 or so). Tickets, well that's where you can control your expense to a point. This is all part of the experience that you pay for... the experience of seeing your favorite band or artist. If you want great seats, you pay for great tickets. Ticketmaster knows it, and so do the brokers.
I'm certainly NOT saying that it's fair, or I know where the money goes, or that I enjoy it. I enjoy the concert experience, period. The music, the people watching, the smell of pot smoke in air, seeing an artist that I like and respect whose records I've probably bought, and want to see them play live. The venue plays a part too, but that's another post. For the first time in my life I paid over $150 for a concert ticket this summer... TWICE! But I'll tell you... the EXPERIENCE was worth it!
Dick Clark once said that music is the soundtrack of our lives... Some of THE BEST times is my life have taken place at concerts. Dick could not have been more correct.
-Mike D
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Top 10 (Front Man Edition)
Today I want to write down my personal list of top front men. What am I using to qualify? I am looking at good voices for their music, not great singers necessarily, but voices that fit the music. I am also looking for how they lead the crowd and the band both onstage and off. One other thing... They have to front a band, no solo artists allowed. So here it goes....
10. Eddie Vedder-Pearl Jam
He has a good voice for that style of music and though most think he mumbles if you take the time to listen he sounds good and is usually saying a lot. He is also a great presence on stage when you see him live, he always has the crowd in the palm of his hand and the band only goes as far as he does.
9. Paul Stanley-Kiss
He has a very good voice and some of the best stage presence I have ever seen. His interactions with the crowd really gets them going and his voice is 10 times better live then in the studio. No Paul Stanley.. No Kiss (Sorry Gene, LOL)
8. Johnny Rotten-Sex Pistols
There has never been a better punk singer, he can sing and talk about riling up a crowd! The man helped started a revolution that started in the 70s and peaked with the grunge movement. He also sang about issues that at the time were not discussed in entertainment and he did it with tons of attitude. Most talk of Sid Vicious but Johny Rotten is what made what was truly memerable.
7. Bruce Springsteen-The E Street Band
I almost didn't add Bruce considering most people forget the band, which is how good he is.... He put out several solo records but when he is front of the E streeters he turns into the preacher of rock n roll! His voice is strong but different and few have better stage presence. A must see live
6. Steven Tyler-Aerosmith
He has a good though not great voice, but he sings with style a style that when you leave an Aerosmith show he is what you talk about, which is pretty amazing when you have a solid band behind you. A great frontman who loves to talk to the audience and used to love his band (LOL) he always seems to put 110% into his shows
5. W. Axl Rose-Guns N' Roses
He can hit most any note (when he doesn't kill his voice over doing it, that is) and what a show! He combines a rock star with a punk star attitude. The unstableness of his shows is what makes them intriguing. Do I agree with the late starts, riots and other crazy things that follow him... No, but it does make for a good story. Bottom line though: He can sing great and when he is on that stage he commands your attention
4. David Lee Roth-Van Halen
The prototypical 80s front man.... Every band from 1980-1991 was trying to be Dave in one way or another. Great stage presence, when Dave is onstage you knew their was a party breaking out everywhere. Not the greatest singer but maybe one of the greatest showman ever
3. Robert Plant-Led Zeppelin
Plant is the front man that every other front man tried to be, including Roth. Plant can sing like few others, had a phenomenal stage presence and became a legend. He is also one of the few who is still out there stretching his instrument with new styles of music and singing
2. Mick Jagger-The Rolling Stones
He was the first true front man, a guy who could stand in front of 100,000 fans and seem bigger then them all. His voice fits the Stones style, but Mick onstage is where he shines. He is one of those people who makes me wonder where live music would be without him, check out 70s era live Stones to see him at his best. And he is still pulling it off in his late 60s, his voice is still strong and he still seems way bigger then life
1. Freddie Mercury-Queen
The best voice to front a rock band ever in my opinion, operatic, dramatic, fun, and such range. And his command of the stage whether standing in the middle of the crowd or sitting behind a piano would have everyone in a crowd dancing, singing and staring in amazement. He still had that great voice even as he was dying.
So there you have it... My top ten, I'm sure I missed some of your faves, but if I thought they were that good I would have remembered them better (LOL). I would love to hear some of everyone's faves, anyone I forgot?
-G
10. Eddie Vedder-Pearl Jam
He has a good voice for that style of music and though most think he mumbles if you take the time to listen he sounds good and is usually saying a lot. He is also a great presence on stage when you see him live, he always has the crowd in the palm of his hand and the band only goes as far as he does.
9. Paul Stanley-Kiss
He has a very good voice and some of the best stage presence I have ever seen. His interactions with the crowd really gets them going and his voice is 10 times better live then in the studio. No Paul Stanley.. No Kiss (Sorry Gene, LOL)
8. Johnny Rotten-Sex Pistols
There has never been a better punk singer, he can sing and talk about riling up a crowd! The man helped started a revolution that started in the 70s and peaked with the grunge movement. He also sang about issues that at the time were not discussed in entertainment and he did it with tons of attitude. Most talk of Sid Vicious but Johny Rotten is what made what was truly memerable.
7. Bruce Springsteen-The E Street Band
I almost didn't add Bruce considering most people forget the band, which is how good he is.... He put out several solo records but when he is front of the E streeters he turns into the preacher of rock n roll! His voice is strong but different and few have better stage presence. A must see live
6. Steven Tyler-Aerosmith
He has a good though not great voice, but he sings with style a style that when you leave an Aerosmith show he is what you talk about, which is pretty amazing when you have a solid band behind you. A great frontman who loves to talk to the audience and used to love his band (LOL) he always seems to put 110% into his shows
5. W. Axl Rose-Guns N' Roses
He can hit most any note (when he doesn't kill his voice over doing it, that is) and what a show! He combines a rock star with a punk star attitude. The unstableness of his shows is what makes them intriguing. Do I agree with the late starts, riots and other crazy things that follow him... No, but it does make for a good story. Bottom line though: He can sing great and when he is on that stage he commands your attention
4. David Lee Roth-Van Halen
The prototypical 80s front man.... Every band from 1980-1991 was trying to be Dave in one way or another. Great stage presence, when Dave is onstage you knew their was a party breaking out everywhere. Not the greatest singer but maybe one of the greatest showman ever
3. Robert Plant-Led Zeppelin
Plant is the front man that every other front man tried to be, including Roth. Plant can sing like few others, had a phenomenal stage presence and became a legend. He is also one of the few who is still out there stretching his instrument with new styles of music and singing
2. Mick Jagger-The Rolling Stones
He was the first true front man, a guy who could stand in front of 100,000 fans and seem bigger then them all. His voice fits the Stones style, but Mick onstage is where he shines. He is one of those people who makes me wonder where live music would be without him, check out 70s era live Stones to see him at his best. And he is still pulling it off in his late 60s, his voice is still strong and he still seems way bigger then life
1. Freddie Mercury-Queen
The best voice to front a rock band ever in my opinion, operatic, dramatic, fun, and such range. And his command of the stage whether standing in the middle of the crowd or sitting behind a piano would have everyone in a crowd dancing, singing and staring in amazement. He still had that great voice even as he was dying.
So there you have it... My top ten, I'm sure I missed some of your faves, but if I thought they were that good I would have remembered them better (LOL). I would love to hear some of everyone's faves, anyone I forgot?
-G
Friday, October 8, 2010
Happy Birthday John Lennon
Tomorrow marks what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday. I wasn't even alive at the height of Beatlemania, and the Beatles were breaking up by the time 1970 rolled around. There is so much to say about the Beatles, but that's for another time.
I was 9 years old when John died. I remember watching the news about it, and not really wrapping my head around it until some years later. If you look at the footage now, you realize the impact he had on people's lives. Sure people die, we ALL die, but so early (he was 40). He was in the middle of his creative resurgence. Gunned down in front of his home, in front of his wife, after a night of celebrating and "wrapping" what would be Double Fantasy. He was gunned downed by a fan... A fan? I guess we all learned a little something about fame and the dangers of fame early. It shook the world!
I visited NYC once in 2001. I made it a point to my wife(fiancee' at the time) to see 2 things on our trip: The Dakota, and Strawberry Fields. Strawberry Fields in an area in Central Park constructed in remembrance to John. It really moved me knowing what I know now, and being the music fan that I am. We walked over to the Dakota and all you could do in try and "imagine" that night. I recommend it to anybody.
In 1988 Imagine John Lennon came out in the theaters. I remember being 18 and going by myself to opening night, and soaking it in. What an amazing movie (or documentary). It showed John as a man, a father and a husband (the same things I am today). What a moving tribute, to the man. I chose to go by myself because I wasn't sure how would react to it. That, and most of my friends were in the middle of the hair bands, and didn't quite "get it".
So, this weekend please take a little time to remember the creative mastermind that changed rock music forever! He and his 3 friends....
"Instant Karma's gonna get you... it's gonna knock you right in head"
Listen to his solo material, some of the best lyrics ever!
"We all shine on!"
Imagine all the people living life in peace...
-MD
I was 9 years old when John died. I remember watching the news about it, and not really wrapping my head around it until some years later. If you look at the footage now, you realize the impact he had on people's lives. Sure people die, we ALL die, but so early (he was 40). He was in the middle of his creative resurgence. Gunned down in front of his home, in front of his wife, after a night of celebrating and "wrapping" what would be Double Fantasy. He was gunned downed by a fan... A fan? I guess we all learned a little something about fame and the dangers of fame early. It shook the world!
I visited NYC once in 2001. I made it a point to my wife(fiancee' at the time) to see 2 things on our trip: The Dakota, and Strawberry Fields. Strawberry Fields in an area in Central Park constructed in remembrance to John. It really moved me knowing what I know now, and being the music fan that I am. We walked over to the Dakota and all you could do in try and "imagine" that night. I recommend it to anybody.
In 1988 Imagine John Lennon came out in the theaters. I remember being 18 and going by myself to opening night, and soaking it in. What an amazing movie (or documentary). It showed John as a man, a father and a husband (the same things I am today). What a moving tribute, to the man. I chose to go by myself because I wasn't sure how would react to it. That, and most of my friends were in the middle of the hair bands, and didn't quite "get it".
So, this weekend please take a little time to remember the creative mastermind that changed rock music forever! He and his 3 friends....
"Instant Karma's gonna get you... it's gonna knock you right in head"
Listen to his solo material, some of the best lyrics ever!
"We all shine on!"
Imagine all the people living life in peace...
-MD
Thursday, October 7, 2010
What the hell America?!?!?!?!
So the cast of Glee now has the record for most top 100 singles by a non solo act, beating out the Beatles....
WHAT THE HELL AMERICA!!!!
This is everything that is wrong today in music, Glee and American Idol top the charts with cover of 30+ year old songs and real musicians get zero promotion.
To me this means one of two things (maybe both I guess).... Either everyone loves these old songs (possible) or being on TV is the best promotion ever (most likely)
Remember MTV and when they played music? MTV killed the music industry more then downloaders ever did. When they stopped playing videos then music started to sell less, nobody buys what they don't know exists.
Please... If you are buying this for your tweens let them know where it comes from, who originally recorded it, play them the better version, the original version.
That's all I have for now.... I am at a loss for words
-G
WHAT THE HELL AMERICA!!!!
This is everything that is wrong today in music, Glee and American Idol top the charts with cover of 30+ year old songs and real musicians get zero promotion.
To me this means one of two things (maybe both I guess).... Either everyone loves these old songs (possible) or being on TV is the best promotion ever (most likely)
Remember MTV and when they played music? MTV killed the music industry more then downloaders ever did. When they stopped playing videos then music started to sell less, nobody buys what they don't know exists.
Please... If you are buying this for your tweens let them know where it comes from, who originally recorded it, play them the better version, the original version.
That's all I have for now.... I am at a loss for words
-G
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
King's X Live Review 10/02/10
King's X is one of those bands that I'd always heard of but never got around to seeing live. My musical knowledge of them began and ended with their hit single "Over My Head". About 2 years ago, Extreme had reunited and was touring behind their excellent new record Saudades De Rock with King's X as the support act. A few minutes into their set, it was apparent that King's X came to rock. I was so impressed with them that night, they were energetic, engaging and loving what they were doing.
I found out that they were coming back to the area, this time supporting Accept so I definitely wanted to catch them. Even before they hit the stage, it was apparent from conversing with others that King's X was the draw here. Almost each person I talked to mentioned that they had seen King's X with another band at some point and returned that night specifically to see them again. Their performance did not disappoint in any way and made more than a few new fans yet again.
These guys play with such passion and excitement for what they do that it's just plain contagious. You can't help but feel the energy and excitement yourself because they just exude it constantly. Every type of music listener in the crowd (from the casual head nodder to the stuck up musician type) was sucked in from pretty much the first song on. The interaction with the crowd grew as the show went on and it was amazing to see three guys not missing so much as one beat or note all the while being locked in with several audience members. It made what they were doing all the more impressive on several levels.
They closed their main set with "Over My Head" which included an impressive audience sing a long. With the band having completely dropped out, the audience carried the chorus. In time, in key and all in unison, as if the crowd wanted to impress the band or at the very least show their gratitude. Lead singer and bassist Doug Pinnick stepped away from his mic to drink it in and play music director to the crowd. After taking in a few bars, he started to do call backs to the crowd sans microphone which was even more impressive.
When the encore came they did something even more impressive musically. Doug and guitarist Ty Tabor stood together at the front of the stage. Not looking at their instruments, each other or drummer Jerry Gaskill, they hit every single note in a "stop & start" progressive jam, all the while still sincerely interacting with audience members both close and far from the stage.
King's X is one of those acts that makes me wonder why they aren't more popular. But then that causes me to reflect on how I could be so into music and still not have been turned on to them until 2 years ago when they've been around decades before that. So I guess I can at least do my part to spread the word from here out right? The band were gracious enough to do a meet and greet immediately following their set so I hurried over to compliment the hell out of them and snap a pic with the band. I liked what I heard and I am definitely telling somebody!
King's X, Live at the Emerald Theater 10/02/10
10 out of 10
I found out that they were coming back to the area, this time supporting Accept so I definitely wanted to catch them. Even before they hit the stage, it was apparent from conversing with others that King's X was the draw here. Almost each person I talked to mentioned that they had seen King's X with another band at some point and returned that night specifically to see them again. Their performance did not disappoint in any way and made more than a few new fans yet again.
These guys play with such passion and excitement for what they do that it's just plain contagious. You can't help but feel the energy and excitement yourself because they just exude it constantly. Every type of music listener in the crowd (from the casual head nodder to the stuck up musician type) was sucked in from pretty much the first song on. The interaction with the crowd grew as the show went on and it was amazing to see three guys not missing so much as one beat or note all the while being locked in with several audience members. It made what they were doing all the more impressive on several levels.
They closed their main set with "Over My Head" which included an impressive audience sing a long. With the band having completely dropped out, the audience carried the chorus. In time, in key and all in unison, as if the crowd wanted to impress the band or at the very least show their gratitude. Lead singer and bassist Doug Pinnick stepped away from his mic to drink it in and play music director to the crowd. After taking in a few bars, he started to do call backs to the crowd sans microphone which was even more impressive.
When the encore came they did something even more impressive musically. Doug and guitarist Ty Tabor stood together at the front of the stage. Not looking at their instruments, each other or drummer Jerry Gaskill, they hit every single note in a "stop & start" progressive jam, all the while still sincerely interacting with audience members both close and far from the stage.
King's X is one of those acts that makes me wonder why they aren't more popular. But then that causes me to reflect on how I could be so into music and still not have been turned on to them until 2 years ago when they've been around decades before that. So I guess I can at least do my part to spread the word from here out right? The band were gracious enough to do a meet and greet immediately following their set so I hurried over to compliment the hell out of them and snap a pic with the band. I liked what I heard and I am definitely telling somebody!
King's X, Live at the Emerald Theater 10/02/10
10 out of 10
Sunday, October 3, 2010
What happened to the big new releases?
Rolling stone just put out an article on all the big fall releases for this year
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/28431/207313/0
This is the time of year that the record companies base the whole year on, Christmas is coming and they want you to buy, buy, buy.... So.... Is there anything worth getting excited about, or will it be a bunch to do about nothing? Let's look:
Right off the bat we get the Zac Brown band... They had an impressive debut, but a major release? I dunno... Most bands have sophomore slumps when pushed to release a 2nd record so quick. I don't hear a big groundswell waiting on this one.
Next is Soundgarden... Reunions are always interesting and these guys were huge, however this is mostly old stuff that fans already had. For a couple of new tracks? Download the new songs and leave the rest to your old CDs
John Lennon reissues.... I'm personally tired of reissues.... Next
Kings of Leon... This band finally broke through, but are hardly earth shattering as far as new releases are concerned. Even though I am looking forward to it.
Elton John and Leon Russell.... Could be big, sometimes these collaborations are huge (Clapton and BB King)
Bob Dylan... More bootleg series... I am always hearing about these but they aren't big sellers
Taylor Swift... OK... This may be the first true legit big release. She has been huge for a few years (Yes... Way before Kanye) This will likely be the big Christmas release.
Bryan Ferry... This guy always gets good pub and no one cares... Next
Elvis Costello... Once again, big name with small sales
Weezer.... Another reissue... Really? Ugh
Springsteen... See above (And I love Darkness)
Kid Rock... The guy knows how to sell records in this climate, it will sneak up on people and for a change his first single sounds good
Rihanna... This should be another big one, her duet with Eminem should really help, plus she has a good track record
The Black Eyed Peas... This will be big... And I have no idea why people buy this garbage
Kanye West.... Another big one, maybe Kanye and Taylor Swift can fight it out for top seller, LOL
The rest are a bunch of has been or not yets (How are you considered an anticipated release when no one has heard of you but your mommy?)
I really do miss the days of big release that you got excited for... It's been a long time since their was a national big exciting release (Locally any Kid Rock, Bob Seger or other local based guys get huge hype). Maybe if the record companies can create that excitement again they can survive.....
But I'm just not seeing it this season
-G
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/28431/207313/0
This is the time of year that the record companies base the whole year on, Christmas is coming and they want you to buy, buy, buy.... So.... Is there anything worth getting excited about, or will it be a bunch to do about nothing? Let's look:
Right off the bat we get the Zac Brown band... They had an impressive debut, but a major release? I dunno... Most bands have sophomore slumps when pushed to release a 2nd record so quick. I don't hear a big groundswell waiting on this one.
Next is Soundgarden... Reunions are always interesting and these guys were huge, however this is mostly old stuff that fans already had. For a couple of new tracks? Download the new songs and leave the rest to your old CDs
John Lennon reissues.... I'm personally tired of reissues.... Next
Kings of Leon... This band finally broke through, but are hardly earth shattering as far as new releases are concerned. Even though I am looking forward to it.
Elton John and Leon Russell.... Could be big, sometimes these collaborations are huge (Clapton and BB King)
Bob Dylan... More bootleg series... I am always hearing about these but they aren't big sellers
Taylor Swift... OK... This may be the first true legit big release. She has been huge for a few years (Yes... Way before Kanye) This will likely be the big Christmas release.
Bryan Ferry... This guy always gets good pub and no one cares... Next
Elvis Costello... Once again, big name with small sales
Weezer.... Another reissue... Really? Ugh
Springsteen... See above (And I love Darkness)
Kid Rock... The guy knows how to sell records in this climate, it will sneak up on people and for a change his first single sounds good
Rihanna... This should be another big one, her duet with Eminem should really help, plus she has a good track record
The Black Eyed Peas... This will be big... And I have no idea why people buy this garbage
Kanye West.... Another big one, maybe Kanye and Taylor Swift can fight it out for top seller, LOL
The rest are a bunch of has been or not yets (How are you considered an anticipated release when no one has heard of you but your mommy?)
I really do miss the days of big release that you got excited for... It's been a long time since their was a national big exciting release (Locally any Kid Rock, Bob Seger or other local based guys get huge hype). Maybe if the record companies can create that excitement again they can survive.....
But I'm just not seeing it this season
-G
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The "Rock N Roll" Hall of Fame...
"Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. Criteria include the influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll."
This is right off the Hall's website.
INFLUENCE and SIGNIFICANCE jump out at me. It only solidifies my point of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is a bust. I've visited the Rock Hall 2 times since it's inception. I enjoyed it both times, and spent a ton of money in the gift shop. Like any museum some of it was the same visit after visit, and they have their new exhibits from time to time. I love the concept of an organization and place where rock fans can go and check it all out. I would say music fans as a whole would enjoy it. My problem is who's NOT in it and why the hell aren't they?
Kiss, and Rush stand out as not in, and Bon Jovi is on the nominee list this year!?(Influence?)
Really... Bon Jovi before Kiss?? I'm not a huge Kiss fan, but when you're 8 years old and listen to Destroyer for the first time... Anyway... Also, Madonna in? She might deserve it, but certainly not before several others. Jethro Tull and Moody Blues.. not in. LL Cool J this nominated this year? For what? Besides being on the same sountrack as Poison and Aerosmith, how is this Rock N Roll again?
Madonna, Run DMC, and John Mellencamp... All in. Alice Cooper, and Neil Diamond not in yet (both are nominated this year). Madonna more significant than Alice Cooper in ROCK N ROLL?! I guess that's also a problem. What's the definition of Rock N Roll? Is it what's played on rock radio? Where is it located in the bin? I guess that's a great debate, but it might be a music hall of fame. I get Madonna's significance in music, but not rock music. Run DMC was never filed under rock in the record stores. Some Neil Diamond is filed under Easy Listerning. However, if you've ever seen Neil in concert, he's a rock star!
Significance in music... Relevance. I argue with people at times about an artist's relevance. Jimmy Buffett has made records for almost 4 decades, sells out EVERY concert he has, and created a "lifestyle" in his music. Yet, has won no awards, and hasn't been mentioned in a nomination. Influence (Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown are 2 big ones). I just don't see how this all falls together. Will we see the Black Crowes in when it's their time? Stayed true to themselves and never made bad music (in my opinion) Nirvana? That's good one... a very short career but turned music on it's ear at the time. Dave Matthews? Something tells me we might also run out of eligible artists all together...
Most great artists, musicians, deserve a place in music history... But not in the Rock Hall.
I would really like the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame focus on 2 things:
Rock N Roll Music
Significance and Influence in rock music
Thank you!
-MD
This is right off the Hall's website.
INFLUENCE and SIGNIFICANCE jump out at me. It only solidifies my point of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is a bust. I've visited the Rock Hall 2 times since it's inception. I enjoyed it both times, and spent a ton of money in the gift shop. Like any museum some of it was the same visit after visit, and they have their new exhibits from time to time. I love the concept of an organization and place where rock fans can go and check it all out. I would say music fans as a whole would enjoy it. My problem is who's NOT in it and why the hell aren't they?
Kiss, and Rush stand out as not in, and Bon Jovi is on the nominee list this year!?(Influence?)
Really... Bon Jovi before Kiss?? I'm not a huge Kiss fan, but when you're 8 years old and listen to Destroyer for the first time... Anyway... Also, Madonna in? She might deserve it, but certainly not before several others. Jethro Tull and Moody Blues.. not in. LL Cool J this nominated this year? For what? Besides being on the same sountrack as Poison and Aerosmith, how is this Rock N Roll again?
Madonna, Run DMC, and John Mellencamp... All in. Alice Cooper, and Neil Diamond not in yet (both are nominated this year). Madonna more significant than Alice Cooper in ROCK N ROLL?! I guess that's also a problem. What's the definition of Rock N Roll? Is it what's played on rock radio? Where is it located in the bin? I guess that's a great debate, but it might be a music hall of fame. I get Madonna's significance in music, but not rock music. Run DMC was never filed under rock in the record stores. Some Neil Diamond is filed under Easy Listerning. However, if you've ever seen Neil in concert, he's a rock star!
Significance in music... Relevance. I argue with people at times about an artist's relevance. Jimmy Buffett has made records for almost 4 decades, sells out EVERY concert he has, and created a "lifestyle" in his music. Yet, has won no awards, and hasn't been mentioned in a nomination. Influence (Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown are 2 big ones). I just don't see how this all falls together. Will we see the Black Crowes in when it's their time? Stayed true to themselves and never made bad music (in my opinion) Nirvana? That's good one... a very short career but turned music on it's ear at the time. Dave Matthews? Something tells me we might also run out of eligible artists all together...
Most great artists, musicians, deserve a place in music history... But not in the Rock Hall.
I would really like the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame focus on 2 things:
Rock N Roll Music
Significance and Influence in rock music
Thank you!
-MD
Monday, September 27, 2010
Gimme The Beat Boys And Free My Soul...
Greg's latest post got me thinking; he talks about what artists will be remembered for. It brought to mind something that's bothered me for quite some time now. No one can name band members anymore and by anymore, I mean roughly the last 15 years or so. I know that the average person these days can't name every member of most bands or even their favorite band, but they used to be able to get one or more for certain. John, Paul, George & Ringo. They'd make a fine band wouldn't they, wonder what they'd be called? I bet if Mick & Keith joined up, they could make a good band too. Steven & Joe from Boston could really give blues rock a kick in the ass if they formed a band.
Besides the above examples, the list goes on. I bet you can name more than one member from each of the following bands; The Eagles, Nirvana, KISS, Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Mötley Crüe, U2. How'd you do? I'd be surprised if you weren't able to come up with a MINIMUM of two from each of those acts. Maybe even more right? Well let's move on to the hitmakers of the last 15 years or so. Can you name more than one member of any of the following bands? You may find it tough to even come up with one band member name in some cases: Lifehouse, Buckcherry, Matchbox20, Hootie & The Blowfish, Theory of a Deadman, Maroon 5, Hinder, Creed, Fall Out Boy, Daughtry, How'd you do?
Now, one could make the argument that "the average Joe" doesn't really know the names of many band members outside of the lead singer and some guitar players. But I beg to differ, I think that rings true in some cases but for the most part, people are compelled to remember something "real". And I believe that this is the biggest mis-step the music industry has made in the past 15 years. Nothing making it's way to the average consumer is real, they aren't compelled to make a connection, so they don't consume it. I truly believe that if the record industry was pushing out compelling, organic product, that people would still purchase it if it was priced right.
I don't want to tackle the "downloading demon" just yet, but I do care to make the point that I believe people aren't buying music these days because nothing is compelling them too. From the first time Elvis swung his hips on TV and sold a hundred thousand albums the next day, all the way down to when Kurt Cobain sold a million copies of Bleach by opening Nirvana's Unplugged set with the line "This is off our first record, most people don't own it", people have purchased music because they were compelled too. Over the course of the last decade, not one single artist has stood out as "the next...". There's nothing to look forward to anymore. There's nothing keeping us excited about what's next.
When The Beatles hit, they were "the next Elvis". When The Rolling Stones hit, they were "the next Beatles". When Led Zeppelin hit, they were "the next Stones". When Guns N' Roses hit, they were "the next Zeppelin". I could keep this up and/or provide an example from just about every genre but it all ends in the same place; it all dies out somewhere around the last 15 years or so. I could list out how Jackie Wilson and James Brown lead up to Michael Jackson, but again that lineage ends on June 25, 2009. No one even remotely on the horizon to pick up, be influenced, go further and carry it on.
I truly believe that when people identify with something because it's real, they are more compelled to purchase it. In an age where I've watched the record industry literally trip over itself to do quick cash grabs, cutting it's nose to spite it's face (crushing mom & pop record stores, making exclusive deals with Big Box retailers, churning out manufactured acts at record pace, etc) it's unbelievable to me that someone hasn't figured this out yet. For the love of all doesn't suck, STOP releasing half an album of crap, only to follow it up with the same album six months later, now enhanced with more forgettable shit, charging more and calling it a "Special Edition". Stop turning out these crap acts that no one can remember, with songs that were meant to last six months tops.
It all has to come back to something real, identifiable and valuable if they expect it to be memorable.
-Russ
Besides the above examples, the list goes on. I bet you can name more than one member from each of the following bands; The Eagles, Nirvana, KISS, Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Mötley Crüe, U2. How'd you do? I'd be surprised if you weren't able to come up with a MINIMUM of two from each of those acts. Maybe even more right? Well let's move on to the hitmakers of the last 15 years or so. Can you name more than one member of any of the following bands? You may find it tough to even come up with one band member name in some cases: Lifehouse, Buckcherry, Matchbox20, Hootie & The Blowfish, Theory of a Deadman, Maroon 5, Hinder, Creed, Fall Out Boy, Daughtry, How'd you do?
Now, one could make the argument that "the average Joe" doesn't really know the names of many band members outside of the lead singer and some guitar players. But I beg to differ, I think that rings true in some cases but for the most part, people are compelled to remember something "real". And I believe that this is the biggest mis-step the music industry has made in the past 15 years. Nothing making it's way to the average consumer is real, they aren't compelled to make a connection, so they don't consume it. I truly believe that if the record industry was pushing out compelling, organic product, that people would still purchase it if it was priced right.
I don't want to tackle the "downloading demon" just yet, but I do care to make the point that I believe people aren't buying music these days because nothing is compelling them too. From the first time Elvis swung his hips on TV and sold a hundred thousand albums the next day, all the way down to when Kurt Cobain sold a million copies of Bleach by opening Nirvana's Unplugged set with the line "This is off our first record, most people don't own it", people have purchased music because they were compelled too. Over the course of the last decade, not one single artist has stood out as "the next...". There's nothing to look forward to anymore. There's nothing keeping us excited about what's next.
When The Beatles hit, they were "the next Elvis". When The Rolling Stones hit, they were "the next Beatles". When Led Zeppelin hit, they were "the next Stones". When Guns N' Roses hit, they were "the next Zeppelin". I could keep this up and/or provide an example from just about every genre but it all ends in the same place; it all dies out somewhere around the last 15 years or so. I could list out how Jackie Wilson and James Brown lead up to Michael Jackson, but again that lineage ends on June 25, 2009. No one even remotely on the horizon to pick up, be influenced, go further and carry it on.
I truly believe that when people identify with something because it's real, they are more compelled to purchase it. In an age where I've watched the record industry literally trip over itself to do quick cash grabs, cutting it's nose to spite it's face (crushing mom & pop record stores, making exclusive deals with Big Box retailers, churning out manufactured acts at record pace, etc) it's unbelievable to me that someone hasn't figured this out yet. For the love of all doesn't suck, STOP releasing half an album of crap, only to follow it up with the same album six months later, now enhanced with more forgettable shit, charging more and calling it a "Special Edition". Stop turning out these crap acts that no one can remember, with songs that were meant to last six months tops.
It all has to come back to something real, identifiable and valuable if they expect it to be memorable.
-Russ
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