Bas, Bas, Bas....
A few weeks ago I was singing your praises. Now, I have to say, you've just gone and ruined it for me.
Why oh why would Sebastian Bach ever consent to be on Celebrity Fit Club?!?!?
Why has he become VH1's bitch? Between I Married Sebastian Bach, SuperGroup, a lame-ass countdown show, and now this? And no, I haven't forgotten the show on CMT and The Gilmore Girls. This man used to be fierce. What the hell is going on with him?
Not only is he going to be on this stupid show, his fellow cast mates will include freakin' Bobby Brown and gag me Kevin Federline!
Please, Bas, I beg you - stick to what you do best, and that's music.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
One of the things I love about music is one of the same things I love about life - there's always something new to learn.
Last night I was flipping through the television channels and came across a program on VH1 Classic about Syd Barrett. I'd heard the name before, but since I didn't know anything about the man, I decided to give it a go.
Syd Barrett was one of the founding members of Pink Floyd. As I've gotten older, I've developed an appreciation for Pink Floyd's music, but I wouldn't consider myself a fan. All I know of Pink Floyd is Dave Gilmour and Roger Waters, Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. Years ago I watched the movie The Wall, but I didn't really get it. That may be because I watched the movie absolutely stone cold sober. In any case, Pink Floyd wasn't too high on my list of faves.
But I was fascinated with Syd Barrett's story. He recorded on the first two Pink Floyd albums and was the band's principle songwriter in the early days. His behavior both on and off the stage became increasingly erratic and he was dismissed from the band in 1968. He released two solo albums, but then retreated into self imposed seclusion for almost 30 years, passing away from either pancreatic cancer or complications from diabetes in 2006, depending on what report you believe.
Syd Barrett was known to have been a heavy LSD user. His family and former band mates also think there were other factors at work in Syd's psyche. There was speculation that he was schizophrenic, or bipolar. It was thought that he had a nervous breakdown. People also wondered if the flashing lights used in Pink Floyd's stage shows, combined with the drugs, could have triggered epileptic-like seizures. It's just amazing to me how many times we keep hearing the same story, only with different character names. Gifted young musician strives for success, achieves it, starts to use drugs, can't handle success they worked so hard for, self implodes.
The list of rock and roll cautionary tales gets longer every day.
Monday, September 28, 2009
That (Sorta) Metal Show
My name is Jen and I am a heavy metal fan.
So, as an admitted, out in public metal fan, I was really excited last year to hear that VH1 Classic was going to air a half hour show about hard rock and heavy metal. I'd been a devotee to MTV's Headbanger's Ball back in the day, and was hoping for an engaging interview and discussion type show.
Instead, what I got was a show that has more misses than hits. Debuting on November 15, 2008, the show is hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. That's the first problem I've got with the show. Eddie Trunk is a local New York DJ who also has a satellite radio show dedicated to heavy metal. The man is a walking encyclopedia of music knowledge, which is good. The bad part is that he's dull as dishwater. He injects a lot of personal stuff into his stories, which can be interesting. But he talks a lot. Sometimes he talks more than the guests. And who are the other two guys? Comedians who are metal fans? They don't bring a lot to the table. I seriously don't understand VH1's compulsion to add comedians to all their shows, because instead of their comments being funny, they're just annoying.
Each show has an interview segment with an artist, with the exception of the episode where former NY Mets catcher Mike Piazza was the guest. I know he's a metal fan, but come on, there was NO ONE else available in all of New York City to be the guest that day? In any case, in my opinion this part of the show should be the main focus, but inevitably it's cut too short just as the interviews with the artists start to get interesting. The show obviously needs time for it's other two segments, Stump the Trunk and Throwdown.
Stump the Trunk is a trivia contest where an audience member gets to ask a question of walking encyclopedia Eddie Trunk, and if he fails to answer it, they win a prize. Throwdown asks the host to pick one of two artists over the other and answer why in a timed response. There are also other bits, such as Where Are They Now and Pick of the Week.
All in all, it's too much to stuff into a half hour. If I know Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater is going to be on the show, I want the whole show about him, not 7 minutes out of 30. I could care less about the other filler.
The second season of the show ended this summer. If the show comes back for another season, I hope it's retooled. 'Cause in my opinion, That Metal Show is so not metal.
So, as an admitted, out in public metal fan, I was really excited last year to hear that VH1 Classic was going to air a half hour show about hard rock and heavy metal. I'd been a devotee to MTV's Headbanger's Ball back in the day, and was hoping for an engaging interview and discussion type show.
Instead, what I got was a show that has more misses than hits. Debuting on November 15, 2008, the show is hosted by Eddie Trunk, Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. That's the first problem I've got with the show. Eddie Trunk is a local New York DJ who also has a satellite radio show dedicated to heavy metal. The man is a walking encyclopedia of music knowledge, which is good. The bad part is that he's dull as dishwater. He injects a lot of personal stuff into his stories, which can be interesting. But he talks a lot. Sometimes he talks more than the guests. And who are the other two guys? Comedians who are metal fans? They don't bring a lot to the table. I seriously don't understand VH1's compulsion to add comedians to all their shows, because instead of their comments being funny, they're just annoying.
Each show has an interview segment with an artist, with the exception of the episode where former NY Mets catcher Mike Piazza was the guest. I know he's a metal fan, but come on, there was NO ONE else available in all of New York City to be the guest that day? In any case, in my opinion this part of the show should be the main focus, but inevitably it's cut too short just as the interviews with the artists start to get interesting. The show obviously needs time for it's other two segments, Stump the Trunk and Throwdown.
Stump the Trunk is a trivia contest where an audience member gets to ask a question of walking encyclopedia Eddie Trunk, and if he fails to answer it, they win a prize. Throwdown asks the host to pick one of two artists over the other and answer why in a timed response. There are also other bits, such as Where Are They Now and Pick of the Week.
All in all, it's too much to stuff into a half hour. If I know Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater is going to be on the show, I want the whole show about him, not 7 minutes out of 30. I could care less about the other filler.
The second season of the show ended this summer. If the show comes back for another season, I hope it's retooled. 'Cause in my opinion, That Metal Show is so not metal.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Daddy's Little Girl
Anyone who's read my earlier posts can tell I'm not really a fan of what I call "competition TV," those programs that pit contestants against one another to win money or a recording contract or a person's heart. With a few exceptions, it's not really something that interests me. However, I found myself tuning in to "Dancing With The Stars" this week.
Why?
I wanted to see Kelly Osbourne.
Again, why?
For two reasons. First, I wanted to see if she could pull it off. Second, I wanted to see whether Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Bleeping Darkness, would actually show up and sit in the audience with the family members of the other contestants.
Kelly Osbourne is the youngest daughter or Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. As part of the phenomenal success of The Osbournes reality show on MTV, she became a target of the paparazzi and has struggled with the demons that haunt her family, drugs and alcohol. She has a sharp tongue and a quick temper, and like her parents, no internal censor. I thought it would be interesting to see if she if she could tamp all that down to be a contender in the competition.
Well, like everyone who watched the show, I was more than pleasantly surprised. Her first dance was very elegant, ladylike and polished, very un-Osbourne like. She did an amazing job and handled herself brilliantly. She and her partner got high marks from the judges and have moved on to the next round of the competition.
And as for Ozzy, yes, he was in the audience, with Sharon and Kelly's fiance. Not only was he there, but he cried. Yes, The Prince of Bleeping Darkness actually cried watching his daughter glide elegantly across the floor. I expected that from Sharon, I've read her autobiography Extreme and I know that beneath her business rep as a cast iron bitch she's actually a marshmallow. But Ozzy? After her dance was completed Kelly ran across the floor to hug him and Sharon, and I don't think they could have been more proud.
I've only seen Ozzy Osbourne in concert once, in December of 2001 as they were in the middle of filming the first season of The Osbournes. More than anything, I went because I wanted to see Zakk Wylde. Unfortunately, I have to say, it was one of the most boring concerts I've ever been too, and I was disappointed. After that, I've much preferred Ozzy in Dad mode than Rocker mode, and Dad mode was out in full force on Dancing With The Stars.
Go, Kelly! I'm rooting for you!
Why?
I wanted to see Kelly Osbourne.
Again, why?
For two reasons. First, I wanted to see if she could pull it off. Second, I wanted to see whether Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Bleeping Darkness, would actually show up and sit in the audience with the family members of the other contestants.
Kelly Osbourne is the youngest daughter or Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. As part of the phenomenal success of The Osbournes reality show on MTV, she became a target of the paparazzi and has struggled with the demons that haunt her family, drugs and alcohol. She has a sharp tongue and a quick temper, and like her parents, no internal censor. I thought it would be interesting to see if she if she could tamp all that down to be a contender in the competition.
Well, like everyone who watched the show, I was more than pleasantly surprised. Her first dance was very elegant, ladylike and polished, very un-Osbourne like. She did an amazing job and handled herself brilliantly. She and her partner got high marks from the judges and have moved on to the next round of the competition.
And as for Ozzy, yes, he was in the audience, with Sharon and Kelly's fiance. Not only was he there, but he cried. Yes, The Prince of Bleeping Darkness actually cried watching his daughter glide elegantly across the floor. I expected that from Sharon, I've read her autobiography Extreme and I know that beneath her business rep as a cast iron bitch she's actually a marshmallow. But Ozzy? After her dance was completed Kelly ran across the floor to hug him and Sharon, and I don't think they could have been more proud.
I've only seen Ozzy Osbourne in concert once, in December of 2001 as they were in the middle of filming the first season of The Osbournes. More than anything, I went because I wanted to see Zakk Wylde. Unfortunately, I have to say, it was one of the most boring concerts I've ever been too, and I was disappointed. After that, I've much preferred Ozzy in Dad mode than Rocker mode, and Dad mode was out in full force on Dancing With The Stars.
Go, Kelly! I'm rooting for you!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
It's An Honor Just To Be Nominated
Do you think Gene Simmons will say that if KISS doesn't make it this year?
The list of 2010 potential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees was announced today. The list includes KISS, Red Hot Chili Peppers, LL Cool J, Genesis, Donna Summer, ABBA, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, the Stooges, the Chantels, the Hollies and Jimmy Cliff.
The nominees are chosen by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, and artists are eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their debut. Inductees include not just artists, but producers, songwriters, DJs and others who have made musical history.
So who will make the cut this year?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Singer or the Song?
After writing yesterday's post, I started to think about the singer and/or the song. Which is more important? Can a well written song bring a not so great singer to another level? Can an amazing singer lift up a poorly written song? Is it a case of chicken and egg?
In any case, pondering those questions reminded me of a great musical experience I had a few years back. My husband works for a music company that works with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, so we were invited to attend a benefit they were having featuring singers and songwriters of famous 80s hits. Each singer/songwriter was going to discuss how they wrote their most famous song of the decade and then sing it. After a round robin, they would discuss a famous 80s song they wish they'd written, and then sing that. The panel consisted of Cy Curnin from The Fixx, Patty Smyth from Scandal, Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian from The Hooters, Desmond Child, and Cyndi Lauper. The event was hosted by Rob Thomas.
I wish I could remember all the details of that night. What I remember most is how passionately they spoke about songwriting, about the feeling they got when they made the connection and knew the song was good. They were proud of their work, but not in a boastful way. It resonated with them that people still remembered and enjoyed their work, and seeing them perform songs like "One Thing Leads to Another," "The Warrior," "All You Zombies" and "She-Bop" in an acoustic setting was fantastic.
The best part of the night was listening to them talk about the songs they wish they'd written. They had nothing but praise for their fellow songwriters, and a kind of reverence and awe. Cy Curnin chose "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash. Patty Smyth chose "The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley and talked about how she was privileged to work with him on a duet. Desmond Child picked U2's "With or Without You." Cyndi Lauper brought the house down with a version of "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye. It was definitely a thrill to see and hear.
So, what's more important, the singer or the song? Damned if I know. I'm just glad to be in the audience.
In any case, pondering those questions reminded me of a great musical experience I had a few years back. My husband works for a music company that works with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, so we were invited to attend a benefit they were having featuring singers and songwriters of famous 80s hits. Each singer/songwriter was going to discuss how they wrote their most famous song of the decade and then sing it. After a round robin, they would discuss a famous 80s song they wish they'd written, and then sing that. The panel consisted of Cy Curnin from The Fixx, Patty Smyth from Scandal, Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian from The Hooters, Desmond Child, and Cyndi Lauper. The event was hosted by Rob Thomas.
I wish I could remember all the details of that night. What I remember most is how passionately they spoke about songwriting, about the feeling they got when they made the connection and knew the song was good. They were proud of their work, but not in a boastful way. It resonated with them that people still remembered and enjoyed their work, and seeing them perform songs like "One Thing Leads to Another," "The Warrior," "All You Zombies" and "She-Bop" in an acoustic setting was fantastic.
The best part of the night was listening to them talk about the songs they wish they'd written. They had nothing but praise for their fellow songwriters, and a kind of reverence and awe. Cy Curnin chose "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash. Patty Smyth chose "The Boys of Summer" by Don Henley and talked about how she was privileged to work with him on a duet. Desmond Child picked U2's "With or Without You." Cyndi Lauper brought the house down with a version of "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye. It was definitely a thrill to see and hear.
So, what's more important, the singer or the song? Damned if I know. I'm just glad to be in the audience.
Monday, September 21, 2009
John Mayer: Emo Appeal
Let's talk John Mayer today, singer, songwriter, guitar player, man about town.
I kind of don't get the appeal.
Let's start with the reason we're here in the first place, the music. To be honest, his voice kind of grates on my nerves. Every singer has a unique vocal style, I understand that, but Mayer's warble is a little too wobbly. I've really tried, but the only song of his that I really like is "Waiting for the World to Change." It grabbed my attention from the first minute I heard it, but I think that's more to do with the lyrics than anything.
So I have to give the man props on his songwriting abilities. "Daughters" is a beautiful piece, but I just can't stand to hear him sing it. Is that wrong?
Much has been made of his guitar playing. Why? He's not the first, nor will he be the last, singer to strum a six string, so what's the big deal? I caught a recorded live performance on TV recently, and I have to say, he also makes some of the worst guitar-player-faces I've ever seen.
And what's up with the man's ability to attach himself to beautiful, successful women? Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Aniston.... That whole soulful, emo musician thing is really working to his benefit.
Mayer has stated that he's "closing up shop on acoustic sensibility." He's got a new album coming in November. I hope he brings the rock and changes my mind.
I kind of don't get the appeal.
Let's start with the reason we're here in the first place, the music. To be honest, his voice kind of grates on my nerves. Every singer has a unique vocal style, I understand that, but Mayer's warble is a little too wobbly. I've really tried, but the only song of his that I really like is "Waiting for the World to Change." It grabbed my attention from the first minute I heard it, but I think that's more to do with the lyrics than anything.
So I have to give the man props on his songwriting abilities. "Daughters" is a beautiful piece, but I just can't stand to hear him sing it. Is that wrong?
Much has been made of his guitar playing. Why? He's not the first, nor will he be the last, singer to strum a six string, so what's the big deal? I caught a recorded live performance on TV recently, and I have to say, he also makes some of the worst guitar-player-faces I've ever seen.
And what's up with the man's ability to attach himself to beautiful, successful women? Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Aniston.... That whole soulful, emo musician thing is really working to his benefit.
Mayer has stated that he's "closing up shop on acoustic sensibility." He's got a new album coming in November. I hope he brings the rock and changes my mind.
Friday, September 18, 2009
What does it take to be a Diva?
Last night was the VH1 Divas Live show. After a few years' absence, this year featured Adele, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus, India Arie and host Paula Abdul.
Now, while there is no doubt that these ladies are all extremely talented, I wasn't sure "Diva" was the right word used to describe them. So I turned to my trusty dictionary, and got this definition:
Diva - a distinguished female singer; prima donna; a very successful singer of non-operatic music. It is a word derived from the Latin word divus, meaning god.
Yes, they are distinguished, and yes, they are successful, but Diva-like? I'd have to say no. These ladies have miles to go before that title should be bestowed on them. But I have no doubt they'll get there.
Now, while there is no doubt that these ladies are all extremely talented, I wasn't sure "Diva" was the right word used to describe them. So I turned to my trusty dictionary, and got this definition:
Diva - a distinguished female singer; prima donna; a very successful singer of non-operatic music. It is a word derived from the Latin word divus, meaning god.
Yes, they are distinguished, and yes, they are successful, but Diva-like? I'd have to say no. These ladies have miles to go before that title should be bestowed on them. But I have no doubt they'll get there.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Obits are Piling Up
Is is just me, or are a lot of famous people dying lately? It seems you can't watch the news without seeing another famous face with dates underneath it.
First this week, we lost Patrick Swayze after a horrible fight with pancreatic cancer. Now today, Mary Travers of folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary has had her name added to the ever growing list. I'm not puffing the magic dragon, and I know I'm getting older, but this is getting extreme.
Of course I went digging around to see if I could get an approximate tally of celebrity deaths, and I happened to find a list of Rock Star Deaths in 2009. It was staggering. The person who's compiling it not only included really famous people, but anyone who had anything to do with music in their lifetime, be it for film, TV or what have you. Part of me thinks it's a commendable thing to do, but another part of me thinks, dude, that's a bit creepy. Check it out for yourself at maximumink.com.
Thinking about all this started me on another tangent. What were the most shocking, horrible, unbelievable rock star deaths of all time? Obviously, there's Elvis and John Lennon, but aside from them, here's my top five.
1. Sid Vicious - yes, he died of an overdose as so many other rock stars have. But he died of that overdose while out on bail for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen.
2. Kurt Cobain - suicide was the official cause but the rumors about Courtney Love having done him in still circulate.
3. Randy Rhoads - a gifted guitar player who hated to fly dies in a small plane crash.
4. Brian Jones - see my earlier post on this one. I loves me a good murder mystery.
5. Cliff Burton - this probably wouldn't make most people's lists, but being the Metallica fan that I am, I had to include it. Hearing James Hetfield describe how he went looking for him out in the dark on the road after the bus accident is heartbreaking.
Call me morbid, but you can't deny it's fascinating.
First this week, we lost Patrick Swayze after a horrible fight with pancreatic cancer. Now today, Mary Travers of folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary has had her name added to the ever growing list. I'm not puffing the magic dragon, and I know I'm getting older, but this is getting extreme.
Of course I went digging around to see if I could get an approximate tally of celebrity deaths, and I happened to find a list of Rock Star Deaths in 2009. It was staggering. The person who's compiling it not only included really famous people, but anyone who had anything to do with music in their lifetime, be it for film, TV or what have you. Part of me thinks it's a commendable thing to do, but another part of me thinks, dude, that's a bit creepy. Check it out for yourself at maximumink.com.
Thinking about all this started me on another tangent. What were the most shocking, horrible, unbelievable rock star deaths of all time? Obviously, there's Elvis and John Lennon, but aside from them, here's my top five.
1. Sid Vicious - yes, he died of an overdose as so many other rock stars have. But he died of that overdose while out on bail for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen.
2. Kurt Cobain - suicide was the official cause but the rumors about Courtney Love having done him in still circulate.
3. Randy Rhoads - a gifted guitar player who hated to fly dies in a small plane crash.
4. Brian Jones - see my earlier post on this one. I loves me a good murder mystery.
5. Cliff Burton - this probably wouldn't make most people's lists, but being the Metallica fan that I am, I had to include it. Hearing James Hetfield describe how he went looking for him out in the dark on the road after the bus accident is heartbreaking.
Call me morbid, but you can't deny it's fascinating.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wanted: A Lead Singer
Is it really that hard to find a lead singer for a band? Will a band go to any length to find just the right person?
Apparently so.
First, there was reality TV and the program Rock Star. At first, I was opposed to the idea of the show. The first season of Rock Star took place to find a new singer for INXS. As a big fan of the band, it bothered me that they would, I don't know, stoop to such a commercial level to find a replacement for Michael Hutchence. In my opinion, Michael Hutchence was a great frontman and shouldn't be replaced. But of course, money talks and music is a business, and the band wanted to carry on. So after weeks of work, eliminations and drama, J.D. Fortune was chosen as the new singer for INXS. But, apparently, that was only temporary. I've read that they are making a greatest hits album with different singers on each track.
Remember a while back, I mentioned that I never watched an episode of American Idol? Well, that being said, I cop to being addicted to Rock Star: Supernova back in 2006. This struck me as different from the original series because it was a new band coming together to search for a lead singer, not trying to replace someone. And hey, how could I not have watched a show featuring Dave Navarro as host, and the band looking for a singer consisting of Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted and Gilby Clarke? Again, after weeks of eliminations, the guys chose Lukas Rossi (definitely not the right person but hey, what do I know?). They released one album, toured with former contestants from the show, and then phhttt! Nothing else. Lukas Rossi has done some small club dates but not much else.
Judas Priest had the nerve to replace one of the greatest metal vocalists of all times, Rob Halford, with Ripper Owens. They found him from a Judas Priest cover band. Okay, so they got a movie out of it, but again, a mistake. Rob returned to the fold and they toured this past summer performing the entire British Steel.
Fuel tried to hire Chris Daughtry after seeing him perform one of their songs on American Idol. He was smart and said no, and he's become popular with his own band. Styx replaced Dennis DeYoung with Gowan. Queen toured with Paul Rodgers singing for them. I would like to smack the person who thought up that pairing, because to even try and replace Freddie Mercury is a sacrilege. Journey found their new lead singer from YouTube. YouTube! Will the madness ever end?
The only band I can find that had equal if not better success with a new lead singer is Van Halen. Now, we'll have the Dave vs. Sammy debate another day, but if anything, this list should be a warning to all bands - take care of your singers!
Apparently so.
First, there was reality TV and the program Rock Star. At first, I was opposed to the idea of the show. The first season of Rock Star took place to find a new singer for INXS. As a big fan of the band, it bothered me that they would, I don't know, stoop to such a commercial level to find a replacement for Michael Hutchence. In my opinion, Michael Hutchence was a great frontman and shouldn't be replaced. But of course, money talks and music is a business, and the band wanted to carry on. So after weeks of work, eliminations and drama, J.D. Fortune was chosen as the new singer for INXS. But, apparently, that was only temporary. I've read that they are making a greatest hits album with different singers on each track.
Remember a while back, I mentioned that I never watched an episode of American Idol? Well, that being said, I cop to being addicted to Rock Star: Supernova back in 2006. This struck me as different from the original series because it was a new band coming together to search for a lead singer, not trying to replace someone. And hey, how could I not have watched a show featuring Dave Navarro as host, and the band looking for a singer consisting of Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted and Gilby Clarke? Again, after weeks of eliminations, the guys chose Lukas Rossi (definitely not the right person but hey, what do I know?). They released one album, toured with former contestants from the show, and then phhttt! Nothing else. Lukas Rossi has done some small club dates but not much else.
Judas Priest had the nerve to replace one of the greatest metal vocalists of all times, Rob Halford, with Ripper Owens. They found him from a Judas Priest cover band. Okay, so they got a movie out of it, but again, a mistake. Rob returned to the fold and they toured this past summer performing the entire British Steel.
Fuel tried to hire Chris Daughtry after seeing him perform one of their songs on American Idol. He was smart and said no, and he's become popular with his own band. Styx replaced Dennis DeYoung with Gowan. Queen toured with Paul Rodgers singing for them. I would like to smack the person who thought up that pairing, because to even try and replace Freddie Mercury is a sacrilege. Journey found their new lead singer from YouTube. YouTube! Will the madness ever end?
The only band I can find that had equal if not better success with a new lead singer is Van Halen. Now, we'll have the Dave vs. Sammy debate another day, but if anything, this list should be a warning to all bands - take care of your singers!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Rock Band vs. Guitar Hero - it's all Rock n' Roll to me!
With all the hoopla surrounding the release of the Beatles Rock Band game, I decided to do a little research on the games to see what they were all about and try and figure out which one was better. I'm a mom, so naturally, I did what all moms would do in this situation.
I asked my kid.
My son is seven and has played both games. He got very serious when talking to me - video games are very important in his world. In his opinion, Rock Band is better because you can play all the instruments, whereas in Guitar Hero you're limited to guitar and drums.
Honestly, I don't know. I'd be hard pressed to choose. Guitar Hero has an Aerosmith and Metallica version, two bands I personally love. But now Rock Band has the Beatles. Tough choice.
I checked out the lists of songs available to play along to and was surprised by the variety and sheer number of songs. My son has asked me to download songs for him that he's heard while playing the game. Personally, I think anything that exposes kids to all different kinds of music is a good thing.
I asked my kid.
My son is seven and has played both games. He got very serious when talking to me - video games are very important in his world. In his opinion, Rock Band is better because you can play all the instruments, whereas in Guitar Hero you're limited to guitar and drums.
Honestly, I don't know. I'd be hard pressed to choose. Guitar Hero has an Aerosmith and Metallica version, two bands I personally love. But now Rock Band has the Beatles. Tough choice.
I checked out the lists of songs available to play along to and was surprised by the variety and sheer number of songs. My son has asked me to download songs for him that he's heard while playing the game. Personally, I think anything that exposes kids to all different kinds of music is a good thing.
Monday, September 14, 2009
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Okay, Kanye. Who died and made you God? Who are you to take away Taylor Swift's moment at the MTV Video Music Awards? According to everything I know about you, you were raised by a single mom to have respect for women. Where was the respect for Taylor Swift last night? Seriously, I hope you're ashamed of yourself. It was a very tasteless thing to do.
Beyonce, however, was all class and all heart when she invited Taylor Swift onstage to have her moment.
And to Taylor Swift, congratulations.
Beyonce, however, was all class and all heart when she invited Taylor Swift onstage to have her moment.
And to Taylor Swift, congratulations.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Overcome
As is my habit, I look to music to express myself. Today, this says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxNNHW1TJBA
Never forget.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxNNHW1TJBA
Never forget.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A Dream Come True
Today's my last post in my Duran Duran trilogy.
As I was saying before, after leaving the Vegas show E and I thought life couldn't get much better, but we were wrong. Duran Duran played more shows, one in New York City, and released a brand new CD, Astronaut. They launched a world tour to support the album, so naturally it was a must that we attend at least one show.
The tour brought them through Mohegan Sun Hotel and Casino in Connecticut on a Sunday night, so E, Eye and my cousin decided to get tickets to that show and get a hotel room and spend the night. Eye was still working with a big name in the music industry then so she said she would make a few calls and see if she could get us some sort of after show passes. There were no guarantees, but the butterflies in my stomach grew into bats by the time the show day arrived.
Ripping open the envelope with our names on it and finding four after show meet and greet passes in it was one of the best feelings in the world.
The show was awesome as usual, but I couldn't wait for it to be over so I could finally meet the band I'd been wanting to meet for the last 23 years. We waited for what seemed like forever until it was our turn to enter the backstage room to meet the band.
Did I mention I was four months pregnant at the time?
Finally, the moment. John Taylor walked into the room first, still a bit sweaty from being on stage. He looked right at me, said hi, and honestly, I don't remember much after that! Thank God I was with three other people and we had cameras or I would have sworn it was all a dream.
I moved toward Simon first. He was sitting on a table and I sat down next to him so he could sign my program. He complained he was tired, and I'm told I rubbed his back. The pictures show me next to him while he's signing.
Andy was next. He'd just lost his father and had rejoined the tour just a few days earlier, but despite that, he couldn't have been more gracious. E squeezed his cheeks and to this day she says she doesn't know what possessed her to do it.
Then, John. The moment I'd waited for forever. He asked my name and signed the program to me. I wish I could say I said something funny or meaningful or really, just anything, but I didn't. I don't even have a picture with him, and I regret that. But it was John. Sigh, sigh, sigh...
Roger was eye level with me when I got to him, and just as quiet as I knew he would be.
Nick was the last member I met. I've always felt a sort of kinship with him because we share the same birthday and an interest in graphic design, photography and making lists of all kinds. His voice is soothing and he was as nice as I'd always imagined him to be. He turned out to be the only band member I was able to get a proper photo with, and I look like a deer caught in headlights. But I'm happy.
After it was all over, I have to admit, I cried. Pregnancy aside, I was very emotional. It's very overwhelming and thrilling when one of your dreams comes true.
The day ranks up there as one of the best of my life.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Vegas, baby!
So where was I? Oh yes, Duran Duran...
I've faithfully followed the band all these years, through their highs and lows, and multiple side projects. I've seen them live every time they've toured the States, in huge halls and small venues and everywhere in between. I watched in sadness as first Roger, then Andy, and finally John left the band. Even though the band wasn't the same, I still kept returning to them.
Then, in 2002, we got the incredible news. The original five members were reforming the band and were going to play a select few live shows. Living so close to New York City, I've become spoiled about the amount of concerts I'm able to attend and assumed they would be playing in Manhattan. Well, not so for these reunion shows. They picked venues in Japan, LA and Las Vegas, and they sold out in record time. My best friend E and I thought we were out of luck.
I am lucky enough to be blessed with the world's greatest girlfriends. My other best friend, I'll call her Eye, happened to work in the music industry at the time. She suggested to me, why don't you go out to the Vegas show? I know someone, I'll be able to get you tickets. E and I put our heads together, consulted with our families, and made the decision. We were off to Vegas.
The show was scheduled for a Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel in the middle of July. We took an early flight out to Las Vegas and landed about noon local time. We dumped our luggage at our (much cheaper) hotel located conveniently next door and walked over to scope out the scene, pick up our tickets and get a place on the entrance line for a general admission show. When we arrived, the line was already snaking around the parking lot, and we later learned that the first people on the line had been there since 5 am. We sat down, on the sidewalk, in the July Vegas heat, to wait it out.
One of the things I've always loved about going to shows is talking to other people who are just as crazy about the band you're there to see as you are. We discovered we weren't the only people who'd traveled across the country to see the show. Some people had been the the LA shows earlier in the week and followed the band to Vegas. It was gratifying to learn we weren't crazy!
News of band member sightings inside the hotel flew up and down the line while we waited. Later in the afternoon the entire band made an appearance at the blackjack tables. Half the line ran in to see them and take photos while friends waited and held spots, and then the trade was made so the ones who'd waited could go inside. I admit to having my own blurry photos of John Taylor trying his hand at 21.
Finally, after what seemed like an interminable wait and individual trips to our own hotel to freshen up, we were allowed into the venue. Having been a Duran fan for so long and having seen so many shows together, we knew just what to do - grab hands, go to the left and get as far forward as humanly possible.
Another thing old time fans know about Duran - they are never on time. A show scheduled for 9 pm will start closer to 9:30.
Finally, the lights were lowered, and the shrieks were ear piercing. It was just like old times! The entire band came to the front of the stage, back lit, and just stood in front of the crowd, taking it all in. I'd been lucky enough to see the original five live back in 1984, but for some fans, like E, this was the first time they'd ever seen all of them on stage together. It was overwhelming. They broke off one by one and then ripped into "Friends of Mine" from their first album. To start off with a lesser known song seemed like a gift to the die-hard, old time fans, and we rocked out. The floor underneath us all vibrated throughout the night because we were dancing like crazy.
Duran Duran roared through all their classic songs and debuted some new material they were working on for an upcoming album, and the night flew by. After the show, E and I were exhausted and exhilarated and spent hours reliving the show moment by moment. It seemed unreal that we had been there at all.
We flew home the next morning, sure it couldn't get much better than that. We were wrong...
I've faithfully followed the band all these years, through their highs and lows, and multiple side projects. I've seen them live every time they've toured the States, in huge halls and small venues and everywhere in between. I watched in sadness as first Roger, then Andy, and finally John left the band. Even though the band wasn't the same, I still kept returning to them.
Then, in 2002, we got the incredible news. The original five members were reforming the band and were going to play a select few live shows. Living so close to New York City, I've become spoiled about the amount of concerts I'm able to attend and assumed they would be playing in Manhattan. Well, not so for these reunion shows. They picked venues in Japan, LA and Las Vegas, and they sold out in record time. My best friend E and I thought we were out of luck.
I am lucky enough to be blessed with the world's greatest girlfriends. My other best friend, I'll call her Eye, happened to work in the music industry at the time. She suggested to me, why don't you go out to the Vegas show? I know someone, I'll be able to get you tickets. E and I put our heads together, consulted with our families, and made the decision. We were off to Vegas.
The show was scheduled for a Saturday night at the Hard Rock Hotel in the middle of July. We took an early flight out to Las Vegas and landed about noon local time. We dumped our luggage at our (much cheaper) hotel located conveniently next door and walked over to scope out the scene, pick up our tickets and get a place on the entrance line for a general admission show. When we arrived, the line was already snaking around the parking lot, and we later learned that the first people on the line had been there since 5 am. We sat down, on the sidewalk, in the July Vegas heat, to wait it out.
One of the things I've always loved about going to shows is talking to other people who are just as crazy about the band you're there to see as you are. We discovered we weren't the only people who'd traveled across the country to see the show. Some people had been the the LA shows earlier in the week and followed the band to Vegas. It was gratifying to learn we weren't crazy!
News of band member sightings inside the hotel flew up and down the line while we waited. Later in the afternoon the entire band made an appearance at the blackjack tables. Half the line ran in to see them and take photos while friends waited and held spots, and then the trade was made so the ones who'd waited could go inside. I admit to having my own blurry photos of John Taylor trying his hand at 21.
Finally, after what seemed like an interminable wait and individual trips to our own hotel to freshen up, we were allowed into the venue. Having been a Duran fan for so long and having seen so many shows together, we knew just what to do - grab hands, go to the left and get as far forward as humanly possible.
Another thing old time fans know about Duran - they are never on time. A show scheduled for 9 pm will start closer to 9:30.
Finally, the lights were lowered, and the shrieks were ear piercing. It was just like old times! The entire band came to the front of the stage, back lit, and just stood in front of the crowd, taking it all in. I'd been lucky enough to see the original five live back in 1984, but for some fans, like E, this was the first time they'd ever seen all of them on stage together. It was overwhelming. They broke off one by one and then ripped into "Friends of Mine" from their first album. To start off with a lesser known song seemed like a gift to the die-hard, old time fans, and we rocked out. The floor underneath us all vibrated throughout the night because we were dancing like crazy.
Duran Duran roared through all their classic songs and debuted some new material they were working on for an upcoming album, and the night flew by. After the show, E and I were exhausted and exhilarated and spent hours reliving the show moment by moment. It seemed unreal that we had been there at all.
We flew home the next morning, sure it couldn't get much better than that. We were wrong...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Please Please Tell Me Now
Duran Duran changed my life.
Okay, I know some of you are probably going, oh, don't be so melodramatic. But it's true.
I was 12 years old when I discovered Duran Duran. I saw the videos for "Rio" and "Hungry Like The Wolf" on this great channel I just happened across one day called MTV, and that's it, I was hooked. I bought the Rio album and was glued to the stereo and MTV from then on.
Back in those pre-Internet days, I got information on the bands I liked from radio, magazines, and eventually MTV. Duran hadn't yet reached superstar status in the States when I first became a fan, so information and photos trickled in from these sources, and they were precious to me. Finding some printed media from England was a coup. As they started to gain popularity here, interviews with the band members were popping up everywhere, and photos were in abundance. I studied these as if they held the answers to every question ever asked. But by reading these interviews and magazine articles and perusing these photos, I started to realize that there was a different, larger world out there that up until that point was unknown to a kid from suburban Long Island.
My musical world expanded. If John Taylor or Simon Le Bon commented in an interview about Roxy Music, well, I wanted to know more about them and hear their music. I bought import records from English bands that had no following in the States, but I gave them a try. Sure, I got some duds, but every purchase led me to another band, and another, that maybe I wouldn't have gotten to like otherwise. Through Roxy Music, I found Japan, Scritti Politti, the Alarm, Nik Kershaw. I fell hard for Ziggy Stardust era David Bowie and learned about the genius of Mick Ronson. I started to notice funky bass lines and poetic lyrics. My Top 40 looked nothing like the popular charts back then, and still doesn't, and I owe that to Duran.
And let's talk about fashion. Duran Duran got a rep for being a pin up band, and they wore gorgeous, stylish clothes and yes, makeup. So that became important to me. I was a John Taylor devotee (still am), so I had the requisite fedora like he wore in the "Hungry Like The Wolf" video, but there was more to it than that. I started experimenting with clothes, makeup and hair styles, following their example. I can pretty much guarantee I am the only person ever to grace the halls of Woodland Junior High in a ruffled blouse, maroon sash belt, black leather pants and heels in honor of the New Romantic look. I dyed my short hair platinum blonde a la Nick Rhodes. I had a shiny purple suit I wore during my sophomore year of school. It took a while, but I finally figured out my own style and never followed the pack. I still don't, in lots of areas of my life, and I owe that to Duran.
Most importantly, I met my best friend because of the band. In the early 80s "Duranies" tended to congregate toward one another to talk, trade photos, daydream. I've been lucky enough to sustain a friendship with an incredible person for over 20 years because a mutual interest in the band led us to each other, and I owe that to Duran.
That friend and I have had some incredible times together because of Duran Duran. More on that tomorrow....
Thursday, September 3, 2009
More MJ...
Michael Jackson will be laid to rest tonight. But unfortunately, the hoopla surrounding his death will go on...and on...and on....
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I Want You to Want Me
"Can you honestly tell me you forgot? Forgot the magnetism of Robin Zander, or the charisma of Rick Nielsen?"
Mike Damone, Fast Times at Ridgemont High
I started thinking about Cheap Trick yesterday for two reasons. First, I happened to be watching the end of the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, and at the very end of the movie the band Letters To Cleo sings "I Want You to Want Me." And second, the other day we heard the live version of the song from the classic Live At Budokan album, and my husband wondered aloud how come you never hear the original album version of the song anymore. So I decided I had to share this story.
A few weeks ago, I saw Cheap Trick live, opening for Poison and Def Leppard. It was the second time I've had the opportunity to see them, and they were outstanding. It pains me that Cheap Trick never achieved the fame or status of other great American rock and roll bands like Aerosmith, because they are truly a phenomenal band. Aside from "I Want You to Want Me" they have a catalog of great tunes behind them, and they are solid and tight. It seemed a shame that they were the opening act for this tour.
They rocked through their too short set, which also included some Beatles tunes. Afterwards, my best friend and I went to the ladies room, where I overheard the following: "you know, that band was really good, but I thought that was a Duran Duran song."
Yes. You read that right.
To say I was floored was an understatement. I couldn't wait to leave the bathroom to tell my friend what I'd heard. The look on her face must have matched mine.
Now, I am a huge Duran Duran fan. Huge. But on his best day, Simon Le Bon couldn't come close to Robin Zander! Comparing the two bands is like comparing apples to french fries as far as I'm concerned. They don't look or sound anywhere close to one another.
The girl who said it was younger than me, but come on! I was really upset that there are people out there who are so completely clueless about music. But maybe that's why Cheap Trick have never become as big as they should have - people are buying Duran records instead.
Mike Damone, Fast Times at Ridgemont High
I started thinking about Cheap Trick yesterday for two reasons. First, I happened to be watching the end of the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, and at the very end of the movie the band Letters To Cleo sings "I Want You to Want Me." And second, the other day we heard the live version of the song from the classic Live At Budokan album, and my husband wondered aloud how come you never hear the original album version of the song anymore. So I decided I had to share this story.
A few weeks ago, I saw Cheap Trick live, opening for Poison and Def Leppard. It was the second time I've had the opportunity to see them, and they were outstanding. It pains me that Cheap Trick never achieved the fame or status of other great American rock and roll bands like Aerosmith, because they are truly a phenomenal band. Aside from "I Want You to Want Me" they have a catalog of great tunes behind them, and they are solid and tight. It seemed a shame that they were the opening act for this tour.
They rocked through their too short set, which also included some Beatles tunes. Afterwards, my best friend and I went to the ladies room, where I overheard the following: "you know, that band was really good, but I thought that was a Duran Duran song."
Yes. You read that right.
To say I was floored was an understatement. I couldn't wait to leave the bathroom to tell my friend what I'd heard. The look on her face must have matched mine.
Now, I am a huge Duran Duran fan. Huge. But on his best day, Simon Le Bon couldn't come close to Robin Zander! Comparing the two bands is like comparing apples to french fries as far as I'm concerned. They don't look or sound anywhere close to one another.
The girl who said it was younger than me, but come on! I was really upset that there are people out there who are so completely clueless about music. But maybe that's why Cheap Trick have never become as big as they should have - people are buying Duran records instead.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Accident or Murder - Brian Jones
I love a good mystery. Nothing intrigues me more than a conspiracy theory. I get all hyped up thinking about a second shooter on the grassy knoll, a cult behind the Summer of Sam killings, Diana and Dodi's engagement coverup, true or (most likely) not. So the news of the reopening of the investigation into Brian Jones's death 40 years ago got me going.
Brian Jones was one of the founding members of the Rolling Stones, and from what I gather, the force that really set the Stones in motion. He came up with the band's name and pushed them into their first gigs. He pushed them to rehearse and negotiated with the venues. He played multiple instruments, not just guitar, and sang back up vocals on many tracks. He was, for all intents and purposes, the band's leader.
His estrangement from the band in the late 60s came from a combination of creative difficulties, a stolen girlfriend, the shifting of the limelight onto Mick Jagger, money and drugs. About a month after announcing his departure from the Stones, Brian Jones was discovered dead at the bottom of his pool at his home in Sussex, England.
His death was ruled as "death by misadventure" (seriously), but Jones's girlfriend at the time, Anna Wohlin, claimed he was murdered by one of the builders who was working on their house at the time of his death. Here's where it starts to get interesting. A woman named Janet Lawson claimed she saw Jones and the builder, Frank Thorogood, fooling around in the pool. A while later, she saw Thorogood enter the house, visibly shaking. She found Jones in the bottom of the pool soon after. Hmmm...
Documents have recently come to light that police on the scene at the time concluded that Jones died after an argument with Thorogood, yet the man and several other key witnesses were never interviewed. Hmmm....
Frank Thorogood died in 1994. He supposedly confessed, on his deathbed, to killing Brian Jones, telling the Rolling Stones's driver, Tom Keylock, that he did Brian in. Keylock died last month. Janet Lawson also passed away, in 2008. So all the key players are now gone. Hmmm...
Two separate books were published in 1994 that named Thorogood as Jones's murderer, but there was no investigation then. Hmmm...
There was no comment from the Rolling Stones's publicist after the story came out yesterday. But I, for one, will be following it closely.
Brian Jones was one of the founding members of the Rolling Stones, and from what I gather, the force that really set the Stones in motion. He came up with the band's name and pushed them into their first gigs. He pushed them to rehearse and negotiated with the venues. He played multiple instruments, not just guitar, and sang back up vocals on many tracks. He was, for all intents and purposes, the band's leader.
His estrangement from the band in the late 60s came from a combination of creative difficulties, a stolen girlfriend, the shifting of the limelight onto Mick Jagger, money and drugs. About a month after announcing his departure from the Stones, Brian Jones was discovered dead at the bottom of his pool at his home in Sussex, England.
His death was ruled as "death by misadventure" (seriously), but Jones's girlfriend at the time, Anna Wohlin, claimed he was murdered by one of the builders who was working on their house at the time of his death. Here's where it starts to get interesting. A woman named Janet Lawson claimed she saw Jones and the builder, Frank Thorogood, fooling around in the pool. A while later, she saw Thorogood enter the house, visibly shaking. She found Jones in the bottom of the pool soon after. Hmmm...
Documents have recently come to light that police on the scene at the time concluded that Jones died after an argument with Thorogood, yet the man and several other key witnesses were never interviewed. Hmmm....
Frank Thorogood died in 1994. He supposedly confessed, on his deathbed, to killing Brian Jones, telling the Rolling Stones's driver, Tom Keylock, that he did Brian in. Keylock died last month. Janet Lawson also passed away, in 2008. So all the key players are now gone. Hmmm...
Two separate books were published in 1994 that named Thorogood as Jones's murderer, but there was no investigation then. Hmmm...
There was no comment from the Rolling Stones's publicist after the story came out yesterday. But I, for one, will be following it closely.
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