December 2010
Gentlemen, in case you need a “closer”...
My Review: AC/DC, "For Those About To Rock (We... →
Year two on my project comes to a close…730 straight days of writing, ZERO days missed!
There are few songs that are better “show closers” that AC/DC’s “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You),” as it captures everything that makes rock and roll so enjoyable. From the vocals to the guitars to the lyrics, it’s all perfect. Check the link above for my...
My Review: Smashing Pumpkins, "Tonight, Tonight" →
Few bands better define the 1990’s than Smashing Pumpkins, and their “big” two albums remain absolutely unmatched to this day. My overall love for those two records made it nearly impossible to single out a song as their “best,” but I feel that “Tonight, Tonight” presents every side of the group. So, check the link above and get your learn on about one of...
My Review: Wire, "Three Girl Rhumba" →
Though it is perhaps best known for being the riff that Elastica ripped off for their song, “Connection,” there were few bands as important to the development of the post-punk sound as one finds in Wire. The entire Pink Flag record is nothing short of brilliant, and “Three Girl Rhumba” may be the best song on it. Check the link above to go to my main site and read the...
We All Have Our Vices...
I just spent about 3 paychecks on a piece of art…
My Review: Truckee Brothers, "Gritty Pretty" →
The rule seems to be: the less real talent you have, the more likely it is that a label will throw their support behind you. This, in short, is the reason there is such a decline in the music industry. Thankfully, bands like Truckee Brothers kept the spirit of “real” rock alive and well. Check the link above for a full review of one of their finest songs, a true rock anthem,...
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My Review: Curtis Mayfield, "Future Shock" →
Few artists were as important to the development of modern music as much as Curtis Mayfield. From his early days in The Impressions and a studio musician at Motown Records to his culturally revolutionary solo work during the early 1970’s, there are simply not enough words that can do justice to the impact Mayfield had over the decades. Eleven years ago today, Mayfield passed away, so check...
My Review: Devo, "Jocko Homo" →
Forget “Whip It!” That song really misses the point of “what” Devo were all about as a band. It is a rather child-like representation of one of the most uniquely talented bands in history. The way in which they throw their insanely complex rhythms and amusingly sharp critiques is second to none, and they were never better than on their single from 1977. Check the link...
My Review: De La Soul, "The Magic Number" →
At the same time that the rock-style genres were branching off in many directions, so was the world of hip-hop. Bringing a wildly diverse, upbeat sound, few groups remain as important to the development of hip-hop as De La Soul. The first track of their first record is sheer musical brilliance, and it remains as refreshing today as it was more than twenty years ago. Check the link to read my...
Finally, 4 days off...
but I have a toothache! damnit damnit damnit!
My current soundtrack is Isaac Hayes, “Hot Buttered Soul”
My Review: Eddie Hazel, "Lampoc Boogie" →
Eddie Hazel made his legend from his work on “Maggot Brain,” yet it was his brief solo career that proved he was even more than that single song. Standing as a sort of a “sister” track to that, his “Lampoc Boogie” is an uplifting hard rock jam session unlike anything else in history. Click the link above for my full review and get yourself learned!
My Review: Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, "Arms... →
Today marks 8 years since the tragic, sudden passing of Joe Strummer. Few people have impacted my life more than he, and it was this final album that proved to be some of his finest work. One can only imagine “the music that could have been,” so check the link above to read my full review, and be sure to blast some Clash or Mescaleros today and remember The Only Frontman That...
My Review: Rush, "2112" →
When it comes to songs deserving of the term “epic,” none can compare to Rush’s “2112.” It has become a bit of a “geek anthem” in an odd way, but musically, it knows no peers. Check out the link above that will take you to my main site to read the entire review.
Cable-ties (zip ties) sometimes sound like...
discuss amongst yourselves.
My weekly hour-long music podcast is here for your...
My Old Friend, The Blues
I knew this week was coming, and the overwhelming depression that comes with it each year. For me, it has nothing to do with the holidays. This is the beginning of the 3 week “quiet time” at work that I never enjoy. More to the point, Wednesday will mark 8 years since Joe Strummer died. His passing is still with me every day. His words so often serve and served as inspiration to me...
My Review: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,... →
..few bands can boast as solid a catalog as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and they are one of the few bands that have stayed true to their sound over the decades. Due to this, it is almost impossible to pick out a “best” song…click the link above to check out my full review on one of their greatest…
R.I.P. Don Van Vliet AKA Captain Beefheart
There has never been another person with the same odd brand of genius that one found in the music of Captain Beefheart. There was simply no musical norm that he cared to follow, and this is much the reason that he remains the legend that he is. He will be missed for his music and wild personality.
CLICK HERE to check out my review from last year on his legendary “Trout Mask...
My Review: Ella Fitzgerald, "Oh, Lady Be Good"... →
Ella is a legend, it goes without saying. Yet, the fact that she was able to take two starkly different takes on the same song is beyond words. Check the link above for my full review of this stunning moment in music history…
Gogol Bordello - "My Companjera" →
For whatever reason, I’ve really been digging this song lately…love the band, and the energy on this track is just phenomenal.
We stepped together in the river We traded fever on turmoil Last time I saw you was in the middle I wonder if you hit the soil
My Review: Minor Threat, "Minor Threat" →
There is one song that started the entire hardcore movement and defines it to this day…it doesn’t get much better than Minor Threat doing the song of the same name…check the link above to go to my main site for my full review…get yourself learned!
I'm Glad For You, But...
Believe me, I am THRILLED that Alice Cooper and Tom Waits are being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame…well overdue for both of them…BUT…
The fact that The Funk Brothers are STILL not in is absolute crap. Without their contributions, music simply does not take the form it has, and the FACT is, no other group can claim as many #1 hits…nearly EVERY Motown single...
It is amazing to consider how good a Nirvana album...
Cats And Keyboards
how do they know how to sit RIGHT in the spot that makes it impossible to type and see the complete screen? Every time…Stinkerbell jumps up on my lap all cute and manages to nudge her way to that spot at least once a day…does she care? NOOOO!
siily feline!
My Review: The Aggrolites: "Work It" →
“real” reggae and ska got lost during the 1980’s and 1990’s, but thankfully, The Aggrolites brought it back strong…get your learn on with one of the best pieces of modern ska/reggae around! (click the link above to check out the review on my main site)
Wirepony: A Band That Does It Right →
I first got into Wirepony when I saw Patrick Dennis perform solo back in April…their music is phenomenal and you can get their ENTIRE album for “whatever price you want.” How great is that? Some of the best rock of 2010, and YOU set the price…$1, $10, $100, or NOTHING…do your ears a favor and sang this album N-O-W! (the link above will take you right to the...
Counting Crows, "Sullivan Street" review →
This Time, With Feeling
once again, I was in my chair in my office when they closed the district today…it made no sense…they said it was on account of THE COLD. Sure, it’s in the single digits, but come on, it’s Ohio in the WINTER…it’s SUPPOSED to be cold! Idiots!
My current soundtrack is Soundgarden’s “Badmotorfinger” and The Descendent’s “Milo Goes...
Too Much Of Anything...
Hour twelve that I have been in front of the laptop thanks to a blizzard…though music is my first love and writing about it my second, the combination of 1400 words a day for the blog AND trying to edit a 1200 page book is just killing me. I was hoping to have the book done and printed MONTHS ago, but I just get burned out so quickly with the writing. UGH!
My soundtrack at the moment is...
3 Feet And Rising
It’s been snowing here since yesterday…already more than 3 feet on the ground, and The Weatherman is claiming that “we” can expect 8 to 12 more inches before tomorrow morning. As a snow junkie, I am thrilled, as winter took its sweet-ass time to get here!
This afternoon’s soundtrack is Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” and Tom Waits’ “Mule...
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Wrapping Laramie and The Edit
Today was the closing performance of “The Laramie Project” where I served as Technical Director. It was an exceptional show, though a pity that more people did not show up to see it…
Later in the day, I got an email from a friend asking when my book would be done…truth be told, I’ve been editing it on and off this entire year, but I still have over 1,000 pages to...
