Rocking out on a Saturday Night

Last night I decided to hit up two venues in search of some good music, and I definitely found that. Made my way to Stadium Tavern, a small hole in the wall bar right near Lucas Oil Stadium. Sugar Moon Rabbit were the rocking band there. They had a classic rock sound at times. The singer was moving like Robert Plant. The guitarist was rocking behind some shades, and had a laid back playing style. The bassist had great bass lines that I could hear come through the music. And the backbone of the band, the drummer, stood up to play along at times. Definitely an interesting collection of musicians, and some great music came out of it. I think more people will catch on to Sugar Moon Rabbit, and I wish nothing but the best for them!

Finding my way to the Vollrath next, just in time to see the lovely musicians of Neon Love Life. They brought their great mix of rock and even a little punk rock stuff at times. To watch each of these musicians is great too. The bassist just brings it singing wise, and has some great bass playing going on. There are two guitars feeding off each other. But I can't lie, I love watching a great drummer. This girl just makes it look so easy to play the drums, and you can tell she just loves it! To me that's such a great thing. When I'm playing music, and really feeling it, there's nothing better. I know this is true with Neon Love Life, and I can't wait to see where they can go in the next months.

Every little thing they do is magic

I was talking to my friend Andrea on Sunday, and the song "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" came on by the Police, and we got to talking about how influential the Police were. You look at their career, which lasted just under ten years, but had a peak period of 3 years from 1980-1983. Ghost in the Machine came out in 1981 and featured the song above. It also included "Invisible Sun" and "Spirits in the Material World." There were lots of sounds going on this album, and lots of layers.

The combination of rock, jazz, punk, and reggae is what makes all the albums of the Police. They could bring all the talents of the three musicians and create something all their own. This came through in their album, Synchronicity, which would be the last album they made in 1983. They went on a huge tour from 83-84, which featured Simple Minds, the Fixx, Flock of Seagulls, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Talk about your 80s sound. Those were all bands that had their own moment at some point.

The Police were rewarded for all their greatness with the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2003. They even went out on tour in Jan of 2007 through August 2008. This was in honor of their 30 years as band, even if they weren't fully together all those years.

It's hard telling what broke up the band in the 80s. From what I've read the drummer, Stewart Copeland, and Sting, the bassist/songwriter, didn't always see eye to eye. Hard to stay together as a band if members are pushing in opposite directions. Andy Summers, the guitarist, was said to be the middle man at times when Sting and Stewart weren't on the same page. I could see that taking a toll on each member, and it's too bad they couldn't have stayed together to keep creating music. But their influence is there on rock music, and there's no denying what a band they were in the short time they were together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5FMbr170Po

Punk Rock Night at the Melody Inn- Jan.22nd, 2011

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a punk rock night at the Melody Inn, and I will say this could have been one of the best nights they've had. I'm not a frequent punk rock night visitor, but I have been a few times. I've usually enjoyed the times there. One time the bands were way too loud (am I old for that comment), but it was just hard to make out anything that was happening. Being a musician, yes I definitely know when you're being too loud. Musically it needs to be heard clear, or else fans won't like it. But that's just my thoughts on it...back to the punk rock night.

First off was a band called the Elky Summers. I've never heard of this band, and had no expectations for them. What I got was a classic old 60s sound is what I would call it. I think the singer had a great voice, and she reminded me of Zooey Deschanel. The songs were groovy, and the packed house seemed to dig it. Yes it was DEFINITELY packed there last night. I think most of the crowd was there for the next band up, Neon Love Life.

I've friended the guitarist for this band, and chatted here and there...but never got to seeing the band until now. What a fantastic band! These ladies know how to rock the stage, and have great musical talents. The songs are very easy to relate to. You can dance, bop, sway, whatever you want to. They have some great harmonies going, and I'm so glad I got to experience them!

The last band up was John Rambo and the Viet Nams. Now this was an interesting band. The whole time I kept thinking they should listen to Bomb the Music Industry, if they haven't already. The singer was using some effects on his singing, but the guitar and keyboards were great together. It was a groovy band as well. They seemed to have some great stage presence as well.

Overall, what a great night and it's awesome to see the TALENT here in Indy. Whenever someone says there's no music scene in Indy, just tell them about these three bands, and tell them to check out a Punk Rock Night. You'll see a scene there!

Melt Your Face Later,

Stephen

"I don't own you anything"

Since I did a write up on Mr. Dave Grohl, I decided to write out some of my favorite tracks off the Foo Fighters album.

Let's start with "Foo Fighters." What a great debut album, and so hard to pick just one track that I think stands out above. Of course music is all subjective, and I encourage you to post your favorite track off each album, I'll be listing.

Here's my choice for my favorite song. I'll Stick around. I love the way the song just kicks off. You have those thrashing chords, and it slightly reminds me of Smells like Teen Spirit. Maybe that's a small nod to the Nirvana days. The verse is great, where it's not much going on chord wise, but there's a different use of them. I really enjoy the drums going on this song as well. Add in the whole "I don't own you anything" and it makes me want to jump around my room, wishing I was watching this song live. This is also my choice for best album by the Foo.

The Colour and the Shape is up next. Now this is a choice for best album by many other people, and I see the reasons why. You have such a great collection of songs, and it feels like the Foo Fighters were just starting to hit their strides as a band. I think for me, I love Up in Arms. It's such a short song that starts out slow and kind of jazzy if you really listen to that bass. Then it kicks in and just blows you away.

Next up, There is Nothing Left to Lose. Taking off from this album, you have the hits Breakout, Learn to Fly, and Next Year. Also Stacked Actors, Generator, and Headwires are great. This might be the most solid album, and the more I listen, the more it creeps up my favorite album list. As far as songs go, after seeing Stacked Actors live back a couple of years ago, that's my choice for favorite song on here. It has so much going on. The heaviness of the guitar and drum is a great combo. And then it gets all quiet, and low, but builds up to that chorus. That's something the Foo Fighters do so well. Starting off relaxed and quiet, but building up to a loud and noisy chorus.



One by one is up next. It had four singles rise out of it, All My Life, Times Like These, Have it All, and Low. Low had a weird music video with Dave Grohl and Jack Black. Go check it out and tell me what you think. As far as favorite song, I would lean towards Times Like These. While this is a good album, I don't think it really hit the energy or level of talent the Foo Fighters possess. It does feel like a forced album, and one that they didn't really believe in. Of course those songs that were singles hit huge, and they played those songs out live. But who knows if they ever played the rest of this album, ever?


In your Honor is our next guest on this tour of the Foo Fightes discography. It was an interesting album in that it had a rocking side, and an acoustically ballad side. Dave Grohl has said he wanted to record acoustic material by himself, but decided to include the band instead. Here you have some great songs such as Best of You, DOA, Resolve, and Cold Day in the Sun. I've not listened to much of the acoustic side of things, so I won't comment on that. But maybe I will go back and listen to see what song I really enjoyed the most. As far as the rocker side, it's DOA all the way for me. I love the chorus of this song. "No one's getting out alive this time" that's a great line. I would think it would be awesome as a horror film song where the killer is chasing after the pretty girl.



Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace is the final album we're presented with until the next release. This I think was a nice return to a very rocking sound by the Foo. There are definitely some big hits on here, the Pretender and Long Road to Ruin come to mind. I think for me, the Pretender, is the best song. It just kicks you in the teeth with it's sound. It's a great opener as well announcing Hey we're the foo fighters and we rock hard.


There you have it! Some great songs by a GREAT band. I'll be interested to hear your list of bests off these albums.

Punk can use violins, banjos, and mandolins

Who says you can't be punk playing some banjo, tin whistle, mandolin, accordion, and bagpipes? Here are some celtic punk rock songs for you to get your jig on. You might have heard of some, and you might not. While the celtic sound started up in the 80s, it picked up steam with bands like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys in the 90s. The songs will include themes of Ireland, Scotland, working man's pride, and of course drinking. Go grab your kilt, and get jiggy with it.

The Pogues "Dirty Old Town"

The Tossers "No Loot, No Booze, No Fun"

Flogging Molly "What's Left of the Flag"

Personally, my favorite Celtic punk band, Dropkick Murphys "State of Massachusetts"

Remember this theme song?

I thought it might be fun to do a write up about some famous tv theme songs, and just a nugget or two about them.

Like this one,

Originally recorded in 1978, and hit #25 on the pop charts. It really hit the spot for this show of four women friends.



This full length song was not made available on cd until 2004. Of course we all not the start of it as the theme to Cheers.

This is one that everyone just sings along to.



Who would have thought the Dead Kennedys would have covered a tv theme song?

Just a little taste of some theme songs, I might continue it throughout this week! Let me know your favorite tv theme songs!

The Only Band that Matters

It's been a Clash type day. I went through and listened fully to "London Calling." Such a great album. It pushed the boundaries for a "punk" band. Were the Clash truly a "punk rock" band? Yes and No. They had the attitude of a punk, where they didn't care about what the rules were. They were going to break it. They didn't have any qualms about what they were doing musically. Joe Strummer would go on to do more worldly type music. Mick Jones went on to Big Audio Dynamite, a mixture of genres. That is what "London Calling" the album is a great big pot of stew. Elements of rock, punk, jazz, funk, ska, reggae, and whatever else was cooking. That's what truly makes the Clash the band they were. Pushing that boundary, and making sure the music had a message. You listen to these songs, and think will there be a band like that? With such a strong passion for what they are doing. The Clash were around just ten years, which to me doesn't seem that long for a band when you consider a band like Aerosmith is going on year 30some. Or Bad Religion who just celebrated their 30th Anniversary. The influence of the Clash is all over punk bands today. the Clash is listed in top band lists, and London Calling makes its way on to top album lists. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. What a great honor for a truly great band. The Last Gang In Town.

I couldn't just leave one video for your viewing pleasure. Here are three of my favorite songs.

The Genius that is Dave Grohl

Ahh Dave Grohl, one of my favorite musicians. Yes musician because he truly can do it all. He's a jack of all trades. He drummed in Nirvana, drummed with early hardcore band Scream, plays guitar and writes most of the music for Foo Fighters, drums with Them Crooked Vultures, has drummed on other projects, and just writes great music. If you know about the first Foo Fighters album, you know that he played just about everything on there. He did have a few things added in, but "Foo Fighters" is all Dave. I think in today's world, that's just amazing to think he wrote that whole album. Now, it's easy for a musician to sit at a computer, and upload a drum track, and play guitar along with it. So to think that in 1994, Dave Grohl was sitting at Robert Lang Studios playing every part and singing every song is really a testament to his ability.

That is one of the best foo fighters album, and it's really a great album in the rock scene. There are the classic songs "This is a Call" and "I'll Stick Around" and of course the mentos inspired music video for "Big Me." He's someone who definitely needs to stay busy because it's like he's always playing for something or playing with Foo Fighters.

He's given me the thought process that I could sit down and record my own stuff if I just put the time and effort into it. I would love to be able to bang out a beat on the drums. I'd love to be able to sing a great song, and write guitar parts. He's definitely an influence in my musical world, and I hope you'll enjoy this tasty treat from him.

Is Rock Music Dead?

So what have we learned from this series of blogs that have chronicled the decades of rock??? Is rock music gone and dead? Are there still rock stars left? Will there be a band that will step up and bring a rock sound back to popularity? These are questions I have. I may not have the answers for them though.

I do think that rock had its golden age in the 60s and 70s. Those were the years when "classic rock" became a genre. You can turn on a few radio stations and hear songs from that area. Maybe rock bands just don't write as great of songs as that golden age. If you want to prove me wrong, feel free to. I think that the fact that Stairway to Heaven is one of the top all time played songs should say a lot about the 70s rock.

Do people still want to see rock bands? YES most definitely. Here's a handy dandy chart to check out and look at the top grossing tours. Bon Jovi, a rock band from the 80s leads the way. AC/DC a band that started up in the late 70s and continues to play now is second in the top grossing tours. It's great to see that people support the rock music scene. And they still love to see those old school bands out there performing their big hits.


What else can we say about rock music? What about the idea of a rock star? Is that still around? In my mind, I don't think that idea is around as much as it used to. We've heard the stories of bands trashing hotel rooms, having ridiculous things on their rider list for a concert, bands demanding certain pays for a show, bands wanting people to pick out girls for them to take home, and whatever else a rock star may do. I think with all the different ways that a musician can get their music out to the world has taken away the idea of a rock star. Also I feel like bands just don't want that as much. They want to achieve success and still feel like any normal person. For me those are some of the best bands. You want to meet a band, and know they're just like you. They don't need to be all high and mighty because they might be out there on tour. Most of the time they are successful because of people like us buying their music, and coming to a show.

Will rock music have a resurgence? This is a big unknown. As long as there's a kid in a garage or bedroom with a guitar in hand, I know there will be rock bands to come. I don't think we will ever get away from the sound of a real guitar playing. Bands will always be trying to make a name for themselves locally and regionally and even nationally. Musicians write songs to get out there. I will never see the point of just writing a song you don't want someone to hear. That's the biggest thing I've always had about writing a song, I want people to hear it. And then you will truly know what kind of song you have.

I hope you've enjoyed the journey back in time to witness this music called rock.

Where are the rock stars now?

This was the hardest blog to write. I will admit I don't listen to that much "rock music" nowadays. I have a hard time even finding out what bands are rock.

You could look at the beginning of this decade, and hear a band like the Strokes. I had their first cd, and will say I thought at first now this a band that's bringing rock music back to the fore front. At the end of the 90s, rock music was declining, and we were losing what was really a rock band. The Strokes came and brought this lo-fi sound, thrashing guitars, howling vocals, and just a great rock vibe. I mean who didn't like Last Night?

This song is simple, has a great beat, good guitar going, and just a catchy sound. You could definitely find yourself singing along to it. One of the great traits of a great song.

But then the Strokes kind of fell off the map or at least my map. Who else is a rock band around that time? The White Stripes showed up in all their lego glory.

Thrashing guitar, howling vocals, simple drums, and another catchy song.

They were being hailed as the saviors of rock. I just didn't give them a listen, but think I will and give them a real shot. You also had Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Killers, the Black Keys, the Bravery, Interpol, and Kings of Leon. I'll have to just say right now I don't know much of anything by these bands. I've heard the kings of leon song, and have to turn it over every time it starts on the radio.

Maybe that's the biggest problem most radio stations still play the same rock bands, and don't seem to show off newer bands. I read an interesting note that in New York City, there's only one Modern Rock station. One of the biggest cities in the world, where you would think music is king, and only one modern rock station? Just doesn't make any sense.

But then again, rock music doesn't make sense to me anymore. Is Nickelback a rock band even though the songs sound the same, and really suck? Is Linkin Park a rock band that still tries to use the rap rock thing that I thought went away? Puddle of Mudd fell off, thank goodness. Seether, Stone Sour, what are these bands??

I know this comes off as bitter, but mostly I'm out of the loop because I'm not into that whole new rock sound. It doesn't do anything for me. I need music I can truly relate to my life, and have a personal connection to. That's my biggest problem with today's music, will it be saying something twenty years down the road? It's not the best to look ahead since most bands don't think about themselves. But I truly believe when the Beatles recorded "I want to hold their hand" that they knew they had something special. Something that people would still be singing and wanting Paul to sing so many years down the road! Are people going to be singing "how you remind me" down the road? Your guess is as good as mine.

When I walk into a room

I remember waiting patiently on August 1999 for the debut of the savior of WWE, Chris Jericho. We all knew it was coming, but didn't know when. Then the countdown started, and that music hit, and chills just ran up my spine. This was a debut. I think the music really did it for me. This song got you excited to see him.

Yes my love of wrestling has made me think about this a few times, what could be my entrance theme? What if life was a musical, and every time I entered the scene a song had to come to announce here's stephen? There are a few songs I'd love to have playing and would definitely get me going.

This song always gets me going, and I would definitely come in with some swagger to this song.

This song just has a great rocking vibe to it.



Not a huge Aerosmith fan, but I've always enjoyed the whole rocking sound of this song. I would use this if I disappeared for a bit, and had to come back in the big way.


Finally this is just a great song. I'd have to come in busting a move of course.

Yes my first cd in the 90s was "Cracked Rear View" by Hootie and the Blowfish

Man I'm glad I got that off my chest. I love getting to the 90s because I actually was into music then, and could remember different musical things that happened. Like owning my first cd, which I stated up there in the title. Hey they were rock, kind of. I had some other stuff, like Matchbox Twenty, Counting Crows, Semisonic, and what not. I had the classics. Can't believe I didn't own any Gin Blossoms but I would throw them in the pop rock category of bands. There lots of those just trying to make simple songs that people could sing along with. Like this band,

Dishwalla "Counting Blue Cars" I remember hearing this song a lot.

Also I remember staying up on a Friday night and listening to the hot 9 at 9 on 99.5. You had to run down the list of songs back to the host, and you would win a prize pack. Just a couple of memories I had.

Early in the decade, we all came to know a band that broke down the mainstream wall, whether they liked it or not.

Does this really need an introduction? I wasn't into Nirvana, and really knew nothing about them. But I have gone back to listen to their stuff now, and there's no denying they had something special. They came right at the best time. People were looking for something different. And I think that teens had that angst to them, and Nirvana could help bring that out. Kurt Cobain never set out to really influence anything, but at the same time it seems like he knew what he was doing. I hate to make this comparison, but it's just my thinking....he was almost like John Lennon. They may not have had the same ideas, but the way they went about music and what not, just really parallels each other.

The explosion of Nirvana brought up this whole grunge scene, where you could put Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney. I can still picture that darn Soundgarden music video for Black Hole Sun. Remember back in the 90s, MTV was still playing music videos. My how the times have changed.

Bands like Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, REM, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, Red Hot Chili Peppers were popping up breaking down walls, and creating their own sounds. The Chili Peppers stick out in my mind because they just blended rock and funk together, which to me is an odd combo. But you know that's the best thing about music, creating your own sound is what makes you stand out.

In the middle of the decade, you had Foo Fighters teaching us that you could learn to fly. And we know that Foo Fighters included the drummer of Nirvana, Dave Grohl. Look for a whole blog on him later on. Yes that's how much respect I have for his talents.

Pop punk was making a name for itself as well. Green Day set a high bar for this. Dookie exploded and tore up the sales chart. Basketcase, Longview, Welcome to Paradise are my favorites on that excellent album. I still enjoy listening to it. Blink 182 was making a name for themselves. They were asking what's my age again, and running naked around LA. This pop punk explosion helped a label like Fat Wreck. An independent punk rock label that suddenly started selling their stuff.

Once again rock music was breaking into these smaller genres. The end of the decade saw the decline of a rock band. People playing their instruments due to the boy band and poppy girl stuff coming out, like Britney, Christina, Nsync, and Backstreet boys. You also had this horrible nu metal crap coming out like Limp Bizkit. It was just a sad downfall to all of those great rock musicians we've come to know and love.

But who knows maybe rock music will see a new wave? Maybe some band can step up and reclaim the rock throne? Will we see it in this decade?

I could sing Born in the USA all day.

I'll have to start out personal because I remember hearing a tape of me singing this song, and I think there's a picture floating somewhere of me sporting the boss attire. I would say this is my first taste of rock music. Who knew 20some years later, I would come to love the Boss so much born, and be a huge fan of Born to Run? But hey that was the 70's and we already went there! Go read back a post, and you can find out what you missed there.

So here we are in the 80's and what's rock music these days??? It's pushing away from the big produced sounds of the classic rock bands that we know. It's bands trying to make it through the underground. Playing at colleges, being on an independent label, and getting published in fanzines. People are pushing music on each other. Yes some of these bands would make a name for themselves. Look at REM, they were just a little band out of Athens, Georgia. They scored a Top 40 album with Murmurs and would spawn a legion of followers. You had a couple of bands from Minnesota trying to combine a punk attitude with an indie rock sound in the Replacements. You had Husker Du trying to get the idea that a concept album could be put together by a hardcore punk band with Zen Arcade.

Noise rock was being thrown around by Sonic Youth and Big Black. Quirky pop rock was being done by They Might Be Giants. The Pixies were telling us that here comes our man. Just some of the different outlets of rock yet again.

What else did the 80's bring about? Halfway through the decade, you saw the onslaught of metal. Bands like Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and Cinderella were all asking us to bang our heads. Later on Guns and Roses would take us down to Paradise City where the grass is green and the girls are pretty.

You had Van Halen telling us how awesome it is to jump, what Panama is like, what it's like to run with the devil, and just what a party band is all about. And it didn't hurt to have the guitar god in Eddie Van Halen playing. Eruption is still a great guitar song.

Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Dio, Judas Priest were bringing the metal and hard rock sound to millions of screaming girls and boys. Rob Halford of Judas Priest definitely liked hearing the screaming dudes. Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeath were melting faces, and taking names. They were playing such a speed that you had to keep amping it up.

You also had Queen rocking and their Live Aid performance on July 13, 1984 was voted in 2005 as the greatest rock performance.

How can you go wrong with performing Bohemian Rhaspody first?

You had Michael Jackson just crossing all lines of music, and creating Thriller one of the all time best selling albums. Bruce Springsteen had a huge hit with Born in the USA, also a top selling album of all time. Madonna was around there doing her thing.

But I think once again rock music was the big thing even in it's different genres. I would say that through the 80's and even into the 90's rock music was king. We will see a shift eventually, and I'm definitely interested in seeing what I'll write about then.

Go enjoy some more 80's and let me know what acts you think define the 80's. What are you rock memories from there? I turned 10 when the decade ended so for me, it was Born in the USA, and that's all I really remember. Refresh my memory!

When did Classic rock become Classic Rock?

PLAY SOME STAIRWAY!!!!! I had to post this as the beginning to the Classic Rock Era.


This might have been the best decade to be alive in and being a fan of concerts. You could have seen Led Zeppelin in their hey day. You could have seen AC/DC bringing their ballsy rock to the fore front. Steven Tyler was gyrating on stage with Aerosmith. Probably not remembering half the shows he played in. Ozzy Osbourne brought about the hard rock band, Black Sabbath. They paved the way for hard rock bands to follow. They set the bar high. You can not stop from saying "I ammmmmm Iron Man." Without hearing those famous notes of the song. Arena rock was coming around too. Steve Perry and Journey were telling people to don't stop believin'. While Fleetwood Mac were telling each other to go their own ways. Who knew a breakup album would become the top selling album of that decade, in Rumours that is.

If hard rock and arena rock weren't your cup of tea, you could listen to the sweet smooth sounds of Carole King, James Taylor, or even some Billy Joel. Soft Rock was becoming a genre during this rocking 70's decade.

Need some Southern Rock in your life, check out Lynryd Skynyrd, and yell FREEEEEE BBIRRDDD! till the cows come home. Hit up you lighter for some Desperado by the Eagles. Maybe you wanted to come sail away with Styx, get carried on my wayward song with Kansas, or even see the band straight out of Boston Boston.

This is such an interesting time. And of course if it wasn't for all this rocking happening that people were starting to get tired of, a band like the Ramones would have never started. They wanted to write short 2 minute odds to blitzkreig bopping, hanging out at 53rd and 3, Sheena was a punk rocker, and sniffing glue. Across the pond, you had the Clash breaking all the rules and becoming the last gang in the town or the last band that mattered. Depends on who you ask. There's no denying the thrashing chords of White Riot doesn't hit you in the face, and melt it. They were a band that wanted to not have a label, and make music for a meaning.

It's such a generation to define. But you can turn on the radio, and hear so many of these bands on the radio. You could even still see some of these bands rocking the stage, and singing their hits. Who knows if the bands then were thinking hey we might be starting a whole genre of rock or a whole radio station? But looking back I would have loved to been a teenager in this generation and seeing all this music happening.

Song of the Moment

I was coming home tonight from a good dinner at the family's house, and this song came on. I had to turn it up because I thought you know this song is right for me right now. I think at 29 years old and 10 months away from 30, I haven't found what I'm looking for. Maybe I don't know what I'm looking for. Or how to go about looking for it. Maybe I'll never find it. I think I have too big of plans for my life. I keep saying I want to do more than a 9-5 job, but what can I do? I want to be something more than I am, but what can I be? I've always tried to live without a plan, but perhaps I should sit down, write out some goals, and try to reach those goals. I think the first goal is to get a new job that pays more, and allows me to challenge myself. I want to actually talk about my job, and the work I am doing. I want something to show hey I did this. And did I mention that pays more? If I can get the job thing out of the way, then I will be heading in the right direction. That seems to be the first thing I need to do.

But in the meantime......

Golden Age of Rock?

"Ladies and Gentlemen the Beatles!!!"

And music was forever changed. The Beatles came along, and America was swept away in Beatlemania. Has there ever been a band like the Beatles? Will there ever be a band like them? This was their golden age of music. They were the 60's. They eventually stopped touring to focus on making albums, but there's no denying the effect they had on women, when they would play a show.

The Beatles weren't the only British Invasion band around. You had the Rolling Stones, who would forever make the debate of Stones or Beatles. I know who my choice is. There was also the Animals, and their hit song "House of the Rising Sun." There was the Yardbirds, who featured some guy named Jimmy Page. You may know him as the guitarist for Led Zeppelin. These are just a few British bands that broke into America, and helped paved the way for American rock music.

So who took advantage of this?? And what American groups were making noise in the 60's? Just reading up on the whole Golden Age of rock as it's called on Wikipedia, you had a WIDE range of stuff come out of the sixties, this is the era where rock music really started having the genres.

You had the garage rock scene, where it sounded like bands weren't playing their instruments that well, and were playing through bad amps. Probably one of the more famous "garage rock" songs would be "Louie, Louie" by the Kingsmen.

In the late sixties, you had pop rock making a name for itself. An artist like Elton John really helped bring this sound about. I think pop rock would continue it's sound through the 70's, 80's, and even through today.

Blues rock started coming into the fold. Think Eric Clapton and his bluesy rock. Jeff Beck was also a founder of the blues rock sound. Out of the blues rock, early southern rock started forming. Insert "FREE BIRD" comment here.

Folk Rock was happening of course in the 60's. Bob Dylan wanted you to be a rolling stone. Drug Rock was brought to fame by who else but quite possibly the best guitarist around, Jimi Hendrix. You can throw in the Doors in this category as well. Jim Morrison had such a charisma to him.

You could probably keep narrowing it down into more and more categories. But you can also see this decade of rock was something else. Bands were forming all around. Sounds were being created. Big albums that would become lifetime favorites of people were being created. I'd have to say that a couple of my all time favorite albums came from the 60's. The Beatles "Rubber Soul", an album where they really started to make the music they were envisioning. The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds", a perfect album about relationships, and all the different things that go into those relationships.

Wouldn't it be nice to be back there, and have all this great music available to you?

You Said We Were an Accident

I was going to post about the next decade of rock, but things happen, and you feel like posting something else. I'll get back to the decades of rock tomorrow or maybe even later on tonight. I just wanted to post a video of how I'm feeling right now. I'm pretty much over putting myself out there to meet someone, and sick of girls who won't even give me the chance to meet up. Especially if you've been having good conversations and talk about meeting. Why put it out there if you're not interested at all? I could probably rant and rave about this, but I know no one will read all of that. So just wanted to get this off my chest, and here's a video about how I feel with girls.

When did the music die?

What this the start of rock and roll? It is in some people's mind. But then again some will say that rock and roll started with Elvis' "That's all right mama." Or even Big Joe Turner's "Shake Rattle and Roll." Or maybe "Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. There's no denying that rock and roll started up in the 50's and that's when we say the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, and many others. These are the pioneers. They paved the way for rock and roll to be dangerous. Heck people were scared of Elvis gyrating all over the place. Now that's an acceptable form of dancing in a club. Oh my how times have changed!!

You think back to the 50's and life was very tense. There needed to be an outlet, who knew that music would be that outlet. Music would bring people together. Elvis was a white guy who sang with a black soul. That's the best thing about music. It can be important in society overall. It did separate people as well.

There were those people who believed music was the work of the devil. Rock music wasn't to be listened to. Here's something very interesting I found from wikipedia about Jerry Lee Lewis.

"His mother enrolled him in Southwest Bible Institute in Waxahachie, Texas, so that her son would be exclusively singing his songs to the Lord. But Lewis daringly played a boogie woogie rendition of "My God Is Real" at a church assembly that sent him packing the same night. Pearry Green, then president of the student body, related how during a talent show Lewis played some "worldly" music. The next morning, the dean of the school called Lewis and Green into his office to expel them. Lewis said that Green shouldn't be expelled because "he didn't know what I was going to do." Years later Green asked Lewis: "Are you still playing the devil's music?" Lewis replied "Yes, I am. But you know it's strange, the same music that they kicked me out of school for is the same kind of music they play in their churches today. The difference is, I know I am playing for the devil and they don't."

Jerry Lee Lewis said he was playing for the devil! How amazing is that? Now you could say that, and people would probably cheer you along. But back then, it was like the devil controlled you. Such an interesting time for rock music.

Rock Around the Clock would become the theme for Happy Days. The show set in the 70's made about the 50's. I think it's great to listen to some of the old recordings like Chuck Berry, and you can feel the passion he's singing with. You watch the youtube videos of Buddy Holly, and he just looked like a regular old joe who could pick up the guitar and play simple songs. That's what I take out of the music. They are simple, but could say so much. Obviously later on in the years, there was a song written about the fabulous 50's music called "American Pie" by Don McClean. Was the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper the day the music died? I don't think entirely since in the early 60's there were a couple of bands called the Beatles and Rolling Stones that would change music forever. This is a chapter to be continued.

The music is right here

I know I've mentioned this band a FEW times, but man they're just so great. First off, they make music for the right reasons, which is making music to say something. Not worried about fame and fortune, since they release all of their stuff on Quote Unquote Records for free. And they still get out there to tour and really connect with the fans. I remember seeing BTMI in Bloomington, and there were probably 30 or so people but that was just a great show. In my mind the little shows are always better because you can see what the band is doing, and really enjoy the music.

This song is just great because it makes me want to pick up and leave. Start a band somewhere, tour the country, make records, connect with people, live the rock star life, and what not. That may be a pipe dream. But I'm going to do what I can here to get going in the music world, whether that's my own thing, joining up with another band, playing on people's stuff, working with other bands, or other ways. I want to immerse myself so much more than I am in this scene. Indy could be a great place for music, if people start taking the time to recognize what great artists are here. Coming out to shows and seeing bands. Who cares if you lose a little bit of sleep on a week night? Get out and support the music. Really support it and just don't say you do. Like the saying goes "Actions speak louder than words"

Melt Your Face Later,

Stephen

Why Bother? Thoughts about Pinkerton

I want to start blogging more and more, so what better thing to talk about what I'll be seeing on Saturday night. Weezer in Chicago performing pinkerton. You know that album that was hated, and now is loved. I had no idea what the fuss was all about when it first came out, but I definitely enjoy the record. It just has a great flow to it, and the trifecta of Across the Sea, the Good Life, and El Sorcho is great. Those songs would be hits on any album, but having them right in a row...you just can feel something from there. Even with my favorite song Why bother? coming in before them. I just personally like that one because I can connect it to my life so much right now. But hey that's a whole other story.

“It’s a hideous record… It was such a hugely painful mistake that happened in front of hundreds of thousands of people and continues to happen on a grander and grander scale and just won’t go away. It’s like getting really drunk at a party and spilling your guts in front of everyone and feeling incredibly great and cathartic about it, and then waking up the next morning and realizing what a complete fool you made of yourself.” – Rivers Cuomo, Entertainment Weekly, 2001

Isn't it amazing what some years will do to a person? If you haven't heard about Pinkerton when it first came out, the back story is that it wasn't well received at all. Sales were bad, and people just didn't like the darkness of it. Maybe those people wanted the Blue Album all over again. But like most bands, Weezer didn't want to recreate that. They wanted to create something else, and who can blame them for that?

Some bands will take the same formula, and use it over again and again. I'm looking at you AC/DC, and it works for them. The die hard fans of that band will stick with them. But with Weezer, that first album was so popular, they had to do something else. I can't imagine trying to recapture that goodness of Buddy Holly, Say It Ain't So, and Come Undone. We all know the hits, but take a listen to Only in Dreams, and you really see what a great song that is. And as a closer, it just works out fantastic.

I'll definitely have my camera with me on Saturday night, and I'm hoping to get some decent video of a song or two. Definitely lots of pictures as long as I can get a good spot. The downfalls of us short people! I'll have to find lots of windows in the people and snap away.

Here's to the Good Life!