The Beatles always inspire me

Browsing Twitter and came across this fact "Today in Beatles History (January 30, 1969): The Beatles perform their very last concert on the rooftop of Apple Records in London."  Can you believe the Beatles were only a touring band for about four or five years and played under 400 shows?  That just blows my mind every time I think about it.  The Beatles are my favorite band of all time, and I am sure a lot of people's favorite band. There will never be another band like them because what they were doing at the time was amazing and just unheard of. I'm still of the same mindset as well that I loved all the early Beatles period, while it may have been poppy, it's just something I relate to the most.  As they got more into their creative periods, the music doesn't speak to me. I think as well the idea that the band was falling apart is troubling to me. You think that something like that will last forever.  Especially if a band like the Rolling Stones are still together and playing.  Or a band like Aerosmith to go through what they went through. Heck the Beach Boys are going to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a band.  Can you imagine being in a band for fifty years? I was lucky to be part of a band for over a year and a half, which was longer than I thought it could be.  But music is music, and whether you play for a day or 50 years, if you're creating that magic that you want to create, then it's all working out right.

Music for a Monday

Whenever it comes to Monday, here's what I see in my head. Who wouldn't want to sit around a record store dancing to Walking on Sunshine? Also, what would you put on your Monday morning mix tape to stimulate some discussion?

Cheap Girls "Communication Blues"

Cheap Girls "Communication Blues"

I saw this band with Against Me last year, and I was very impressed with their songs. They're making the kind of power pop that I wouldn't mind making myself.  The songs are darn catchy, and has a great sound quality to it.  I love the vocals on this song in the way that it fits with the music.  I have a feeling Cheap Girls will be all over best of lists this year in the punk rock community and kudos to them. I had the privilege of interviewing Ian from the band, which you can read right here: http://speckzystephen.blogspot.com/2011/05/ian-from-cheap-girls-sits-down-for.html  Do yourself a favor, and give this song a listen, and go pick up their new album when it drops.

Shameless Plug 46-"This is a Call:Life and Times of Dave Grohl" Review Time

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I love reading a good biogaphy, and especially one about Dave Grohl.  Therefore, in this epsidode, I do a book talk and give you the reasons to pick up this book as well.







News to Read
Johnny Ramone Autobiography
Bouncing Souls Finish up new album
Hot Water Music recording
Frank Turner working new stuff
Against Me Live Performance with two new songs
Andrew WK "I Get Wet" Tour

Music to Hear
Say Anything "Say Anything"
Lucero "Sometimes"
Lifetime Full Set

Video to Watch
Into It. Over It. "No Good Before Noon"

Two Artists One Album

Just reading that Two Tongues, which is Max Bemis from Say Anything and Chris Conley from Saves the Day, will put out a new album this year, it got me thinking what two artists would I put together for cohesive album?  What two artists could work well together and write something that's a bit different from what they do, but still works?  And let's not go to Metallica and Lou Reed.  Why in the world would they think that was going to sound good together?

How about Tim from Rise Against and Tom from Against Me?  These guys are the leaders of their respective bands, and have vocals that really set them apart from punk rock bands.  They could write stuff together that really makes powerful statements, and I would be behind something like this.

Bruce Springsteen and Brian Fallon from Gaslight Anthem...come on two Jersey guys singing about Jersey?  What could be bad about this?  And for fun, you can let Bon Jovi join for guest vocals.

Matt Skiba from Alkaline Trio and Brendan Kelly from Lawrence Arms. Two Chicago guys who grew up in all that punk rock scene.  Two singers that have pretty unique vocals working together for a common goal.  Brendan has already worked with Dan from Alkaline Trio, so he might as well play with Matt too.

How about Adam from Taking Back Sunday and Jesse from Brand new?  Could this guys even co-exist? There used to be some beef between the bands, so maybe this isn't a good combo.

All the creative flow left me!  That's who I got for now, maybe there will be some additions along the way.  What artists would you throw together for an album?

My own shameless plug

Really happy with the progress being made with the new drummer.  Songs are coming along, and it feels good to be making music again.  The music is there, just need to get lyrics going.  I always know what vibe I want for a song, but the words don't come out.  With my last band, I just made up words on the spot and hoped I would remember them each time.  Or at least write lines down and go with it. I think for me, music is a moment, and when I know what I want to say, the words will come.  We also need to lock down a bass player as the songs can use that bit of thump at times.  The only downfall right now is trying to lock down a sound, so when I tell people who we are, I can say what we sound like. I'm not putting too much effort into that for now as I want to get songs done, and get back out to playing again.  Maybe not the best method, but it's a method.  Need to invest in ear plugs finally as well since my ears have been ringing after practices.  Practicing for a couple of hours with drum and guitar up to 11 will do that to you. But just excited about playing again, and hope to get shows going again, and all that fun stuff.

Lucero "Sometimes"

Lucero "Sometimes"

Rolling Stone has the privilege of showcasing this new song from Lucero off their new album due out in March.  I am a fan of this band and they way they bring that soul into their music. You can feel that Memphis roots in the music as they provide that southern sound. But it's not like the typical southern "rock" sound you would think.  There's a passion and fire behind the music, and one that you can get behind.  Enjoy this tune and catch the album when it comes out.

New Bruce Springsteen song "We Take Care of Our Own"

New music from the Boss. How cool is it to see Bruce Springsteen still making relevant music? His songs have always said something, and the fact that he can still do that is amazing to me. Anymore it's lucky for a band to be together a few years and relevant. Bruce and his band have been at this for over 30 years,and don't look to be stopping anytime soon.

Shameless Plug 45- Step up to the Mic

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Well I went to Facebook to ask for topics to discuss: which someone stepped up to the mic and wanted to get my opinion on the idea of an open mic night.  Therefore, I will spit out my thoughts on open mic night.  

News to Read
Eve 6 is still around and putting out records??


Lookout Records is no more


Gaslight Anthem to Hit Studio


Punchline Bassist Addresses his Ultimatum


Trailer for LCD Soundsystem's Documentary


Music to hear

Craig Finn "New Friend Jesus"


31 Covers in 31 Days

Video to Watch
Dead to Me "The Hand with Inherited Rings"

Ryan M. Brewer's New Album Listening Party

Ask and you shall receive. I remember seeing Mr. Brewer play with the band, the Fallow, and enjoyed the sound that was coming out from there. I've also had the pleasure of seeing him play just acoustically, and that was great as well.  He's got a voice that really can go in both ends of the spectrum of low and high.  The guitar playing doesn't sit on chords, and brings something more together. This combination makes him a fantastic singer-songwriter in the Indianapolis music scene and one that I am glad to connect with.  I am going to give his new album a listen right now, and give out my thoughts on track by track. This is something I enjoy doing, and was asked personally by him to do as well. I am more than happy to offer my opinion on this, so let's get to it.

Allegory
The guitar, vocals, and even the little shaker sounds are really clicking to make this track.  The guitar is playing a simple melody to go along with the vocal melody, which is something I always want to do in my own music. Not a very long track, but one that moves you along for the ride. It picks up a bit at the end, and leaves you hanging for the next song.

Sing You to Sleep
Keyboard and some vocals make up this very airy song.   The title fits perfectly to this song as you can imagine needing that song to set you to sleep, and this could be that song for that.  The guitar comes in to add some backbone to the song.  I can just picture in my mind this song playing in one of those romantic movies shot in black and white in a night scene.  Things pick up here in the second part of the song as the singing lifts up and the guitar picks up.  Things ease back down as the song writes itself out.  

Where Your Heart is Lain
This song gets my head bopping a bit as it gets going.  The guitar is playing a melody that isn't much, but is enough to make it catchy.  Could almost feel a whole band playing behind Mr. Brewer as he really kicks into this song.  It goes with the old adage sometimes less is more as this song has once again simple characteristics that are all working together. It's like a well oiled machine full of parts and pieces all making it a great song.  This is so far my favorite song of this album.  Oh man I love the different vocal parts hanging on at the end, that's awesome. In my own punk rock listening, gang vocals always get me and this is almost like an acapella group singing together.

Like Robert Redford
Just talking with Mr. Brewer about this song, and this is a spoken word piece that is all his own thoughts.  When you hear the song, you will think it's lines from a movie.  But it isn't and that's pretty amazing.  


Innocence and Ignorance
This is more a folk type song compared to the other songs on here.  There's some banjo picking happening on this song, and it just feels very soulful.  Ryan stretches out the vocal chords to sing some of his heavier singing.  Every song on here just paints a picture in my mind, and I'm trying to paint that for you all to see.  Once again I see this fitting in a movie somehow, but can't fully picture it yet.  Just a song full of grit and soul. I know that sounds pretty basic, but it's what I am hearing.

Back Where I Belong
We get back to the guitar and Ryan's singing on this song.  It's something that he can really hang his hat on as he just does it very well.  Almost feel like everything is stopping while this song is playing and I can just feel at ease with the world around me.  The singing just captures me in the songs.  I don't have the best voice in the world, so I'm a bit jealous Ryan can pull off this great sense of singing.  

Strings
The recurring theme here is that Ryan can play and sing fantastic.  This song just hammers home this point as the last song on the album. Don't want it to end, and want more music from him.  It features some great vocal melodies once again going against the guitar playing.  

All of these songs would make a fantastic short movie because they all work so well together.  They paint pictures in your mind that really give you feeling.  That's what music should do, and I am glad Ryan Brewer is doing this. It shows that Indianapolis does have musicians that need to be heard, and hopefully will be heard in the long run.  Too often, bands don't work on that feeling part of music.  They put together songs that are good to hear, but in the end leave you with nothing. I didn't get that at all from listening to this.  I am left with this feeling of ease and excitement for life around me.  What other compliment can I give to a musician?

Do you want to experience this songwriter for yourself?  There are a few options and here you go.

Ryan M. Brewer Band Camp Page

Music can be found here, and the album I just reviewed is there.

Ryan M. Brewer Youtube Page

You can find a new video to watch here each Monday as Ryan presents Music Monday.

http://www.ryanmbrewer.com/

Website for all other things that you would need to know.

Tunes for a Tuesday- Matt Pryor "May Day" Full Album Stream

Matt Pryor "May Day"

I have a listening suggestion for you today and it is Matt Pryor of the Get Up Kids.  This is a solo album he's putting out and one that's available to stream right now. I've always been a fan of the way Pryor sings with the Get Up Kids, and his solo stuff has highlighted that aspect. He's a got a voice that is soothing when it's just him and the guitar. I can actually say I helped fund this album through the kickstarter page and I was able to donate a small portion to it, so that's kind of cool.  For those of you who don't know what kickstarter is, it's basically a pre-ordering type service for anything creative. An artist sets up a goal, and if they meet that goal, the money goes to them.  I think it's a great way to get fans involved even if you're essentially asking for people. But if you want to support and artist why not?  But definitely check out this music, and let me know what you think.

Weird Al is STILL Relevant?

Just eat it.

Here is the weekend rock question as posed by Rolling Stone: "What is the best "Weird Al" Yankovic song of all time?" Now I know Rolling Stone isn't exactly always great about their music news and all that, but what really got me thinking was Weird Al and his career. He's made his career doing parodies. Let that sink in for a minute. He has a career because he can take an ORIGINAL song, and do it up with his own lyrics as long as the artist is ok with that. Ask Coolio about that whole aspect. And he's been doing this for almost 30 years. How crazy to think? He's a successful musical artist doing funny songs and making money off it. As a musician myself, I just want to get out and let me people hear my own stuff, but that's hard enough. Maybe I should have done the whole parody route, but then it's going to be hard to do that now when Weird Al has that market covered probably for the rest of his life, and the life after that. I guess I would be more surprised if a cover band would be successful since they would literally be playing someone else's songs, and that wouldn't fly with me. Kudos to Weird Al and his career hard to believe he's been going for so long. Which does beg the question: What is your favorite Weird Al parody of all time??

Suggestion Saturday: Across the Universe the Movie

Having just purchased this movie, and having just watched it recently, I am proud to give this my seal of approval as a worthy movie to watch, and one that definitely should be in a Beatles fan collection.  I know at first, I was leery of a movie taking the Beatles song and making it into a coherent and interesting story line.  But this movie makes it work, and how many bands can you think of have a catalog of music that could work out this way?  At times, the movie is very far out there and even a bit trippy, but it fits the vibe of the music and especially it fits the era where it's made, the late 60s maybe early 70s period.  It stars Lucy and Jude, but features many references to the Beatles.  At one point, Prudence, another character, comes in through the bathroom window.  And someone literally says that.  It's a little cheesy, but hey it's a movie, so it's supposedly to be that way at times.  I think everything does click and the movies moves along at a good pace.  I've seen it a few times already and I truly do enjoy it and love it.  Also a cameo by Bono is definitely worth the see. I won't ruin it for you, but you'll know when he comes and who he is.  

Twitter Question: If Cobain never died how popular would Nirvana really be?

Thank you to twitter follower: @Joe_Donohue for the music question today.  This is quite a good one, and hopefully I can add my own expertise to it.

The idea that Nirvana could have been even more popular if Cobain would have stuck around is one I don't think I would agree with.  At the time, Nirvana was something different and just fresh for the whole music world. People were looking for that.  I think the 80s was such a mish mash of music, and this did sound different.  Also the fact that the songs spoke to kids and teenagers made Nirvana as popular as they got.  I think it just burned out Cobain. Was he ever going to make it the whole way anyways?  Nirvana probably would have been broken up in the next year or so after that acoustic show on MTV. You could see some of the writing on the wall. I mean it looked like a funeral. I think Cobain could be in the same vein as John Lennon, where they both knew how great they were, and were happy to ride that wave out.  But to keep doing it, I don't think that would have happened.  In a way too, the aura of Nirvana got MORE popular after Cobain's death.  In my own experience, I didn't start listening to them till recently and realized how different they were with the fuzzy guitars and vocal delivery of Cobain.  I probably am influenced by them more now in my own music through the use of dynamics with loud and soft parts.  Overall, how popular would Nirvana have been?  Nowhere near as popular as they were. People would still be wanting the next big thing, and I think the band themselves would have stalled out.

The Hells "R.R.R."

the Hells "R.R.R."

This is the song premiere for a side project that Matt Skiba from Alkaline Trio is doing with Atom Willard previously with Angels and Airwaves. The funny thing about this song is that is sounds like Alkaline Trio, so why not just throw it out as an Alkaline Trio song? There is going to be a whole ep of stuff out tomorrow, so maybe the rest of the ep will sound different. But I know as a big Trio fan, the band should just get their act together and give the fans what they really want, an old sounding punk album, and call it a day. Why not just do something like that?  And if one side project wasn't enough for Mr. Skiba, he's announced that he has another one going on, Matt Skiba and the Sekrets.  I won't hate too much on branching out and doing other musical stuff, but I know what the real band can sound like, and I'll be a fan of that.  

Shameless Plug 44- Refused and it feels so good!

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Two highly influential bands announced they are back and going to be playing at Coachella, so I will talk about that in this episode.  Some news about Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath. The Swellers pulled a fun prank on the internet.  Music to listen to featuring the Menzingers, Punchline, Indian School, and Anthony from Bayside.  Also go watch Van Halen's new music video, check out their new ablum, and see them out on tour...if you can afford it.

News to Read
Refused Back


Refused out for more shows


At the Drive In Are Back


Tony Iommi Diagnosed with lymphoma


Ramones Bobbleheads


Swellers to write a new album and punked the internet

Music to Hear
Menzingers "Gates"


Punchline "Everything I Wanted"


Indian School "Rob Your House"


Anthony Raneri "Sandra Partial"

Video to Watch
Van Halen "Tattoo"

Refused are Effin' Back...for one last show.

Refused are back

With just a few paragraphs, Refused has announced they will play Coachella Festival, and give the fans one last go for the band. Who knows MAYBE they will play more shows as I feel they realized that their album, Shape of Punk to Come, never did get the proper respect and effort it deserved. It was groundbreaking in that it crossed the lines of punk and hardcore creating their own sound. Bands will claim to do that, but Refused DID do it. If I were to tell people what that album sounds like, I have to say just listen to it.  There's no way to say oh it sounds like this or that, and that's what makes a band great.  I've watched the dvd of "Refused are Effing Dead" and at times it was so hard to understand, but you could understand that the band was breaking up. It's like people say it was like watching a car crash. There's no surprise after a small basement show, the band stopped playing, and who knows when they eventually started talking again.  But something must have happened in the past year or so, and that's great to see. We've seen our share of reunions in the past four or five years, and this is one that was very unexpected, and I do think people are going to give up a lot to see Refused.  I am sure they will play Shape of Punk to Come in its entirety, and it will be awesome.  What they do after that is anyone's guess, but good for them to come out and get this done the right way.

Rise Against Comes to Indy May 4th

Rise Against Tour Dates 2012

Looks like I will have to circle May 4th Indianapolis, IN The Lawn at White River State Park as a date to remember because I would love to see Rise Against rock out again. I saw them up in Chicago before, and they blew me away.  Also have seen them play on Warped Tour.  They are one of those bands who are doing more than just making music, they are making statements. I think some of the music has lost it's edge, but I like that the band is doing more.  That's something to me because that is what they truly seem about.  Making statements that go above music, and trying to really change the world. Once you achieve a certain status, I think it's great you can do something like this. I'm sure some people are turned off by it, but I am not. I've also watched the dvd of Rise Against, and that was an amazing glimpse into the band.  Just one of those bands that I know I would want to emulate if I truly get  my music career going.  Who's in May 4th for some Rise Against?

Van Halen is Back!?!?

Well how about this link right here? Van Halen Announce Album and Release Tour Dates Van Halen has always been on my list of bands I would go back in time and see.  You hear about all the excitement their shows were, so I can only imagine what that was like.  What do we expect from a new album now?  So many years after they've come and gone.  It's hard to truly call this Van Halen without Michael Anthony right? You have Wolfie Van Halen, who is Eddie's son, playing bass, so I have a hard time calling this the true VH lineup.  But who am I to judge the band?  I do want to hear the new album and see what the band sounds like now. I imagine it will be the Van Halen sound, and look forward to checking it out.  But for now, here's some old school stuff for you to enjoy.

Indiana Senator Pushes Bill to Fine Singers Who Alter 'Star-Spangled Banner'

Indiana Senator Pushes Bill to Fine Singers Who Alter Star Spangled Banner

Needed something to blog about and look what I found here.  Rolling Stone had posted up this article about an Indiana Senator who wants to make performers who change up the Star Spangle Banner pay a $25 fine, which to me makes sense at first.  But then I get to thinking, isn't there anything better to be focusing on government wise? I understand this is our country's song, and it should be held in respect.  But like the article stated, what about when Jimi Hendrix played the Banner in his own way, would that have been a fine?  I would make performers who suck pay a fine, like Christina Aquilera and Steven Tyler from years ago. How about making Rosanne Barr do community service for her "rendition" of the Star Spangled Banner?  This whole thing just says to me, Vaneta Becker, the Senator, has nothing better to concentrate on, so let's just get this out there and see what people think.  What do you think about a $25 fine for altering the Star Spangled Banner?

Shameless Plug 43- How far would you go for #1 on Itunes?

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Talking up Chris from Punchline and his idea to get his band a number one album on iTunes.  Giving out my own thoughts on what I would do to get a number one album.

News to Read

Dropkick Murphys Working on New Album


Scientists working on an equation for a hit


Goldfinger New Album

Music to Hear

Every Time I Die "Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space"


Frank Turner and Jon Snodgrass "Happy New Year"


Have Nots "White Man in Hammersmith Palais"

Hoodies: Not only fun to wear, but fun to sing about!

Finally starting to break out of the song writing rut, and thought I'll just record this short tune to get going again. Not sure why I've hit this wall, but I realized I can start writing again. I can make song I love to make and they don't need to be anything huge or grand. I can write short and simple thoughts on my mind. That's the best way to get things off my chest. I think music should be an extension for me, and one that I can let things go. This one was just something I found amusing and think it reminds me a lot of Adam Sandler's "Red Hooded Sweatshirt", which was not the intention. But with most things I write I end up finding something similar. Even only I could have got Kevin Nealon to sing some scat behind this song.

Chris Fafalios (Punchline) Announcement

Just when I was struggling to come across something to talk about, I found this lovely gem. Chris plays bass in the band Punchline. Now he's put out an ultimatum that if Punchline does not hit #1 on Itunes at some point in the next day or so, he will quit the band. Have you ever heard of anything like this? What do you think about something like this? It sounds like he' s kind of done with the band anyways, and maybe he was thinking about quitting, so this is a different way to go about it. And then reading more into it, people make comments about how he has a different sense of humor, and this is an attempt at it. But I don't think you go on some website and do this as a publicity stunt. Maybe you do, but I would hope not. Now this is very interesting to see what comes out of this. I mean you can't just go back on your word, can you? Of course people do all the time, and I'm sure Chris could think of something to fall back on or maybe he is done with it. Definitely have to keep an eye on this in the next couple of days.

"i've got 100 resolutions but i've got no solutions"

What better video to post up than this one by the boys from Chicago, the Lawrence Arms. It's a fitting "New Year" video. I think it fits my mood for the day as well. You know we all start to think about what needs to be done in this upcoming year, and I've been thinking about that as well.

I need to be out playing with a band again. Yes I can go out and play some solo stuff, but nothing beats making music with other people and letting the process work itself. I love coming up with a small idea, and seeing it progress into a full blown band song. Hence why my need to play with other musicians. I wouldn't mind meeting up with people and just recording. Putting something together on the fly and seeing where it goes. So hopefully this is the year, I get back out to playing shows because I miss it, and want to get songs going on.

I need to get writing songs again. I've hit this wall, where I can't seem to write anything, and I can't figure out how to break through. I think if my first point gets taken care of that would help out. I also think I should take a time out and just write. Record it, and see where I can take it. There's a resolution for myself.

I want to see more local bands, and see if there's more I can do for the music scene here. I probably talk it up way too much, and don't do much to get out there and involved. That's what I need to do more. I want bands to come out and podcast with me, so I can help them get their names out there even more. I want to go to shows, and make sure I get home to write up a review. I want to talk to bands and see what they are all about.

I also want to see more national bands. First up is the Dropkick Murphys when they make their trip to town in Feb. But I would like to get out and see bands in other cities. Some of my favorite bands never seem to make it here, but make it to Chicago and surrounding places, so that's on my music bucket list. I haven't been to the Metro in Chicago, but want to see a show there.

These final words from the song mean a lot to me today, and will mean a lot to me this year. Time to make it this year because if not this year, then when?

"i've got 100 resolutions
but i've got no solutions
i've got one song i write 100 times
and only a dozen or so rhymes"
100 Resolutions- Lawrence Arms